http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu/2_printable.html#22
2.2 Special Session
After the biennial 140-day regular session has expired, the Governor can call
an unlimited number of special sessions. The governor decides what the legislature will work on during these special sessions.
Traditionally, governors called special sessions only during difficult times, like the
budget crisis of the mid-1980s when world oil prices had plummeted. However, the
mere threat of calling a special session often is enough to force the legislature to
focus on the policy areas of greatest concern to the governor. Generally, legislators
don’t like to stay in Austin past the end of the regular session because of their
part-time status. They have other jobs and careers, some in the far-flung reaches of
the state, which they put on hold while in session.
Great link. Thanks!!