First, while senators know what to expect with Lt. Gov Dan Patrick at the legislative body's helm, who controls the lower chamber will be decided on Tuesday in a full-floor vote. State representatives David Cook (R-Mansfield) and Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) have been campaigning neck-and-neck to secure the votes needed to become Texas House speaker.

The Texas Legislature meets every two years to introduce bills that it hopes will become law. Over 1,636 house bills have been submitted so far.