Newly elected officials to the state Legislature will meet at noon on Jan. 8, 2019, in Austin, convening the 86th legislative session, according to the Texas House of Representatives.

The Texas Legislature operates under a biennial system, which means the legislative body meets every two years in odd-numbered years only, excluding any special sessions ordered by the governor, according to Article 3 of the Texas Constitution.

According to the Texas House of Representatives, the regular session can last up to 140 days. After that time, the governor may order a special session focusing on critical legislative issues that could last up to 30 days.

This means that the Texas Legislature will meet through at least May 27, 2019, according to the Texas Legislative Council. However, elected legislators can begin filing bills for the 86th Legislature on Nov. 12.

Find proposed legislation at www.capitol.texas.gov, and look for preview of the 86th Legislature in our December edition in mailboxes beginning Dec. 4.