AUSTIN, Texas — As Texas Democrats remained out of state Friday to block state Republicans from passing legislation to redraw congressional districts, Gov. Greg Abbott announced a new special session.

The governor said the second special session began at noon on Friday with 19 items on the agenda, including flood response legislation, the elimination of the STAAR test, regulating THC, redistricting, and more. There was no quorum Friday.

State House Democrats are still at odds with the Republican led redistricting plans. Some of those Democratic lawmakers, prior to the announcement of the second special session, slammed Gov. Abbott Friday morning, accusing him of putting partisan politics ahead of disaster relief for flood victims.

"I am grossly offended that today, Governor Abbott and R

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