AUSTIN (March 17, 2013)--The 60-day warm-up of ceremonial resolutions is over and the pace is picking up at the Texas Capitol.

The Texas Constitution bars lawmakers from passing bills during the first 60 days of the session, which means the pace accelerates during the last 80 days.

But this year lacks the drama of 2011.

For the first time since taking office, Gov. Rick Perry has not declared any emergency items.

In 2011, he declared state enforcement of immigration laws, strict voter identification rule and sonograms before abortions as emergencies.

House Speaker Joe Straus is delivering the serious, workman-like session he promised.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has so far failed to create the most conservative Senate in Texas history.

This week lawmakers will start passing bills for the governor to sign in greater and greater volume.