Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SCR17

Caption

Authorizing the lieutenant governor and speaker to appoint joint committees.

Impact

The resolution reaffirms the practice established over the last 18 regular sessions, enabling the presiding officers to collaboratively form committees composed of legislators, state officials, and potentially citizen members. By setting the framework for these joint committees, SCR17 helps ensure that operations are consistent and cohesive with procedural rules from both the Senate and the House. This approach can lead to a more efficient examination of problems and generate recommendations that may guide future legislative actions.

Summary

SCR17 is a concurrent resolution that authorizes the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives of the Texas Legislature to create and appoint joint legislative study committees. This resolution aims to streamline legislative processes by enabling the addressing of unresolved issues or new issues that may arise after the sine die adjournment of legislative sessions. The bill ensures that the legislature remains capable of studying pertinent legislative matters promptly and effectively.

Contention

While SCR17 seeks to improve legislative function, it may face scrutiny regarding the makeup of the committees and their decision-making processes. Critics could raise concerns about the degree of control exercised by the presiding officers in appointing members and the potential lack of transparency in the proceedings undertaken by these joint committees. The processes established for budget and staffing proposals, along with public notice requirements, aim to mitigate some concerns regarding governance inclusivity and oversight. Nevertheless, the resolution emphasizes a balance between quick action on pressing issues and appropriate legislative processes.

Companion Bills

TX HCR40

Same As Authorizing the lieutenant governor and speaker to appoint joint committees.

Previously Filed As

TX SCR22

Authorizing the creation and appointment of joint legislative study committees by the lieutenant governor and speaker of the House of Representatives.

TX HCR63

Requesting the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker to create a joint interim committee to study suicide prevention in Texas.

TX HCR64

Requesting the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House to create a joint interim committee to study human trafficking in Texas.

TX HCR65

Requesting the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House to create a joint interim committee to study domestic violence in Texas.

TX HCR62

Requesting that the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives create a joint interim committee to study motorcycle operator profiling by law enforcement officers.

TX HCR69

Requesting that the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives create a joint interim committee to study the construction of a second vehicular causeway connecting Padre Island to the mainland.

TX SCR6

Providing for a joint session to canvass the votes for the governor and lieutenant governor and for a joint session for the inaugural ceremony.

TX SCR1

Requesting that the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives create a joint interim committee to study issuance of credit against required recapture payments for Gulf Coast county school districts with excess facilities costs.

TX HCR116

TX SCR56

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