Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the governor to call the legislature into special session on petition of at least two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature.
Impact
If enacted, HJR38 would significantly alter the current process by which special sessions are convened in Texas. Currently, the power to call a special session rests solely with the Governor, allowing them to control the legislative agenda and timeline. By shifting some of this authority to the legislature itself through the petition process, the resolution aims to create a more collaborative approach to addressing pressing legislative matters. It could lead to more frequent or timely special sessions being held in response to public or legislative demand.
Summary
HJR38 is a proposed joint resolution that seeks to amend the Texas Constitution to require the Governor to call the legislature into a special session upon receiving a petition signed by at least two-thirds of the members from each legislative house. This amendment is designed to empower the legislature and provide a mechanism for lawmakers to initiate special sessions, which traditionally are called at the discretion of the Governor. The goal is to enhance legislative responsiveness to urgent issues that may arise between regular sessions.
Election
HJR38 is scheduled for submission to voters for approval during the election on November 4, 2025. This sets a timeline that will likely engage various stakeholders, including advocacy groups and political parties, in efforts to mobilize support or opposition both at the grassroots level and within the legislature itself.
Contention
However, the amendment is expected to generate discussion regarding the balance of power between the Governor and the legislature. Supporters argue it enhances accountability and responsiveness of the government to the needs of its constituents. Critics, on the other hand, may voice concerns about potential misuse of this power, fearing it could lead to an influx of special sessions that could disrupt governance and extend the legislative calendar unnecessarily. There may also be apprehensions regarding how clearly the purposes for special sessions are defined and controlled.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the governor to call the legislature into special session on petition of at least two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house of representatives to call the legislature into special session on petition of at least two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature in response to a fiscal crisis, war, natural disaster, or emergency.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the governor to call the legislature into special session following certain disaster or emergency declarations and specifying the powers of the legislature in those special sessions.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to set the salaries of members of the legislature and the lieutenant governor based on the average public school teacher salary in this state.