Texas House Bill HJR6

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for legislative review or approval of state agency rules.

Impact

If passed, this constitutional amendment would enhance legislative oversight over executive agency rule-making. By allowing elected legislators to have a more direct role in reviewing and approving agency rules, there is a potential for increased accountability and alignment of such rules with legislative intent. Supporters argue that this can improve transparency and ensure that agency activities reflect the will of the legislature, thus enhancing checks and balances within the state's governance framework.

Summary

HJR6 is a proposed joint resolution aimed at amending the Texas Constitution to give the legislature authority over the review and approval of rules established by state agencies in the executive department. This amendment would allow the legislature to prescribe procedural guidelines for such rules, set conditions for their effective dates, and dictate processes for suspending, repealing, or allowing them to expire. The proposed change signifies a significant shift in the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches of state government and may streamline the legislative process regarding state agency regulations.

Contention

Notably, this amendment has sparked debate amongst lawmakers and state governance advocates. Proponents believe that enhanced legislative review would prevent agencies from overstepping their authority and implementing rules that may not have adequate legislative backing. However, opponents express concerns that this could lead to a slowdown in rule-making processes, potentially hindering agencies' ability to respond quickly to issues and undermine the expertise needed in certain sectors. The balance between necessary regulation and legislative oversight is a pivotal point of contention surrounding HJR6.