Texas House Bill HJR47

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the governor to convene the legislature in special session following certain disaster or emergency declarations and specifying the powers of the legislature in those special sessions.

Impact

The passage of HJR47 would lead to significant changes in the Texas Constitution, particularly in the management of disaster declarations by the governor. Currently, the governor has considerable leeway in declaring a state of disaster, and this amendment would require legislative involvement whenever such declarations are made. Specifically, it outlines that the legislature must act within 30 days to renew or extend the declared state, potentially limiting the duration of unilateral executive power in emergencies. This could reshape how crises are handled, fostering a more collaborative approach between the executive and legislative branches.

Summary

HJR47 proposes a constitutional amendment that mandates the governor of Texas to convene the legislature in a special session following certain disaster or emergency declarations. This initiative aims to provide a structured response mechanism that empowers the legislature to extend or renew a state of disaster emergency, ensuring legislative oversight during critical times. The amendment seeks to enhance the legislature's role in managing crisis situations, thereby promoting accountability and deliberation in decision-making processes.

Contention

While proponents of HJR47 argue that this amendment is necessary for maintaining checks and balances during emergencies, critics may raise concerns about the potential for legislative gridlock in critical situations where prompt action is required. The tension between efficient governance and democratic oversight could manifest in debates about the timing and nature of legislative responses during emergencies. These discussions may highlight differing philosophical viewpoints regarding governance—specifically, the balance between swift executive action and the necessity of legislative consent.