Texas Senate Bill SJR20

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

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.

Impact

The proposed changes are significant as they establish a formal mechanism for the legislature to convene quickly in response to urgent circumstances. By requiring a two-thirds majority to initiate this process, SJR20 aims to create a sense of urgency among legislators to collaborate when the state faces pressing challenges. This could enhance the state's responsiveness and flexibility in dealing with unforeseen events that impact citizens and state governance directly.

Summary

SJR20 proposes a constitutional amendment that aims to revise the process by which the Texas legislature can be convened for a special session. This amendment mandates that the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives must call the legislature into special session upon the petition of at least two-thirds of the members from both houses of the legislature. The objective is to ensure that the legislature can promptly respond to significant events, including a fiscal crisis, war, natural disasters, or other emergencies that necessitate legislative attention.

Contention

Despite its intentions, the bill could face contention regarding the implications of requiring a supermajority for calling special sessions. Critics may argue that such a requirement could lead to delays in convening the legislature, especially in situations that demand immediate attention, thereby potentially undermining the state's ability to react swiftly to crises. Additionally, there may be concerns about the balance of power between the legislative leadership and individual legislators, as well as how petitions for special sessions would be managed and potentially politicized in times of controversy.