Texas Senate Bill SCR2

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Granting the legislature permission to adjourn for more than three days during the period beginning on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, and ending on Tuesday, January 26, 2021.

Impact

The passage of SCR2 effectively modifies the standard adjournment rules as dictated by the Texas Constitution. This resolution was vital for logistical reasons, particularly in a legislative environment that may have required more flexible scheduling due to ongoing circumstances. By enabling a longer adjournment, it allowed both houses to manage their sessions more effectively, particularly as they prepared for the legislative activities scheduled during that timeframe. This permitted the legislature to engage in necessary planning or consultation without the looming pressure of a short adjournment window.

Summary

SCR2, a Senate Concurrent Resolution, was adopted by the 87th Legislature of the State of Texas, allowing both houses of the legislature to adjourn for more than three days during a specified period. This resolution addresses the stipulations of Section 17, Article III of the Texas Constitution, which ordinarily restricts either house from adjourning for more than three days without the consent of the other house. The bill specifies the period from January 13, 2021 to January 26, 2021 for this extended adjournment to take place.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR2 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by the unanimous votes in both the Senate and the House. The resolution received 31 yeas in the Senate and 146 yeas in the House, with no opposition noted. This strong bipartisan support indicates a collective recognition of the need for flexibility in the legislative process, particularly during unprecedented times or emergencies that necessitate adaptive governing strategies.

Contention

There did not appear to be significant contention regarding SCR2, as both houses voted strongly in favor of the resolution. The unanimous support suggests that lawmakers recognized the importance of allowing for prolonged adjournments to prepare adequately for legislative duties. Nonetheless, such changes can raise questions about governance efficiency and the representation of constituents' interests during extended breaks in session. It remains crucial for the legislature to ensure that the periods of adjournment do not adversely affect public engagement or legislative productivity.