Texas House Bill HJR153

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for legislative review or approval of certain state agency rules adopted in response to a threat to public health, safety, or welfare.

Impact

The potential impact of HJR153 on state laws includes a shift in the balance of power between the legislative and administrative branches. By granting the legislature the ability to intervene in rule-making processes of state agencies during urgent public health situations, this amendment could standardize how such situations are handled statewide. Specifically, this allows legislators to circumvent customary procedural requirements, potentially streamlining emergency responses and ensuring that necessary public health measures are implemented quickly.

Summary

HJR153 proposes a constitutional amendment that would empower the Texas Legislature to review or approve certain state agency rules tailored to address immediate threats to public health, safety, or welfare. This amendment is significant as it allows for expedited review processes without the traditional requirements of prior notice or comprehensive hearings. The intent behind this proposal is to ensure prompt legislative oversight and action in times of emergency, thereby enhancing the state's responsiveness to public health and safety crises.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding HJR153, particularly regarding the potential for misuse of expedited legislative review powers. Critics might argue that this could lead to the erosion of checks and balances typically present in the legislative process, enabling an environment where laws could be passed without adequate public input or scrutiny. The concern centers on ensuring that while states remain capable of swift action in emergencies, the rights of citizens and the necessity for transparency in governance are not compromised.