Texas House Bill HR5

Texas 2021 - 87th 1st C.S.

Caption

Amending the permanent rules of the House of Representatives to provide for the imposition of penalties on absent members.

Impact

The proposed changes aim to bolster the functionality of the legislative process in Texas by preventing absences from hindering the assembly's operations. The specific amendments to Sections 6 and 8 of Rule 5 include provisions for imposing penalties on absent members, which could include removal from committee chairmanships, procedural committees, or privileges typically granted based on seniority. This aims not only to facilitate better attendance but also to cultivate a more engaged legislative body.

Summary

House Resolution 5 (HR5) seeks to amend the permanent rules of the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature. The primary focus of this resolution is to institute penalties for members who fail to attend sessions when a quorum is not present. By establishing rules regarding absenteeism, HR5 aims to enhance accountability among the members of the House, ensuring that required votes and legislative business can proceed without unnecessary delays due to member absences.

Contention

While supporters argue that these measures are necessary to prevent disruption and ensure effective governance, there might be opposition concerning the fairness of enforcing such penalties. Critics may raise concerns related to the potential for stringent attendance requirements to inadvertently punish members who may have legitimate reasons for their absences. These discussions would likely encompass the broader implications for legislative independence and the need to create a supportive environment for representatives to fulfill their duties.