Amending the Temporary Rules of the Senate, 87th Legislature.
Impact
The amendment of Rule 11.14 is expected to affect the workflow within the Texas Senate by changing how committee considerations take place. This shift may lead to a more structured approach to deliberating on legislative measures, potentially aiding in quicker resolutions for bills posed in the session. It signifies a movement towards greater cooperation between the two chambers of the legislature, reflecting an acknowledgment of the importance of the House's perspectives and contributions to legislation.
Summary
Senate Resolution 1 (SR1) is focused on amending the Temporary Rules of the Senate during the 87th Legislature of Texas, specifically altering Rule 11.14 related to the consideration of House bills. The resolution outlines that when both a Senate bill and a House bill on the same subject are before a Senate committee, the committee is obligated to consider the House bill first. This amendment is intended to streamline legislative processes by ensuring that House bills are prioritized when they address similar subjects to Senate bills.
Conclusion
In summary, SR1 represents a procedural adjustment aimed at enhancing legislative efficiency by prioritizing House bills in Senate committee deliberations. While it has garnered support as a step toward cooperation and improved legislative functioning, it has also sparked debate about the implications for the legislative balance and the degree of influence wielded by each chamber within the Texas legislature.
Contention
The resolution was met with a divided vote, reflecting underlying tensions regarding the balance of power between the Senate and the House. The final vote count was 17 in favor and 12 opposed, illustrating that while there were supporters who saw the potential for a more cohesive legislative process, there was also significant opposition voicing concerns over the implications of such procedural changes. The contention primarily revolved around how this amendment may shift the dynamics of legislative power and influence the priority given to different types of bills.