Texas House Bill HJR9

Texas 2021 - 87th 2nd C.S.

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to reduce the number of members of each House required to constitute a quorum to a majority.

Impact

If enacted, HJR9 would have significant implications for how the Texas legislature operates. By allowing a majority of members to form a quorum, it would enable a smaller group of legislators to make decisions and pass legislation. This could lead to a more efficient legislative process, especially in critical situations where timely decisions are necessary. However, it might also raise concerns regarding the representation of minority opinions, as a smaller quorum could result in fewer voices being present in critical legislative discussions.

Summary

HJR9, proposed by Vasut, seeks to amend the Texas Constitution by reducing the number of members required to constitute a quorum in each House of the legislature from two-thirds to a simple majority. This change aims to facilitate legislative processes by making it easier for the legislature to conduct business, especially during times of low attendance. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining legislative functionality even when not all members are present, thereby potentially eliminating gridlock caused by quorum-related issues.

Contention

The proposal may encounter opposition from those who argue that reducing the quorum requirement could undermine the legislative process. Critics may express concerns that a simple majority might prioritize partisan decisions over broader consensus, affecting the quality and fairness of legislation passed under such conditions. Furthermore, there could be debates around the balance between efficiency and the need for comprehensive representation, with some legislators worried that this amendment could dilute the deliberative nature of the legislature.