Texas Senate Bill SJR12

Texas 2021 - 87th 2nd C.S.

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to remove the governor's line-item veto authority.

Impact

If enacted, SJR12 would significantly alter the legislative process in Texas. The removal of the line-item veto would mean that the governor can no longer selectively veto parts of a budget bill, necessitating full approval or disapproval of entire bills. This could empower the legislature by giving them more authority in budgetary decisions and reducing the governor's influence in budget negotiations, leading to a more collaborative legislative environment. However, it might also lead to complications where a governor may have to choose between approving an entire budget that might contain undesirable items or rejecting it entirely.

Summary

SJR12 is a proposed joint resolution in the Texas Legislature aimed at amending the Texas Constitution to remove the governor's line-item veto authority. Currently, the governor can selectively disapprove specific items within appropriations bills while approving the rest, allowing for a form of budget control that critics argue can disproportionately influence legislative outcomes. The proposed amendment seeks to eliminate this power, thus potentially changing the dynamics of how state budgets are negotiated and passed.

Contention

The proposed amendment is likely to face debate regarding its implications for checks and balances within the state government. Supporters of SJR12 argue that the line-item veto is an extensive power that undermines the legislative process, while opponents may contend that it diminishes executive oversight on expenditures. The resolution is expected to elicit diverse opinions among lawmakers, reflecting broader tensions between legislative authority and executive power in state governance.