The bill outlines the authorization for the lieutenant governor and the secretary of the senate to select and hire employees necessary for legislative functions. This measure is designed to ensure that essential staff remain available to support the senate's ongoing commitments post-session. This could have implications for how legislative work is carried out in the interim, allowing committees to continue to hold meetings and conduct research, thereby promoting continual legislative engagement.
Summary
Senate Resolution 1116 establishes protocols for the operation and administrative functions of the Texas Senate following the 81st Legislature session. The resolution was adopted as a caucus report recommending ongoing operations, indicating that the Senate will continue its functions during the interim period until the next legislative session. It emphasizes enabling the lieutenant governor and the secretary of the senate to coordinate the necessary staffing and resources for continued operations during this interim period.
Contention
There may be considerations around the budget and resource allocation for these interim functions, particularly concerning financial management and ethical standards relating to employment and operational expenditures. Discussions around how effectively this enables the Senate to maintain its operations without overstepping budgetary constraints or ethical guidelines could arise, making this resolution a potentially contentious topic among senators and public stakeholders.
Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.