Texas House Bill HB2051

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to requiring a record vote by each house or committee of the legislature on bills, proposed constitutional amendments, and amendments to bills and proposed constitutional amendments.

Impact

This bill's enactment would lead to a significant change in how legislative votes are documented and made accessible to the public. Each recorded vote will be published on the internet, allowing Texas residents to see how their elected representatives voted on key legislative issues. This could potentially increase public engagement and oversight, as constituents would have more direct access to legislative actions.

Summary

House Bill 2051 mandates that votes taken by each house or committee of the Texas legislature on bills, proposed constitutional amendments, and amendments must be recorded. This requirement applies specifically to votes conducted during the second or third readings of these measures. The primary aim of the bill is to enhance transparency and accountability in the legislative process.

Contention

While the bill is primarily designed to promote transparency, there may be concerns regarding the administrative burden it places on legislative staff to ensure accurate and timely recording and publication of votes. Critics might argue that this requirement adds an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy, potentially delaying legislative processes. Proponents, on the other hand, would assert that the benefits of transparency and public trust in government outweigh these concerns.