Texas House Bill HB3545

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 3/11/09
• Out of House Committee: 4/17/09

Caption

Relating to nonsubstantive additions to and corrections in enacted codes, to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes, to conforming codifications enacted by the 80th Legislature to other Acts of that legislature, and to the repeal of certain unconstitutional laws.

Impact

This bill is significant as it enhances the clarity and reliability of Texas laws, which is essential for both legal practitioners and citizens. By eliminating redundant or unconstitutional codes, HB3545 can potentially minimize legal disputes and confusion about the application of law. Those supporting the bill argue that these reforms will lead to more efficient governance and reduce the burden on the legal system. Additionally, it promotes consistency in how laws are interpreted and applied across jurisdictions in Texas, as it ensures that amendments and repeals are properly codified.

Summary

House Bill 3545, titled as an act relating to nonsubstantive additions to and corrections in enacted codes, aims to address various legislative inconsistencies and omissions found in Texas statutory law. The bill is part of a continuing effort in Texas to streamline and update existing laws without making substantive changes. It includes codification of statutes that were previously omitted, adjustments to ensure conformity across legislative acts, and the correction of cross-references in various codes. Importantly, it also seeks to repeal civil statutes that have been deemed unconstitutional by courts, thereby safeguarding the legal framework of the state.

Contention

While the bill has broad support for its intentions, there may be concerns about the implications of repealing specific statutes that could impact certain sectors or groups if they relied on those laws prior to their repeal. Furthermore, some lawmakers may assert that the process of nonsubstantive amendments can overlook the nuances of specific statutes that require more than just a technical fix. The debate might arise as to whether some statutes, even when struck down as unconstitutional, should be reconsidered or reformulated instead of outright repeal, to ensure that issues they addressed are still provided for in law.