Texas Senate Bill SCR56

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Enrolled: 4/14/09
• Introduced: 4/15/09

Caption

Granting the legislature permission to adjourn for more than three days during the period beginning on Thursday, April 9, 2009, and ending on Tuesday, April 14, 2009.

Impact

By granting this adjournment permission, SCR56 allows the legislative process to remain fluid and adaptable to ongoing discussions and negotiations. This flexibility can be crucial for accommodating unforeseen circumstances or extended deliberations on pending legislation. In a state where legislative decisions can significantly affect policy-making and governance, such resolutions play a vital role in maintaining the legislative calendar and ensuring lawmakers can take necessary time to consider important issues thoroughly.

Summary

SCR56, a Senate Concurrent Resolution, addresses the procedure for the Texas Legislature's adjournment. It is a formal resolution that seeks permission for both houses of the Legislature to adjourn for more than three days during a specified timeframe. Specifically, the resolution relates to the period beginning on April 9, 2009, and ending on April 14, 2009. The intent behind this resolution is to ensure that both houses can extend their recess period without violating the Texas Constitution, which stipulates that neither house may adjourn for more than three days without the consent of the other house.

Contention

While SCR56 is primarily a procedural measure and may not generate significant opposition, it underscores the importance of legislative rules in the functioning of governance. The discussion around such resolutions often touches on broader themes of legislative efficiency and the need for collaborative governance. In contexts where there may be political tension between parties, gaining consent for adjournment periods can sometimes lead to negotiations on contentious legislation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of procedural and substantive legislative activities.