The resolution delineates the roles and powers of senate officers and employees while setting forth policies regarding salaries, expenses, and employment practices. The designated positions, including roles like Doorkeeper and Sergeant-at-arms, are key to maintaining the structure and order of Senate proceedings. The provision for a contingent expense fund allows the Senate to manage operational costs while further clarifying the reimbursement process for senators' expenses.
Summary
Senate Resolution 1 (SR1) outlines the administration and operational framework for the Texas Senate during the 81st Legislature. It includes the appointment and duties of various senate officers, such as the Secretary of the Senate and the Calendar Clerk. The resolution emphasizes the authority of the administration committee in overseeing the effective and efficient operation of the Senate, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, and establishing necessary controls over contracts and personnel policies.
Contention
While SR1 derives authority from the Senate's discretion, discussions surrounding its provisions suggest considerations regarding transparency and accountability in the use of funds allocated for salaries and other expenses. Initial discussions have indicated potential tensions between the flexibility afforded to the administration committee in governing salaries and hiring versus the need for oversight to prevent mismanagement of state resources.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.
Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.