Proposing a constitutional amendment providing that members of the legislature and the lieutenant governor will not receive a state salary or per diem during certain periods unless the legislature has passed the state's budget and that budget is certified by the comptroller.
Impact
The amendment aims to influence state laws by tying the compensation of legislative leaders to their performance in managing fiscal responsibilities. If passed, this could potentially spur quicker action on budget-related matters to avoid loss of compensation. Supporters may argue that this measure will encourage more diligent oversight of the state's financial welfare and promote effective governance. It emphasizes the importance of a fully operational budget for the uninterrupted functioning of state services.
Summary
SJR21 proposes a constitutional amendment that would prohibit members of the Texas legislature and the lieutenant governor from receiving their state salary or per diem during specific periods. This situation arises when the legislature has not passed the state budget, which must later be certified by the comptroller. The intent behind this bill is to enforce accountability among legislators, ensuring they prioritize the timely passage of the budget essential for state operations and programs.
Contention
Notably, the mechanism of linking salary and per diem to budget passage may raise some contentious issues. Critics might argue that this approach could detract from the legislators' ability to function effectively, particularly during complex budget negotiations. There is concern about the implications of salary withholding for legislative independence, as it could place undue pressure on lawmakers, leading them to make hasty decisions rather than thoroughly examining budget proposals.
Additional_points
The proposed amendment includes a temporary provision that specifies these rules would apply only for general appropriations acts certified for fiscal years beginning on or after September 1, 2019, effectively limiting the scope of its immediate application. This provision allows for a transitional phase while adjusting to the new requirements regarding legislative compensation.
Identical
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing that members of the legislature and the lieutenant governor will not receive a state salary or per diem during certain periods unless the legislature has passed the state's budget and that budget is certified by the comptroller.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to set the salaries of members of the legislature and the lieutenant governor based on the average public school teacher salary in this state.
Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house of representatives to call the legislature into special session on petition of at least two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature in response to a fiscal crisis, war, natural disaster, or emergency.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the time that a person may serve as a member of the Texas Legislature or as a statewide elected officer in the executive branch.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of and use of money in the Grow Texas fund and allocating certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.
(Constitutional Amendment) Requires legislative approval of a proposed constitutional amendment in two sessions before being submitted to the electors for ratification