Texas House Bill HJR118

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing that a member of the legislature or other person who holds elective office, other than a municipal office with a term of two years or less, automatically vacates the office held on announcing a candidacy or becoming a candidate for another elective office when the unexpired portion of the person's term of office exceeds one year and providing that a person who holds another office is not eligible to serve in the legislature during the term of the office held unless the person resigned that office on announcing a candidacy or becoming a candidate for the legislature.

Impact

If passed, HJR118 would amend sections of the Texas Constitution, specifically targeting Article III which outlines the eligibility of legislators and the conditions under which they may hold or run for multiple offices. The automatic resignation clause seeks to eliminate the possibility of officials campaigning for another position while still serving in their current one, thus potentially altering the landscape of political candidacies within the state. The amendment also addresses the functioning of Home Rule cities concerning terms of office, ensuring they are aligned with the automatic resignation stipulations in state law.

Summary

HJR118 is a Joint Resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that would impact the process by which members of the Texas Legislature and other elective officeholders handle candidacies for different positions. Under this proposed amendment, an individual holding an elective office, excluding municipal offices with terms of two years or less, would automatically vacate their current office upon announcing their candidacy for another elective position if the unexpired term of their current office exceeds one year. This aims to prevent conflict of interest and ensure that elected officials are fully committed to their current office until their term completes or they resign if seeking another office.

Contention

The notable points of contention surrounding HJR118 likely emerge from the implications it has on political maneuverability for elected officials. Supporters may argue that the bill promotes accountability and transparency in government by ensuring officials are not simultaneously campaigning while in office, thus dedicating their full time to public service. Conversely, critics may contend that this amendment restricts the political landscape by limiting the options for experienced lawmakers to transition into higher offices, thereby potentially reducing competition and innovation within the state's legislative processes.