Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the determination of a quorum of the senate or house of representatives.
If passed, this amendment would alter how quorums are determined within both the Texas House of Representatives and Senate. It enables the respective presiding officers to exclude absent members from the quorum count, which could significantly impact legislative proceedings, particularly in sessions where attendance might be sporadic. The rationale behind this change lies in the belief that it would prevent disruptions and enable the legislature to function more effectively even when some members are not present.
HJR134 proposes a constitutional amendment that modifies the requirements for determining a quorum in the Texas Legislature. Specifically, it amends Section 10, Article III of the Texas Constitution to allow for the exclusion of members deemed absent from the state when calculating the number of legislators present. The resolution aims to solidify legislative operations by clarifying quorum requirements and potentially making it easier for the legislature to conduct business without being hindered by absent members.
There may be potential concerns and discussions regarding the implications of such a change. Skeptics might worry that excluding absent members from the quorum could allow for a diminished representation of the electorate if a small group of legislators can decide on issues without full attendance. The proposed amendment would likely evoke debate regarding the essence of representation and ensuring that all constituents have their voices heard in legislative processes, particularly in sparse voting scenarios.