Texas House Bill HJR23

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/10/08

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to require that a record vote be taken by a house of the legislature on second reading of a bill or resolution for which a record vote is currently required on final passage and on adoption of an amendment or substitute to such a bill or resolution, and that a vote taken by a legislative committee on such a bill or resolution or on an amendment or substitute to such a bill or resolution be by record vote.

Impact

If enacted, HJR23 would significantly alter legislative procedures by ensuring that the details of individual votes—specifically the votes of each member—are formally recorded in both the journal of the house and the minutes of committee meetings. This change is expected to make legislative processes more accessible to the public, facilitating greater scrutiny and engagement by constituents in the democratic process. The measure aims to ensure that constituents are aware of their representatives’ positions on issues of importance.

Summary

HJR23 is a proposed joint resolution that aims to amend the Texas Constitution to require that a record vote be taken by the legislature on the second reading of bills or resolutions specifically for those that currently mandate a record vote on final passage. Additionally, it stipulates that any vote taken by a legislative committee on such bills must also be a record vote. The intention of this amendment is to enhance legislative transparency and accountability regarding how decisions are made within the legislative process.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding HJR23 may arise from discussions about the balance between transparency and efficiency within legislative processes. Supporters argue that the amendment fosters accountability and trust in government by ensuring that all legislative actions are open to public inspection. However, critics might voice concerns that the added requirements for record votes could slow down legislative proceedings and complicate decision-making processes. This debate highlights broader discussions about the nature of governance and public engagement in legislative affairs.