Texas House Bill HJR85

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/16/09
• Voted on by House: 5/12/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/26/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/27/09
• Sent toSOS: 6/1/09
• Enrolled: 5/30/09

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to provide for members of a governing board of an emergency services district to serve terms not to exceed four years.

Impact

If passed, HJR85 would alter the existing structure of governance for emergency services districts in Texas. The current setup may not impose a term limit, which some stakeholders argue can lead to stagnation in leadership and decision-making. By instituting a four-year term limit, the bill aims to encourage fresh perspectives and continuous improvement in district governance. This could lead to enhanced accountability and responsiveness to the communities served by these districts.

Summary

HJR85 proposes a constitutional amendment that enables the Texas legislature to grant authority for members of a governing board of an emergency services district to serve terms not exceeding four years. This resolution seeks to change Section 30(c) of Article XVI of the Texas Constitution, allowing for more flexibility in the governance of these districts. The measure emphasizes the importance of structured governance in emergency services, which play a critical role in public safety and community response during crises.

Contention

While HJR85 appears to have a straightforward intent of enhancing governance, it may generate some contention regarding implications for local governance and the capabilities of emergency services districts. Opponents might raise concerns about the frequency of leadership changes potentially leading to disruptions in long-term planning and initiatives. Proponents argue that the amendment would ultimately strengthen district operations by allowing for the regular introduction of new leadership and ideas, thus potentially improving public service delivery.