Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SJR30

Filed

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Sent toSOS

Proposed Const. Amend.

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to provide that the governor's absence from the state, and the lieutenant governor's absence from the state when acting as governor, do not affect the person's ability to serve as governor if the person maintains effective communication links with this state.

Impact

Should SJR30 pass, it would amend Sections 16(c) and 17(a) of Article IV of the Texas Constitution. This amendment would provide more flexibility for the office of the governor, allowing for continuity of governance even when the elected officials are physically absent from the state. This change could potentially enhance the operational capacity of the state government, recognizing the modern means of communication that facilitate governance from afar.

Voting

The proposed constitutional amendment is set to be submitted to the voters in an election, allowing the public to voice their opinion on its necessity and implications. The voting mechanism provides a democratic approach to such a significant change in the state's governance structure, opening up discussions surrounding executive powers and responsibilities in the context of modern governance.

Summary

SJR30 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment aimed at clarifying the implications of the governor's and lieutenant governor's absences from the state. The bill specifically states that such absences should not hinder the ability of these officials to carry out their duties, provided they maintain effective communication links with Texas. This is a significant change to the existing provisions in the Texas Constitution, which currently stipulate that the absence of these officials may adversely affect their capacity to serve.

Contention

The notable point of contention surrounding SJR30 involves the balance of power and the implications for state governance during periods of absence. Critics might argue that this amendment could weaken the accountability of the governor or lieutenant governor when they are not physically present to respond to state issues. Proponents, on the other hand, may emphasize the necessity of adapting governance to contemporary communication dynamics, asserting that effective communication should suffice to ensure governance continuity.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HJR69

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.

TX HJR177

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the secretary of state to be elected by the qualified voters at a general election instead of appointed by the governor.

TX SJR33

Proposing a constitutional amendment to require that future constitutional amendments become effective only if approved by a majority of the voters in at least three-fourths of the counties of the state.

TX SJR60

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the suspension of certain public officers by the governor and the trial, removal, and reinstatement of certain public officers by the senate.

TX HJR66

Proposing a constitutional amendment to remove the governor's line-item veto authority.

TX SJR11

Proposing a constitutional amendment to remove the governor's line-item veto authority.

TX HJR127

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 to 12 consecutive years.

TX HJR34

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.

TX HB13

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX HJR156

Proposing a constitutional amendment to require the governor to negotiate and execute gaming compacts with the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, and the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and to authorize those tribes to sue this state if the governor fails to negotiate in good faith.