Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HCR178

Caption

Requesting the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives to create a joint interim committee to study a non-substantive reorganization of the Texas Constitution.

Impact

If HCR178 is passed, it could lead to a comprehensive review and potential restructuring of the Texas Constitution. This reorganization aims to eliminate outdated provisions and clarify the document's structure, which has undergone numerous amendments since its inception in 1876. Such changes could enhance the efficiency of the governance framework and provide clearer guidance regarding the powers and roles of state officials and local governments.

Summary

HCR178 is a concurrent resolution proposed in the Texas legislature, aimed at requesting the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives to establish a joint interim committee. This committee's purpose would be to study a non-substantive reorganization of the Texas Constitution, which is currently the nation's longest state constitution, containing 383 sections after various amendments over the years. The bill emphasizes the need for systematic organization due to the existence of archaic references and sections placed haphazardly within the document.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HCR178 appears to be supportive of the need for reform and modernization of the Texas Constitution. Lawmakers and citizens advocating for this resolution believe that a non-substantive reorganization is overdue, considering the substantial number of amendments, many of which may no longer be relevant. However, there may also be concerns regarding the balance of power and how such reorganization could affect local governance.

Contention

While HCR178 aims for a non-substantive reorganization, it potentially opens up debates on the implications of altering a historical document that has defined Texas's governance for over a century. Some legislators may express caution, worried about unintended consequences or the dilution of certain protections enshrined in the current constitution. As the resolution moves forward, robust discussions about the merits and risks of such a comprehensive review will likely unfold.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HCR64

Requesting the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House to create a joint interim committee to study human trafficking in Texas.

TX HCR65

Requesting the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House to create a joint interim committee to study domestic violence in Texas.

TX HCR63

Requesting the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker to create a joint interim committee to study suicide prevention in Texas.

TX HCR62

Requesting that the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives create a joint interim committee to study motorcycle operator profiling by law enforcement officers.

TX SCR22

Authorizing the creation and appointment of joint legislative study committees by the lieutenant governor and speaker of the House of Representatives.

TX HCR69

Requesting that the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives create a joint interim committee to study the construction of a second vehicular causeway connecting Padre Island to the mainland.

TX HCR116

Requesting that the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives create a joint interim committee to study issuance of credit against required recapture payments for Gulf Coast county school districts with excess facilities costs.

TX SCR56

Requesting that the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives create a joint interim committee to study issuance of credit against required recapture payments for Gulf Coast county school districts with excess facilities costs.

TX SCR2

Requesting that the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives create a joint interim committee to study issuance of credit against required recapture payments for Gulf Coast county school districts with excess facilities costs.

TX SCR1

Requesting that the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives create a joint interim committee to study issuance of credit against required recapture payments for Gulf Coast county school districts with excess facilities costs.

Similar Bills

WV HB3332

Creating judicial circuits and assigning the number of circuit judges in each circuit to be elected in the 2024 election

WV HB3330

Creating family court circuits and assigning the number of family court judges in each family court circuit to be elected in the 2024 election

WV HB3329

Creating judicial circuits and assigning the number of circuit judges in each circuit to be elected in the 2024 election

NJ SCR72

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

NJ SCR73

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

NJ SCR96

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR83

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

CA ACA13

Voting thresholds.