Suspending the constitutional order of business.
By suspending the normal order of business as prescribed in the Texas Constitution, SR119 empowers the Senate to act more swiftly on urgent matters that arise at the beginning of a legislative session. This can impact the overall efficiency of governance in the state by allowing for expedited deliberation and decision-making on crucial issues that require immediate legislative attention, rather than waiting for the established schedule to progress through its initial phases.
Senate Resolution 119 (SR119) is a legislative measure adopted by the Texas Senate that pertains to the order of business for the first thirty days of a regular session. The resolution suspends the constitutional order of business, allowing the Senate to hold hearings during this initial period to consider any pending bills, resolutions, or other matters. This action is significant as it creates flexibility in the legislative agenda, enabling quicker responses to pressing legislative needs as determined by the Senate's majority.
The sentiment surrounding SR119 appears to be largely positive among members of the Senate, with the resolution being passed unanimously, highlighted by a 30-0 vote. This broad support suggests a collective recognition of the necessity for greater flexibility within the legislative process, particularly in response to any emergency situations that may arise. Such consensus is indicative of a shared interest in maintaining an agile legislative framework that can address changing circumstances promptly.
While SR119 received unanimous support, the broader implications of suspending legislative norms could lead to discussions about the balance between expediency and the thorough vetting of legislative measures. Concerns may arise regarding how frequent suspensions of constitutional norms might affect long-term legislative integrity and public trust in the legislative process. Nonetheless, the immediate context of the resolution was not contentious, with its adoption being framed as a pragmatic approach to managing the legislative agenda.