Relating to the governor's executive authority while traveling outside of the state.
The amendments made by HB 829 also include a requirement for the governor or their designee to notify the next successor when they become unavailable, enhancing transparency and accountability within the executive branch. This is important for ensuring that there is a clear communication line regarding the governor's status and who is authorized to act on their behalf while they are absent from the state. The intention behind these changes is to maintain continuity in governance and to prevent any lapses in executive authority during travel.
House Bill 829 amends the Texas Government Code concerning the executive authority of the governor while traveling outside of the state. The bill introduces a definition of 'unavailable,' which includes several circumstances that prevent the governor from exercising their powers, such as being outside the contiguous United States, not relying on electronic communication, or being away for more than seven consecutive days. These definitions are critical in understanding when the governor's authority can be transferred to the next person in the line of succession.
While the bill was passed unanimously in the House, it raised some points of contention during discussions. Critics expressed concerns that the definition of unavailability could lead to ambiguity, especially regarding the reliance on electronic communications while outside of the state. Furthermore, requiring notification could be seen as an unnecessary burden on the governor's office, depending on how frequently the governor may travel. However, supporters argued that defining unavailability clearly is necessary to ensure that the public is always aware of who is in charge when the governor is not present.