Texas House Bill HJR46

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

• Filed: 11/20/12

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the election and staggering of terms of county commissioners following a change in boundaries of a commissioners precinct.

Impact

The implementation of HJR46 would necessitate amendments to Section 18(d), Article V of the Texas Constitution. With this alteration, counties dealing with boundary changes could stabilize their representation by staggering the terms of the elected commissioners. This is intended to prevent disruption in leadership and governance, facilitating smoother transitions during boundary adjustments. The amendment ensures that a systematic approach is taken without overwhelming voters with a complete turnover of commissioners, thereby aiming to enhance the operational effectiveness of local government during such transitions.

Summary

HJR46 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at changing the election protocol for county commissioners in Texas following changes to the boundaries of commissioners precincts. The proposed change would allow for the staggered election of commissioners, such that after a precinct boundary alteration, the newly elected commissioners would draw lots to determine their individual terms—either two years or four years. This approach is designed to ensure continuity and a level of consistency within the governance of counties adjusting their precinct boundaries.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HJR46 appears to be cautiously optimistic among its supporters. Advocates argue that these changes prioritize effective governance in the face of territorial adjustments and could mitigate potential disruptions caused by abrupt changes in local leadership. However, there may also be concerns from opponents regarding the practicality of the implementation and whether the lottery system for term lengths could introduce unnecessary complexity to the election process.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HJR46 focus on the potential implications for local governance effectiveness and election integrity. Critics may question the fairness and transparency of drawing lots to determine term lengths, suggesting that such a mechanism might not adequately represent voter intentions in the electoral process. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the impact of such an amendment on future boundary changes and how this could affect voter representation, especially in areas with fluctuating demographics.