Texas Senate Bill SJR22

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to provide that the governor, and the lieutenant governor when acting as governor, retain executive authority unless unavailable as provided by law.

Impact

If enacted, SJR22 would amend specific sections of the Texas Constitution to stipulate that the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor maintain their powers unless they are deemed unavailable as prescribed by law. This resolution outlines a structured approach for situations when the Governor is unable to fulfill their duties, mitigating any potential governance vacuums that could occur during periods of absence or incapacitation. By fortifying the executive line of authority, the bill intends to enhance the stability and reliability of state governance.

Summary

SJR22 proposes a constitutional amendment concerning the executive authority held by the Governor of Texas and the Lieutenant Governor. The bill seeks to clarify the circumstances under which the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor retain their authoritative powers, particularly addressing situations when either is temporarily unavailable due to disqualification, inability, or impeachment. It aims to ensure continuity in governance by clearly delineating the succession of authority during such instances.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SJR22 may revolve around interpretations of what constitutes 'unavailability' and the implications of this on governance and accountability. Opponents might argue that the amendment could lead to scenarios where a Governor could retain power without sufficient checks under ambiguous definitions. Additionally, concerns could arise about the extent to which this consolidates power in the executive branch, potentially diminishing legislative oversight during critical times. These discussions reflect broader debates about the balance of power within state government.