Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HCR37

Caption

Requesting creation of a joint interim committee to study a nonsubstantive reorganization of the Texas Constitution.

Impact

If adopted, the resolution could lead to significant changes in how the Texas Constitution is organized and interpreted. By consolidating sections and potentially removing archaic language, the initiative aims to make the Constitution more accessible and relevant to contemporary governance. This could positively impact the legislative process, as a streamlined Constitution would facilitate easier reference and application of its provisions in laws and governance.

Summary

HCR37 is a concurrent resolution introduced in the Texas Legislature that requests the creation of a joint interim committee to study a nonsubstantive reorganization of the Texas Constitution. The resolution highlights the complexity and length of the current Texas Constitution, which has evolved through various amendments and has become one of the longest state constitutions in the United States. With 385 sections and numerous outdated provisions, the resolution stresses the need for a thoughtful examination of the Constitution's structure to improve clarity and functionality.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR37 appears to be cautiously optimistic. While the notion of revising the Constitution is not unprecedented, it evokes a mixed response from various stakeholders. Supporters see it as an essential step toward modernizing the state’s governance framework, whereas critics may be concerned about the implications of restructuring such a foundational document, fearing it could lead to unintended consequences or political maneuvering.

Contention

Notably, discussions around the bill could reflect tensions between tradition and modernization within Texas politics. Some opponents may argue that the current Constitution, with its historical significance, should be preserved in its existing form. Others might fear that changes could dilute the power of voters to govern themselves, a principle that is central to the Texas political identity. Thus, while the bill seeks to simplify and improve the organization of state law, entrenched sentiments regarding Texas's Constitution may pose challenges in reaching a consensus.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HCR32

Requesting the creation of a joint interim committee to study the legacy of convict leasing in Texas.

TX HCR64

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

TX HCR63

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

TX SCR8

Requesting the creation of a joint interim committee to study deficiencies in the State of Texas systems for protecting wards under state-supervised guardianships.

TX HCR65

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

TX HB181

Relating to the abolition of ad valorem taxes and the creation of a joint interim committee on the abolition of those taxes.

TX HR520

Requesting the Speaker of the House to create an interim committee to study issues relating to food insecurity in Texas.

TX HB3455

Relating to the abolition of ad valorem taxes and the creation of a joint interim committee on the abolition of those taxes.

TX HB16

Relating to the abolition of ad valorem taxes and the creation of a joint interim committee on the abolition of those taxes.

TX HB13

Relating to the abolition of ad valorem taxes and the creation of a joint interim committee on the abolition of those taxes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.