Texas House Bill HJR123

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment extending the length of the terms of members of the legislature.

Impact

If passed, this amendment would significantly alter the political landscape in Texas. Advocates for the bill argue that extending the terms would enable legislators to build more substantial expertise in governance and policy-making, potentially resulting in more effective legislation. Additionally, they believe that longer terms would help to reduce the frequency of election campaigns, allowing legislators to devote more attention to their legislative duties. This could also facilitate more profound relationships between legislators and their constituents.

Summary

HJR123 proposes a constitutional amendment to extend the terms of office for members of the Texas legislature. Specifically, it seeks to change the terms of Senators from four years to six years, and the terms of House Representatives from two years to four years. The intention behind this amendment is to ensure stability and continuity within the legislative body, allowing elected officials to focus on long-term goals rather than immediate re-election concerns.

Contention

However, the proposal is not without controversy. Opponents of HJR123 raise concerns that longer terms may lead to decreased accountability among elected officials, as they would have less frequent opportunities for voters to weigh in on their performance. Critics argue that this could foster a detachment from the electorate, ultimately diminishing the responsive nature of legislative representation. Questions about voter engagement and the importance of regular accountability through elections are central to the debates surrounding this bill.