Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing legislative action at any time during a regular session on a bill that extends the existence of an agency, commission, or advisory committee following legislative review.
The passing of HJR28 would significantly impact how Texas manages its agencies, commissions, and advisory committees. By granting the legislature the authority to extend the lifespan of these entities at any time during a regular session, it circumvents potential delays that could arise from waiting until the next legislative session. This change is expected to enhance government efficiency and responsiveness, particularly in cases where a review may uncover important considerations for an agency's continuation beyond its original sunset provisions.
HJR28 proposes a constitutional amendment that allows the Texas Legislature to take action at any point during a regular session on bills that extend the existence of an agency, commission, or advisory committee after conducting a legislative review. This bill modifies Section 5 of Article III of the Texas Constitution by introducing a new Subsection (b-1), which specifically permits such legislative actions outside of the previously established constraints on business order. This flexibility is intended to facilitate timely reviews and extensions of state agencies, ensuring they can continue to operate without interruption if deemed necessary by the legislature.
While HJR28 is designed to streamline legislative processes, there are potential points of contention regarding the implications of such flexibility. Critics may argue that allowing mid-session extensions for agencies could lead to less transparency and oversight, as these actions may not be subjected to the same rigorous scrutiny as they would have in a more structured timetable. Additionally, the ability for the legislature to decide on extensions without stringent criteria might create opportunities for politicization of agency continuations, which could undermine accountability and public trust in governmental bodies.