Proposing a constitutional amendment providing that members of the legislature and the lieutenant governor will not receive a state salary or per diem during certain periods unless the legislature has passed the state's budget and that budget is certified by the comptroller.
The amendment aims to influence state laws by tying the compensation of legislative leaders to their performance in managing fiscal responsibilities. If passed, this could potentially spur quicker action on budget-related matters to avoid loss of compensation. Supporters may argue that this measure will encourage more diligent oversight of the state's financial welfare and promote effective governance. It emphasizes the importance of a fully operational budget for the uninterrupted functioning of state services.
SJR21 proposes a constitutional amendment that would prohibit members of the Texas legislature and the lieutenant governor from receiving their state salary or per diem during specific periods. This situation arises when the legislature has not passed the state budget, which must later be certified by the comptroller. The intent behind this bill is to enforce accountability among legislators, ensuring they prioritize the timely passage of the budget essential for state operations and programs.
Notably, the mechanism of linking salary and per diem to budget passage may raise some contentious issues. Critics might argue that this approach could detract from the legislators' ability to function effectively, particularly during complex budget negotiations. There is concern about the implications of salary withholding for legislative independence, as it could place undue pressure on lawmakers, leading them to make hasty decisions rather than thoroughly examining budget proposals.
The proposed amendment includes a temporary provision that specifies these rules would apply only for general appropriations acts certified for fiscal years beginning on or after September 1, 2019, effectively limiting the scope of its immediate application. This provision allows for a transitional phase while adjusting to the new requirements regarding legislative compensation.