Texas House Bill HCR52

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Granting the legislature permission to adjourn for more than three days during the period beginning on Wednesday, February 6, 2019, and ending on Monday, February 11, 2019.

Impact

By allowing the legislature to adjourn for an extended period, HCR52 potentially enhances the efficiency of legislative workflow. Extended adjournments can provide legislators with the opportunity for caucusing, discussions, and negotiations that might otherwise be rushed in a more compressed time frame. The decision to grant this permission also reflects an acknowledgment of the complexities of legislative business, especially during busy periods of the session.

Summary

HCR52 is a House Concurrent Resolution granting permission for both houses of the Texas Legislature to adjourn for more than three days during a specified period from February 6 to February 11, 2019. This action is consistent with Section 17, Article III of the Texas Constitution, which typically restricts the legislature from adjourning for more than three days without mutual consent. This resolution facilitates longer breaks, allowing for greater flexibility in the legislative schedule.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR52 appears to be largely supportive within legislative circles. This support is evident from the unanimous votes in both the House and the Senate during its adoption. Such resolutions are typically non-controversial and serve a procedural function that most members recognize as necessary for the operational flow of the legislature. The absence of opposition suggests a consensus around the procedural needs of the legislative process.

Contention

There are minimal points of contention surrounding HCR52, given its procedural nature. However, any discussions regarding adjournment permissions could invoke broader questions about legislative efficiency and transparency. While this resolution seeks to streamline operations, some may argue that extended recesses could hinder legislative accountability or lead to reduced public engagement during those periods. Nevertheless, the resolution was passed without recorded opposition, indicating general acceptance of its necessity.