Texas House Bill HCR9

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Granting the legislature permission to adjourn for more than three days during the period beginning on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, and ending on Tuesday, April 23, 2019.

Impact

The adoption of HCR9 signifies a moment of flexibility granted to the Texas Legislature during its session. Under normal circumstances, Section 17, Article III of the Texas Constitution dictates that neither house may adjourn for more than three days without the consent of the other. By passing this resolution, the legislature acknowledges its ability to manage its schedule proactively, ensuring that critical legislative duties can be accomplished while accommodating unforeseen challenges that may arise.

Summary

HCR9, or House Concurrent Resolution No. 9, addresses an important procedural aspect of the Texas Legislature by granting permission for each house to adjourn for more than three days. This resolution specifically outlines the time frame for this extended adjournment, which begins on April 17, 2019, and ends on April 23, 2019. The intent behind this resolution is to facilitate the legislative process by allowing a scheduled break that can help members manage their commitments and reflect on the business at hand without the constraints of the regular adjournment rules specified in the Texas Constitution.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR9 appears to be largely supportive, as indicated by its unanimous passage in both the House and the Senate, with votes of 142-0 and 31-0 respectively. This resolution showcases a collaborative spirit among legislators, likely stemming from the understanding that prolonged sessions can lead to fatigue and reduced productivity. The supportive votes underscore a collective agreement on the necessity of allowing some tactical leeway in the legislative calendar.

Contention

Despite its smooth passage, HCR9 could be seen by some as a potential loophole that might be viewed unfavorably if abused in future sessions. While the resolution is currently framed as a pragmatic necessity, there is always the underlying concern regarding the governance and authority dynamics between the two houses of the legislature. Observers may watch closely to ensure that such flexibility does not lead to a pattern of extended adjournments that could hinder the legislative process in the long term.