Texas Senate Bill SCR12

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Granting the legislature permission to adjourn for more than three days during the period beginning on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, and ending on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.

Impact

The passing of SCR12 allows for extended periods of adjournment, which can benefit lawmakers by providing them with necessary breaks to regroup or deliberate on pending matters. This flexibility can lead to more effective governance, as it can prevent rushed decisions and allow for more thorough considerations of legislative proposals. By adopting SCR12, the legislature demonstrated a willingness to adapt its procedures in response to the operational needs of the session.

Summary

SCR12 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that grants permission for the Texas Legislature to adjourn for more than three days during the specific period from January 30, 2019, to February 5, 2019. This resolution is rooted in Section 17, Article III of the Texas Constitution, which restricts each house of the legislature from adjourning for longer than three days without consent from the other house. The resolution intends to provide flexibility in legislative scheduling, which can be particularly crucial in ensuring that the legislature can manage its business effectively during a session.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR12 was overwhelmingly positive. The resolution passed both the Senate and the House with unanimous support, indicating a consensus among lawmakers on the need for procedural flexibility. The unanimous votes reflect a bipartisan agreement on the importance of maintaining effective legislative operations and underscore a cooperative spirit in the Texas legislature.

Contention

While SCR12 was adopted without opposition, there are underlying concerns associated with legislative adjournment. Critics of extended adjournments often worry that they may lead to delays in addressing pressing issues and could disrupt the continuity of legislative work. However, in this instance, the efficient use of adjournment was agreed upon as beneficial for both houses, suggesting that the benefits of careful planning outweighed potential risks.