Texas Senate Bill SCR9

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Granting the legislature permission to adjourn for more than three days during the period beginning on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, and ending on Monday, January 28, 2019.

Impact

The approval of SCR9 did not enact new laws per se, but it facilitated the operational aspects of the legislative process in Texas. By granting permission for a longer adjournment, it provided the Senate and House the ability to allocate time for deliberation, discussions, and other logistical necessities without the constraints typically imposed by the Constitution. Such flexibility can be crucial for aligning legislative goals and addressing complex issues more comprehensively.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) No. 9 reflects an authorization for the Texas Legislature to adjourn for more than three days during a specific period extending from January 23, 2019, to January 28, 2019. This resolution is rooted in Section 17, Article III of the Texas Constitution, which prohibits either house from adjourning for an extended duration without mutual consent from the other house. By passing SCR9, both chambers of the legislature enabled a temporary suspension of this rule, allowing them to manage their schedules more flexibly during the legislative session.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR9 was overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by the unanimous votes in favor in both the Senate (31-0) and the House (142-0, with one present not voting). Legislators typically viewed resolutions like SCR9 as procedural necessities that enhance the legislative process rather than as points of contention. The lack of opposition suggests a general consensus among lawmakers about the need for flexibility in scheduling to accommodate various legislative priorities.

Contention

While SCR9 did not provoke significant debate or contention, it does underscore the broader context of legislative procedures governed by the Texas Constitution. The resolution's acceptance signals a cooperative atmosphere between the two houses, indicating that when legislative adjustments are needed, they can collaboratively act without partisan divisions. Nonetheless, any future attempts to alter or challenge procedural rules could revive discussions about the balance of power between state legislative bodies.