Texas House Bill HJR151

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the legislature to convene into special session on petition of at least two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature following certain disaster or emergency declarations.

Impact

This bill represents a significant change in how the Texas legislature responds to extended states of emergency. By formalizing the process through which the legislature can be called back into session, proponents argue that it enhances the state government's ability to respond effectively and timely to crises. This amendment aims to ensure that legislative oversight and input are maintained during prolonged emergency situations, fostering greater accountability.

Summary

HJR151 proposes a constitutional amendment that mandates the Texas legislature to convene into special session following a disaster or emergency declaration if certain conditions are met. Specifically, if a state of emergency persists for over 60 days, affecting more than 60% of the state’s population, a petition signed by at least two-thirds of the members from each house will trigger this requirement. The petition must clearly state when the special session is to be convened and its specific agenda.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, HJR151 also faces points of contention. Critics may argue that the requirement for a two-thirds majority to call a special session could hinder swift legislative action in emergencies, especially if partisan divides prevent consensus. Furthermore, there are concerns about the implications of such a requirement on existing emergency management protocols, which could lead to delays in legislative response during critical times when swift action is often necessary.