Proposing a constitutional amendment repealing the order of business for regular legislative session.
If approved, this amendment would allow both the House and Senate to determine their order of business by a simple affirmative vote of four-fifths of their membership. This shift in authority could significantly impact the legislative dynamics, as committees could work on bills outside of the traditionally allocated timeframes, potentially leading to a more efficient legislative process. Supporters argue that it would enhance the responsiveness of the legislature, while critics may raise concerns about the implications of less structured sessions on legislative transparency and order.
HJR164 is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Texas Constitution that seeks to repeal the ordered business structure of regular legislative sessions. Specifically, it aims to eliminate the requirement that the first thirty days of a regular session be dedicated to the introduction of bills and resolutions, thereby allowing legislative committees to consider bills and resolutions at any time during the session. This change has the potential to create more flexibility in the legislative process and could facilitate quicker responses to emerging issues that require legislative attention.
Notable points of contention surrounding HJR164 may include concerns about procedural integrity and the potential for less oversight of the legislative process. Critics could argue that removing structured timeframes might lead to a chaotic legislative environment, where critical bills may be rushed through without sufficient debate or public awareness. The need for a voter referendum to approve this constitutional change underscores the significant implications that such a measure could have on the state's governance and legislative norms.