Texas House Bill HJR60

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house of representatives to call the legislature into special session on petition of at least two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature in response to a fiscal crisis, war, natural disaster, or emergency.

Impact

The proposed amendment is significant as it modifies Article III of the Texas Constitution, specifically by adding Section 5A. This creates a structured process for how and when the legislature can be called into a special session outside the traditional limitations placed on legislative meetings. By allowing for calls to action based on a legislative petition, the bill aims to streamline emergency responses in government, potentially improving the state's agility in dealing with crises. Moreover, it also establishes a limit on the special sessions, ensuring they do not exceed thirty days.

Summary

HJR60 proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure that the Texas legislature can swiftly respond to significant events such as fiscal crises, wars, and natural disasters. The amendment states that the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives are required to call a special session if a petition with at least two-thirds of the members from both houses of the legislature is submitted. This change aims to empower the legislature to convene in times of immediate need, ensuring a prompt legislative response to critical situations.

Contention

There may be potential contention surrounding HJR60 regarding the balance of power within the Texas government. Critics could argue that giving the legislature this power might lead to frequent special sessions, causing disruptions and increased costs. Furthermore, there may be concerns about the necessary threshold of support needed to call a special session, and whether such a requirement could be interpreted in ways that may hinder legislative responsiveness. Ultimately, while the intent behind HJR60 is to foster prompt legislative action in emergencies, debates are likely to arise regarding its implications for governance and legislative efficiency.