Texas Senate Bill SJR8

Texas 2021 - 87th 2nd C.S.

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring a member of the legislature to be in the state in order to receive a per diem during a legislative session.

Impact

If passed, this amendment would directly impact the financial incentives for legislators, as it ties their per diem eligibility to their physical presence in Texas. The intent is to ensure that lawmakers are actively engaged in their responsibilities while in session, potentially leading to improved legislative outcomes through greater accountability. Additionally, it will likely promote a culture of active participation among legislators, ensuring they are more visible and engaged with their constituents while sessions are underway.

Summary

SJR8 proposes a constitutional amendment that stipulates members of the Texas Legislature must be physically present in the state to receive a per diem during legislative sessions. The amendment seeks to revise Section 24(a) of Article III of the Texas Constitution, which currently allows members to receive salaries and a per diem set by the Texas Ethics Commission for their time spent in the state during sessions. This change aims to increase accountability amongst legislators regarding their attendance and participation in legislative duties.

Contention

While the amendment may seem straightforward, it raises several notable points of contention. Critics may argue that enforcing a strict requirement for attendance could impose undue hardship on members who serve in regions far from the Capitol or have legitimate reasons for absences. Moreover, there could be concerns over how this change aligns with existing practices regarding legislative functions and whether it may deter individuals from serving if they need to be physically present at all times, thus impacting legislative diversity and representation in the future.