Texas House Bill HJR32

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/22

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the governor to call the legislature into special session on petition of at least two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature.

Impact

If passed, HJR32 would amend the Texas Constitution to formalize the mechanism for special sessions, promoting greater responsiveness to legislative needs as identified by a significant majority of lawmakers. This change may empower the legislature to address urgent or important issues more efficiently, fostering a climate where legislative concerns can be prioritized and activated through collective legislative action. Moreover, it emphasizes the role of the legislature in determining its own agenda over executive discretion in session calls.

Summary

HJR32, a proposed constitutional amendment in Texas, aims to establish a new requirement for the governor to call the legislature into special session upon the request of at least two-thirds of the members from both houses. This amendment seeks to change the existing protocol, which gives the governor more discretion in deciding when to convene special sessions, thus increasing legislative power to initiate such actions. The proposal articulates a scenario where a petition must state a specific date and purpose for the special session, thereby ensuring clarity and defined objectives for legislative gatherings.

Sentiment

The discussions surrounding HJR32 exhibit a general sentiment of promoting legislative empowerment and accountability. Proponents believe that the proposed amendment serves as a necessary check on the governor's authority while enhancing the legislature's ability to react promptly to pressing state matters. Critics, however, might view this change as a potential reduction in the governor's executive flexibility, which could be crucial during times of crisis requiring swift decision-making.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the balance of power between the governor's office and the legislature. Supporters argue that shifting the ability to initiate special sessions back to the legislature would bolster democratic principles by ensuring that a supermajority is required for action, thus reflecting consensus. On the other hand, there are concerns that this constitutional change might lead to increased political maneuvering and possible delays in addressing urgent state issues, should a supermajority not be easily attainable.