By: Birdwell, et al. S.J.R. No. 59
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION
proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the time during
which the legislature may act on bills or resolutions during a
regular session.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Sections 5(b) and (c), Article III, Texas
Constitution, are amended to read as follows:
(b) When convened in regular session [Session], the first 30
[thirty] days thereof shall be devoted to the introduction of and
holding committee hearings to consider bills and resolutions[,
acting upon emergency appropriations, passing upon the
confirmation of the recess appointees of the Governor and such
emergency matters as may be submitted by the Governor in special
messages to the Legislature]. During the remainder of the session
[succeeding thirty days of the regular session of] the Legislature
may continue to introduce bills and resolutions and the various
committees of each House shall hold hearings to consider all bills
and resolutions and other matters then pending and[; and such
emergency matters as may be submitted by the Governor. During the
remainder of the session] the Legislature shall act upon such bills
and resolutions as may be then pending. The Legislature may at any
time during a regular session consider the confirmation of the
recess appointees of the Governor and act on emergency
appropriations and [upon] such emergency matters as may be
submitted by the Governor in special messages to the Legislature.
(c) Notwithstanding Subsection (b), either House may
determine its order of business by an affirmative vote of
two-thirds [four-fifths] of its membership.
SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be
submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 7, 2023.
The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the
proposition: "The constitutional amendment regarding the time
during which the legislature may act on bills or resolutions during
a regular session."