Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HJR86

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Sent toSOS
 
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment allowing the legislature to establish a special district to be the seat of state government.

Impact

Should HJR86 be enacted, it would modify the Texas Constitution, allowing for legislative control over the area identified as the seat of government. The implications include the possibility of significant administrative and operational changes within the state government. The creation of a special district would introduce new governance structures and could affect legislative processes, as the Legislature would have the ability to dictate local laws governing the district’s operation. This could alter the current dynamics surrounding state operations and the administration of governmental services in the capital region.

Summary

HJR86 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the Texas Legislature to establish a special district known as the District of Austin as the seat of state government. This change to the current designation, which firmly establishes the City of Austin as the seat of government, creates provisions for the Legislature to govern this new district and delineates its authority and responsibilities. It highlights a shift in how the seat of government may be designated and managed in Texas, allowing for potential reallocation of governmental functions and practices.

Contention

There are distinct points of contention regarding HJR86, particularly around the implications of shifting the seat of government from the City of Austin to a designated special district. Critics may argue that this maneuver risks reducing accountability and transparency at the state level, while proponents may contend that it enhances efficiency by allowing for a tailored governance model within a specialized district. The amendment will ultimately be voted on by the public, highlighting the democratic process that is central to such significant constitutional changes.

Companion Bills

TX HB274

Enabled by Relating to the establishment of the District of Austin as the seat of state government.

Previously Filed As

TX HJR50

Proposing a constitutional amendment allowing the legislature to establish a special district to be the seat of state government.

TX HJR69

Proposing a constitutional amendment to set the salaries of members of the legislature and the lieutenant governor based on the average public school teacher salary in this state.

TX HJR48

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature, Texas congressional districts, and State Board of Education districts and revising procedures for redistricting.

TX SJR16

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature and Texas congressional districts and revising procedures for redistricting.

TX HJR4

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature, Texas congressional districts, and State Board of Education districts and revising procedures for redistricting.

TX HB714

Relating to the establishment of the District of Austin as the seat of state government.

TX SJR8

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the United States House of Representatives and the Texas Legislature.

TX HJR83

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature and Texas congressional districts and revising procedures for redistricting.

TX HJR15

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.

TX SJR12

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.

Similar Bills

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Requires Commissioner of Education to submit report on SDA district designation.

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WY HB0100

Redistricting of the legislature.

CA AB2491

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CA SCR52

Special Districts Week.

CA ACR17

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CA ACR180

Special Districts Week.

CA ACR163

Special Districts Week.