Texas Senate Bill SCR 16

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 7/7/26

Caption

Granting the legislature permission to adjourn for more than three days during the period beginning Thursday, February 20, 2025, and ending Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

Summary

SCR 16 is a procedural concurrent resolution that authorizes each chamber of the Texas Legislature to adjourn for more than three days during a specified period, from Thursday, February 20, 2025, through Tuesday, February 25, 2025. The resolution cites Article III, Section 17 of the Texas Constitution, which requires one house to obtain the consent of the other before adjourning for more than three days. The measure does not change substantive law, create new programs, or appropriate funds. Its effect is limited to the internal operations of the Legislature by allowing the Senate and House to take a longer adjournment during the stated dates without violating the constitutional adjournment restriction.

Impact

SCR 16 affects legislative procedure only. It temporarily grants mutual consent between the House and Senate to adjourn for more than three days, satisfying the Texas Constitution’s requirement for extended adjournments. It does not amend the Texas Government Code, Penal Code, or any other substantive statute, and it does not directly affect private parties except insofar as it pauses legislative activity during the adjournment period.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been noncontroversial overall, as reflected by unanimous Senate adoption and strong House approval. The Senate passed it 30-0, and the House adopted it 118-21 with two present not voting. Because the resolution concerns scheduling and chamber procedure rather than policy, the general tone around it appears routine and administrative rather than ideological.

Contention

There is little evidence of substantive contention in the available record, and no committee transcripts are provided. The only notable division is the House vote, where 21 members voted no and two were present not voting, suggesting some members may have objected to the adjournment itself or to the timing of the break. However, no specific arguments or named opponents are available in the materials provided.