Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring consent by two-thirds of the members of the house of representatives and senate for the governor to call more than one special session per legislative biennium.
Impact
If passed, this amendment would strengthen the legislative branch's authority by ensuring that the governor cannot unilaterally call multiple special sessions, thereby providing a check on executive power. The requirement for legislative approval to convene additional sessions aims to foster collaboration between the executive and legislative branches and preserve the legislature's role in Texas governance.
Summary
HJR192, also known as the Joint Resolution proposing a constitutional amendment, seeks to amend Section 8 of Article IV of the Texas Constitution. The proposed amendment requires a two-thirds consent from the members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate for the governor to call more than one special session within a legislative biennium. Currently, the governor has the authority to call special sessions without such consent, which this resolution aims to change significantly.
Contention
The main point of contention surrounding HJR192 revolves around concerns over the efficiency and effectiveness of the legislative process. Proponents of the bill argue that imposing a two-thirds requirement would prevent potential overreach by the governor, thus safeguarding the legislative process against unnecessary disruptions. However, opponents might contend that it could hinder swift legislative responses during emergencies, thereby delaying critical decisions in urgent situations.
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.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the authority of the governor to veto a bill passed by both houses of the Texas Legislature with a vote of at least two-thirds of the members of each house.
Resolution Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution Requiring An Affirmative Vote Of Two-thirds Of The General Assembly Membership For The Passage Of Special Session Legislation.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to make gender neutral the constitutional provisions governing the qualifications of a person to be a senator or member of the house of representatives.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the time that a person may serve as a member of the Texas House of Representatives to 12 consecutive years and as a member of the Texas Senate to 14 consecutive years.
Proposing a constitutional amendment changing the vote requirement in the legislature to approve a proposed constitutional amendment for submission to the voters of this state to two-thirds of the members present in each chamber of the legislature.