Introduction to the Texas Legislature

Flashcards covering the structure, key members, and legislative processes of the Texas state government as discussed in the Chapter 1-6 lecture transcript.

Bicameral legislature

A legislative system consisting of two houses, specifically a House and a Senate.

Bill

An idea or a proposed change that is drafted and brought before a committee to potentially become a law.

Committee

Often called the 'little legislature,' these partisan yet bipartisan groups act as mini versions of the legislature to draft, add, or remove items from bills before they reach the floor.

House of Representatives (Texas)

A legislative chamber consisting of $150$ members, where a majority of at least $76$ votes is required to pass a bill.

Senate (Texas)

A legislative chamber consisting of $31$ members where each senator represents a larger swath of people.

Kevin Sparks

The current State Senator for the Odessa district in West Texas.

Brooks Landgraf

The current State House Representative for the Odessa district in West Texas.

Biennial legislature

A legislative structure that meets only every other year on odd years.

$$7,200$$

The yearly salary for members of the Texas state legislature, equal to approximately $600$ per month.

Speaker of the House

The leader of the House of Representatives, currently Dustin Burrows, who is elected by the members of the House and determines what bills make it to the floor.

President of the Senate

A role filled by the Lieutenant Governor (Dan Patrick) who presides over the Senate and has significant power over which bills move forward.

Veto

The power of the governor to reject a bill that has passed both the House and the Senate.

Veto Override

The power of the Texas legislature to bypass a governor's veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers ($21$ in the Senate and $100$ in the House).

SB (Senate Bill)

An abbreviation indicating that a bill originated in the Texas Senate.

HB (House Bill)

An abbreviation indicating that a bill originated in the Texas House of Representatives.

Education savings account

Also known as school vouchers, this program allows parents to use taxpayer or public school funds to pay for private school tuition.

SB 10

A controversial bill that would require any public elementary or secondary school in Texas to display a copy of the Ten Commandments.

Establishment Clause

A provision in the First Amendment stating that Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of a religion, often cited by opponents of religious displays in schools.