The Legislature and Legislative Process

How many people are in the Texas House of Representatives?

150 members that are elected for 2-year terms

How many people are in the Texas Senate?

31 members that are elected for 4-year overlapping terms

When does the Texas Legislature meet and how often?

Meets in biennial session (every 2 years) for 140 days in odd-numbered years beginning in January

What is the legislature responsible for?

Lawmaking, constituent services, representation, oversight, public education, and conflict resolution

What is the annual salary of the Texas legislature (how does this compare to other states)?

$7,200 a year with 221 extra per day while in session (Texas pays the lowest of the most populous states)

What are the qualifications to be Texas Senator?

1. Must be a U.S. citizen

2. Registered voter

3. At least 26

4. Must have lived in Texas 5 years and the district for 1

What are the qualifications to be Texas Representative?

1. Must be a U.S. citizen

2. Registered voter

3. At least 21

4. Must have lived in texas for 2 years and district for 1

What is the basic process of how a bill becomes a law?

1. The creation of a bill

2. Committee action

3. Floor action

4. Vote

5. Conference Committees

6. Presidential action

7. The creation of the law

What is the role of the Speaker of the Texas House?

Appoints members to House committees and refers all bills to committees

What is the role of the Lieutenant Governor?

Appoints chairs and selects members of Senate committees and refers all bills to committees

Who is currently the Speaker of the Texas House?

Dustin Burrow for Lubbock and Dade Phelan for Beaumont

Who is currently Lieutenant Governor of Texas?

Dan Patrick

What does the Lt. Governor do?

Controls work of Senate and controls budgeting process

What does the Speaker of the House do?

Maintains orders during floor debate, signs all bills, and joint resolutions

Who represents us as Texas Senator in Corpus Christi (District 20)?

Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa

Who represents us as Texas House Rep in Corpus Christi (District 32)?

Todd Hunter