Texas legislature Reading Guide

What is the Texas Legislature’s structure? Note the composition of the House of Representatives and the Senate, including the number of members and what each member “represents.”

Michele, a government affairs consultant, knows the legislative process well having worked for that representative

When and why does the Legislature meet? Describe the timing and purpose of regular sessions and include any reasons mentioned for this structure.

The Texas legislature is made up of the 150 member Texas House Representatives

Why can the governor call a special session, and under what circumstances? What recent special sessions does the article mention?

During a special session in which lawmakers can pass laws only on issues outline by the government

How many bills are filed in a legislative session and how many pass? Note any quotes from seasoned figures, like Kathy Green, on what the TX system is designed to do.

30 years of experience working in the legislature in state agencies and with internet groups

When is the first filing deadline and what is the window for filing bills at the start of the session? How does this timing shape legislative priorities as the session continues?

A bill must be referred to a committee in the chamber where it was introduced by the speaker of house

Quickly describe the committee referral process and who’s responsible for assigning bills to a committee.

Most bills are referred to a committee but many are never considered or are left pending in a committee

What does State Sen. Judith Zaffirini say about lobbying to get a hearing scheduled?

The bill scheduled for a hearing and not to overlook that important step

What happens after a bill is reported out of a committee? Be sure to note the process once it’s past that stage, including what has to happen in each chamber.

Once a bill has been reported out of committee, it must be scheduled the floor of the chamber

How and why can amendments be used strategically to kill a bill? What are amendments, according to Alex Birnel? Why would legislators modify a bill “for the worst”? Be sure to discuss what a “poison pill” is here.

Birney, advocacy director for move Texas I am organization that focus on voting rights. Climate justice. A poison bill an amendment that changes a bills intent makes it infective or less palatable for lawmakers.

How else can amendments be used to influence the life of a bill? How else can lawmakers “challenge and derail bills”? Who uses this tactic?

Amendments and procedural tactics are frequently used by lawmakers as strategic weapons to shape, delay or entirely kill legislation.

Describe the ins and outs of passing a state budget bill. Be sure to touch on the important boards and leaders. What makes the budget bill unique compared to other pieces of legislation?

pared to other pieces of legislation?

Passing a state budget bill is a complex, highly orchestrated process that dictates how a state allocates it’s financial resources.

Who are the most influential figures in the Texas Legislature? Note the specific powers of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and key committee chairs.

The lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house are the two most influential political figures in the Texas legislature, working alongside a relatively were Governor and powerful chairs.

What’s the governor’s main power in the legislative process and what can lawmakers do to reject this power?

The governor ‘s main power in the legislative process is the veto (including a regular veto or a line-item veto on spending bills.

What are the various powers that make the Lieutenant Governor especially powerful in the Senate?

The two-thirds tradition gave the minority party power by requiring bipartisanship to advance a bill

How has the lieutenant governor’s decision to lower the vote threshold needed to bring a bill to the Senate floor affected his power and the legislative process?

The two-thirds tradition gave the minority party power

Be sure to explain what a “blocker bill” is and how it gave the minority party some power. What does this “essentially” mean?

The senate has placed a blocker bill at the top of its daily agenda

Why does the speaker of the house have so much power? How is this characterized by Brendan Steinhauser?

The speaker of the house plays a similar role as the lieutenant governor but must be elected by their colleagues

Why are committee chairs important in deciding which bills progress? Why are the Calendars, Senate Administration, Appropriations, and Senate Finance Committees so important? Why is the State Affairs committee so important?

The chairs of some committees are also particularly influential.

What historic practice has been recently pushed back on by conservative groups?

The speaker of the house has appointed committee chairs from both parties.

Describe the pace of the legislature, making sure to point out the timeline for appointing committee chairs and when the pace quickens.

The first three months of the legislature session are usually show.

Describe the various ways citizens can keep up with bills and meetings during a session. Also describe the main ways for participating in the legislature.

A good time to make your voice heard by contacting your lawmakers offices or participating in public testimony, according to longtime advocate.