Texas Legislative Branch: Structure, Powers, and Processes

How long does the Texas legislature meet each year?

140 days, including weekends.

When does the Texas legislature convene?

On the second Tuesday in January of odd-numbered years.

What is the adjournment period for the Texas legislature?

Late May or early June.

What is the role of the governor in special sessions?

The governor may convene special sessions and sets the agenda.

What was the total number of bills signed into law by Governor Abbott?

1,155 bills.

What percentage of the Texas biennial budget is allocated to education and health services?

70%.

How many legislators are there in the Texas legislature?

181 state legislators.

What is the composition of the Texas legislature?

A bicameral legislature with an upper house (Senate) and a lower house (House of Representatives).

How many members are in the Texas House of Representatives?

150 members.

How many members are in the Texas Senate?

31 members.

What are the term lengths for members of the Texas House of Representatives?

Two-year terms.

What are the term lengths for Texas Senators?

Four-year terms, with staggered elections.

What is the annual salary for Texas legislators?

$7,200 per year.

What is the per diem allowance for Texas legislators during sessions?

$190 per day.

What are the age requirements for members of the Texas House of Representatives?

At least 21 years old.

What are the age requirements for Texas Senators?

At least 26 years old.

What is the average age of Texas legislators?

55 years old.

What is incumbency and why is it advantageous in Texas legislative elections?

Incumbency provides name recognition and easier access to campaign funding.

What is the process of redistricting in Texas?

Redistricting occurs every ten years after the U.S. census.

Who is responsible for redistricting if a plan is not adopted?

The Legislative Redistricting Board (LRB).

What are the qualifications for Texas House members regarding residency?

Must be legal residents of Texas for at least two years and of their district for at least one year.

What are the qualifications for Texas Senate members regarding voting status?

Must be registered voters for at least five years.

What is the significance of the Texas Constitution of 1876 in redistricting?

It requires the legislature to pass a redistricting plan after each decennial census.

What is the composition of the Legislative Redistricting Board (LRB)?

Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, Attorney General, Comptroller, and Commissioner of the General Land Office.

What demographic trends have been observed in the Texas legislature?

Historically homogeneous, but now includes more diversity with women and minorities.

What is the role of the Legislative Redistricting Board (LRB) in Texas?

The LRB is responsible for redistricting if a plan was not adopted during the first session after the most recent census.

Who comprises the Legislative Redistricting Board (LRB)?

The LRB is composed of the lieutenant governor, speaker of the house, attorney general, comptroller of public accounts, and commissioner of the general land office.

What are the three types of districts a Texas resident lives in?

A state house district, a state senate district, and a U.S. house of representatives district.

What is a bill in the context of the Texas legislature?

A bill is a proposed piece of legislation introduced into either chamber of the legislature for consideration and markup.

What are general bills in Texas?

General bills are applicable to all individuals and property throughout the state.

What distinguishes special bills from local bills in Texas?

Special bills provide exceptions to general laws for specific individuals or types of property, while local bills apply only to a limited geographical area or local government.

What is a resolution in the Texas legislative context?

A resolution is a formal statement of opinion or decision, not a proposed law.

What is the difference between a simple resolution and a joint resolution?

A simple resolution may be passed by either chamber, while a joint resolution must be passed jointly by both chambers.

What is the process for proposing amendments to the Texas Constitution?

Joint resolutions are used to propose amendments to the Texas Constitution.

What are the four types of administrative powers in Texas?

Ratification of gubernatorial appointments, creation/abolition of state agencies, requiring reports from state agencies, and budget approval over state agencies.

What is required for the Senate to approve gubernatorial appointments?

A minimum of two-thirds of the senators present must vote in favor.

What is senatorial courtesy in Texas?

Senatorial courtesy compels the Senate to respect the wishes of the senator representing the district where the appointee resides.

What power does the House of Representatives have regarding impeachment?

The House has the power to impeach state judges and executive branch officials.

What is the role of the Senate in the impeachment process?

The Senate tries the case if the House impeaches an official.

What immunities do legislators have during legislative sessions?

Legislators cannot be sued for slander and are privileged from arrest, except for treason, felony, or breaking the peace.

Who is the presiding officer of the Texas Senate?

The lieutenant governor serves as the president of the Senate.

What are the legislative duties of the lieutenant governor?

The lieutenant governor appoints Senate committees, assigns bills to committees, and may cast the deciding vote in case of a tie.

What are the responsibilities of the Speaker of the House in Texas?

The Speaker maintains order during debate, signs bills, votes on legislation, and appoints committee members.

What powers does the Speaker of the House have according to house rules?

The Speaker can appoint all standing committee members, refer proposed legislation to committees, and create select committees.

What is the role of the Speaker of the House in the legislative council?

The Speaker serves on the legislative council and other important committees.