POLS 207 State & Local Government Chapter 9D Legislative Operations: Making Sausage? (Part 2) Notes

Learning Objectives

  • Role and importance of readings and calendars in bill passage
    • Senate’s Local and Uncontested Calendar as a case study
  • Conflict in Representative Bristow's efforts regarding constitutional issues
  • Determining positions on votes
  • Ghost voting phenomenon – pros and cons
  • Texas House's response to ghost voting controversy
  • Texas State Senator’s donor disclosure bill and legislative responsibility
  • Partisanship's impact on bill passing in Texas legislatures

Readings and Calendars

  • Legislative processes appear more intricate than they may be
  • Each bill receives up to three "readings":
    • First Reading: Bill assigned to committee
    • Second Reading: Bill debated, amended after passing out of committee; thorough discussion occurs
    • Third Reading: Last opportunity for debate or amendments; followed by a final vote
    • In practice, time per reading can be minimal (e.g., Senate seconds for most bills)
  • Calendars dictate:
    • Whether a bill’s agenda will be addressed
    • If debate on the bill will take place
    • If amendments are permissible
    • Type of vote (full vs expedited)

Examination of the Senate’s Local and Uncontested Calendar

  • Example from May 25, 2011:
    • Legislative actions outlined (e.g., HB 14 passed 31-0) illustrating processes
    • Highlight of specific bills and their implications
  • Rules and timing set by the calendar enable leadership control over legislative processes

Author's Intent Behind Bill Introductions

  • Not all bills are designed for passage; some serve symbolic purposes to constituents
    • Representative might tell constituents they tried to address concerns, even when aware the bill would not succeed

Knowledgeable Legislators

  • Floor discussions rarely lead to informed voting; amendments are often pre-arranged
  • Members may not fully understand all bill details
    • Common reliance on trusted colleagues or special interest groups for positions

Ghost Voting in Texas House

  • Notable scandal in 2007 surrounding ghost voting practices
    • Involvement of specific members highlighted
  • In response to scandal:
    • House rules evolved to formally allow voting on behalf of others
    • Restrictions imposed on electronic devices on the floor and gallery

Bill Requiring Disclosure of Donors

  • Issues surrounding a bill to disclose donors to politically-active organizations
    • Initial support turned to opposition due to First Amendment concerns
    • Importance of understanding lobbying in shaping legislative votes

Partisanship in Texas Legislature

  • Historical perspective on partisanship’s effect on bill success:
    • Majority party influences legislative outcomes significantly
  • Current context of governing vs. ruling as party divides intensify

Future of Texas Politics

  • Legislative dynamics will continue to be polarized; gerrymandering will persist
  • Changes in demographic representation expected to bring shifts in political landscape
    • Questions regarding Texas’ potential future as a blue state or evolution of the Republican party

Conclusion

  • Ongoing challenges in Texas politics reflect a need for reform in representation and accountability
  • Understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating future legislative operations and changes in governance.