By Culberson H.J.R. No. 51 74R2162 JSA-D A JOINT RESOLUTION 1-1 proposing a constitutional amendment to require the senate to 1-2 approve the settlement of certain suits in which the state is a 1-3 party. 1-4 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: 1-5 SECTION 1. Article IV of the Texas Constitution is amended 1-6 by adding Section 22a to read as follows: 1-7 Sec. 22a. (a) The attorney general or other attorney 1-8 representing the state may not enter into a consent decree, agreed 1-9 judgment, abatement order, or other settlement that resolves 1-10 conclusively or makes final disposition of a civil suit or a claim 1-11 in a civil suit and that imposes a financial obligation on the 1-12 state without the consent of two-thirds of the members of the 1-13 senate present. 1-14 (b) When the senate is not in session, the senate shall 1-15 convene at a time determined by the lieutenant governor for the 1-16 purpose of considering a proposed settlement under this section if 1-17 a majority of the members of the senate in writing request the 1-18 lieutenant governor to call the senate into session for that 1-19 purpose. 1-20 (c) This section does not apply to the settlement of a suit 1-21 or claim involving only the collection of a penalty, fine, fee, 1-22 tax, or other amount due to the state. 1-23 (d) The legislature by general law may provide that this 1-24 section does not apply to any other class of suit in which the 2-1 state is a party. 2-2 SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be 2-3 submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 7, 1995. 2-4 The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the 2-5 following proposition: "The constitutional amendment to require 2-6 the Texas Senate to approve the settlement of a lawsuit in which 2-7 the state is a party and which will obligate the expenditure of 2-8 state funds."