SRC-CTC S.J.R. 1 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.J.R. 1 77R126 ESH-DBy: Madla Education 2/6/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, the Texas Constitution bars a member of the legislature from holding another office or position in Texas or the United States. This prohibition keeps legislators from teaching in either the Texas public school system or the Texas higher education system, as well as forcing qualified teachers to resign from their teaching positions when elected into office. As proposed, S.J.R. 1 requires the submission to the voters of a constitutional amendment to allow a public school teacher or faculty member of a public institution of higher education to serve as a member of the legislature. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 40, Article XVI, Texas Constitution, to provide that a member of the legislature may also hold the position of a public school teacher or a faculty member of a public institution of higher education. Prohibits members of the legislature from receiving compensation for their duties as members of the legislature and from positions as educators at a public education institution at the same time. Makes non-substantive changes. SECTION 2. Requires that this constitutional amendment be put before the voters in an election on November 6, 2001. Requires the ballot to permit a person to vote for or against the amendment and sets forth specific wording to be contained on the ballot.