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.