AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
S.J.R. 47 proposes a constitutional amendment to revise the order of legislative business to permit either house to act on bills and resolutions after the first 15 days of a regular session.
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 5(b), Article III, Texas Constitution, as follows:
(b) Requires the first 15 days thereof, rather than thirty days, when convened in regular session, to be devoted to the introduction of bills and resolutions, acting upon emergency appropriations, passing upon the confirmation of the recess appointees of the governor and such emergency matters as may be submitted by the governor in special messages to the legislature. Requires the various committees of each house, during the remainder of the regular session, rather than during the succeeding thirty days of the legislature, to hold hearings to consider all bills, resolutions, and other matters then pending and such emergency matters as may be submitted by the governor, and the legislature to act upon such bills and resolutions as may be then pending and upon such emergency matters as may be submitted by the governor in special messages to the legislature. Makes conforming and nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 2. Requires the proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 8, 2011. Sets forth the required language of the ballot.