AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
S.J.R. 48 proposes a constitutional amendment to revise the order of legislative business to permit legislative committees to consider matters during the first 60 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 that the first 60 days, rather than 30 days, when convened in regular session thereof, 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. Authorizes the various committees of each house, during that period, rather than the succeeding thirty days of the regular session 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. Requires the legislature, during the remainder of the session, 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 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