RESOLUTION ANALYSIS

H.J.R. 86

By: Galindo

Elections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties contend that local government affects the daily lives of citizens more extensively than any other form of government. However, these parties note that the level of local engagement among citizens is low, particularly in the voting booth, as most voters rely solely on name identification when voting for down-ballot races. One aspect of local government that deserves a high level of attention is the election of school board officials. Although school boards manage and oversee the daily operations of schools in Texas, there are a limited number of ways to hold these elected officials accountable. H.J.R. 86 seeks to allow another means by which school board members can be held accountable. 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this resolution does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this resolution does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.J.R. 86 proposes an amendment to the Texas Constitution to authorize the legislature to enact a general, local, or special law authorizing the removal from office of a member of the board of trustees of an independent school district by a majority vote of the qualified voters of the school district voting at an election held to recall the school district trustee.

ELECTION DATE

The constitutional amendment proposed by this joint resolution will be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 3, 2015.