By: Birdwell S.J.R. No. 59

(In the Senate - Filed February 22, 2023; March 9, 2023, read first time and referred to Committee on Administration; March 16, 2023, rereferred to Committee on State Affairs; March 22, 2023, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 11, Nays 0; March 22, 2023, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the time during which the legislature may act on bills or resolutions during a regular session.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 5(b), Article III, Texas Constitution, is amended to read as follows:

(b) When convened in regular session [Session], the Legislature may introduce [first thirty days thereof shall be devoted to the introduction of] bills and resolutions and[, 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. During the succeeding thirty days of the regular session of the Legislature the various committees of each House shall] hold hearings and act on [to consider all] bills and resolutions [and other matters then pending; and such emergency matters as may be submitted by the Governor. During the remainder of the session the Legislature shall act upon such bills and resolutions as may be then pending] and on [upon such] emergency matters as may be submitted by the Governor in special messages to the Legislature.

SECTION 2. Section 5(c), Article III, Texas Constitution, is repealed.

SECTION 3. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 7, 2023. The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the proposition: "The constitutional amendment regarding the time during which the legislature may act on bills or resolutions during a regular session."

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