Proposing a constitutional amendment providing that members of the legislature are not entitled to receive a state salary, per diem, or reimbursement for mileage for an unexcused absence when the applicable house of the legislature lacks a quorum.
Impact
The proposed amendment seeks to deter unexcused absences by financially penalizing those members who fail to attend session days when their presence is essential for a quorum. If adopted, this amendment could significantly shift the culture within the legislature, emphasizing the importance of participation in legislative activities. Furthermore, by holding legislators accountable for their attendance, it could enhance the overall functionality and efficiency of legislative sessions, thereby streamlining the lawmaking process.
Summary
HJR35 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that aims to refine the remuneration of members of the legislature in Texas. Specifically, the bill stipulates that legislators will not be entitled to receive any state salary, per diem, or reimbursement for mileage during periods of unexcused absence, particularly when a quorum is not present. This addresses accountability among lawmakers by linking their pay to attendance, ensuring that they contribute to the legislative process effectively.
Contention
While the notion of linking attendance with remuneration may seem straightforward, it is not without potential points of contention. Critics may argue that unforeseen circumstances could prevent attendance and that financial penalties may disproportionately affect members who face legitimate challenges. There is also a concern regarding how unexcused absences will be defined and enforced, as ambiguous definitions could lead to disputes over legitimacy. Consequently, this resolution may spark debates over fairness and the practical implications of such measures in ensuring legislative continuity.
Proposing a constitutional amendment changing the vote requirement in the legislature to approve a proposed constitutional amendment for submission to the voters of this state to two-thirds of the members present in each chamber of the legislature.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the governor to call the legislature into special session on petition of at least two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the authority of the governor to veto a bill passed by both houses of the Texas Legislature with a vote of at least two-thirds of the members of each house.