Texas House Bill HJR192

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/13/25

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring consent by two-thirds of the members of the house of representatives and senate for the governor to call more than one special session per legislative biennium.

Impact

If passed, this amendment would strengthen the legislative branch's authority by ensuring that the governor cannot unilaterally call multiple special sessions, thereby providing a check on executive power. The requirement for legislative approval to convene additional sessions aims to foster collaboration between the executive and legislative branches and preserve the legislature's role in Texas governance.

Summary

HJR192, also known as the Joint Resolution proposing a constitutional amendment, seeks to amend Section 8 of Article IV of the Texas Constitution. The proposed amendment requires a two-thirds consent from the members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate for the governor to call more than one special session within a legislative biennium. Currently, the governor has the authority to call special sessions without such consent, which this resolution aims to change significantly.

Contention

The main point of contention surrounding HJR192 revolves around concerns over the efficiency and effectiveness of the legislative process. Proponents of the bill argue that imposing a two-thirds requirement would prevent potential overreach by the governor, thus safeguarding the legislative process against unnecessary disruptions. However, opponents might contend that it could hinder swift legislative responses during emergencies, thereby delaying critical decisions in urgent situations.