TX
Texas House Bill HJR46
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
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Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HJR46

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Sent toSOS
 
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

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.

Impact

If HJR46 is passed and subsequently approved by voters, it could significantly impact the legislative process within Texas. The amendment aims to facilitate the passage of constitutional amendments by reducing the required vote count to only those members in attendance, potentially allowing for greater flexibility in legislative sessions. This shift might encourage more frequent proposals and submissions of amendments, reflecting the current opinions and needs of legislators who may otherwise be unable to reach the required threshold when all members are not present.

Summary

HJR46 proposes a constitutional amendment that changes the vote requirement necessary for the Texas Legislature to approve a proposed constitutional amendment. Specifically, it lowers the threshold for legislative approval from a two-thirds majority of all elected members to a two-thirds majority of those present in each chamber during the vote. This change is intended to streamline the process of submitting proposed amendments to the voters of Texas, making it possible to enact constitutional changes more efficiently.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding HJR46. Critics could argue that lowering the vote requirement may lead to hastily approved amendments without adequate consideration or debate. Some may feel that it undermines the robustness of the legislative process, allowing significant changes to the Texas Constitution to be passed with a simpler voting mechanism. Supporters, on the other hand, are likely to argue that the current two-thirds requirement often creates deadlocks and hinders necessary amendments to adapt to modern challenges.

Election_details

The proposed amendment will be submitted to voters during the elections scheduled for November 4, 2025. The ballot will give voters the option to vote 'for' or 'against' the proposition, which seeks to amend Section 1(a) of Article XVII of the Texas Constitution, thus making it a significant point of civic engagement as the electorate considers changes to their state governance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HJR38

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.

TX SJR38

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.

TX ACR35

Proposes constitutional amendment to require two-thirds majority vote by Legislature for bills proposing a new or increased State tax, fee, surcharge or civil penalty.

TX SB262

AN ACT proposing an amendment to Section 256 of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to the submission of constitutional amendments to voters.

TX SB2315

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.

TX HJR121

Proposing a constitutional amendment to require that future constitutional amendments become effective only if approved by a majority of the voters in at least three-fourths of the counties of the state.

TX SB1225

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.

TX SB1225

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.

TX SJR61

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for legislative review or approval of state agency rules.

TX HJR89

Proposing a constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to override a veto of the governor following a legislative session.

Similar Bills

LA HB472

(Constitutional Amendment) Revises Article VII of the Constitution of La. (OR -$139,000,000 GF RV See Note)

NJ ACR123

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR75

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR43

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

LA HB244

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

LA HB678

(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)

LA HB473

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)

HI SB1225

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.