Understanding how this legislative process works is crucial for informed citizenship. The 89th Texas Legislative Session is set to begin on January 14, 2025. The Texas Legislature, comprised of the House of Representatives and the Senate, is responsible for crafting the laws that govern the state. This post will examine the legislative process in Texas.

The Genesis of a Bill

In Texas, only state legislators can formally introduce a bill, however the ideas for bills often originate from various sources including constituents, interest groups, and sometimes committee studies. Citizens can propose ideas to their representatives through letters, emails, phone calls, or in-person meetings. Organizations advocating for specific causes, such as environmental protection, education reform, or business interests, often play a significant role in shaping legislation. They may conduct research, lobby legislators, and mobilize public support. Legislative committees conduct in-depth research on specific policy areas, often leading to the development of new legislation.

Introduction and Committee Referral

Once a legislator decides to introduce a bill, they file it with the appropriate clerk. In the Texas House of Representatives this person is referred to as the Chief Clerk of the House and in the Texas Senate the person is referred to as the Secretary of the Senate. Once received, the bill is then assigned a unique number. Typically this number begins with two letters followed by numbers.

Bills filed first in the Texas House are designated with the prefix “HB” followed by a unique number. For example, “HB 1234” would be the designation for the 1234th bill introduced by a House member during a particular legislative session.

Bills filed first in the Texas Senate are designated with the prefix “SB” followed by a unique number. For example, “SB 567” would be the designation for the 567th bill introduced by a Senator during a particular legislative session.

The Speaker of the House and the Lieutenant Governor, who is also the President of the Senate, play crucial roles in determining which committee will consider a particular bill. Committees are specialized, each focusing on a specific subject matter. Below are some of the committees that that consider bills regarding public education:

• House Committee on Public Education
• House Committee on Appropriations
• House Committee on Higher Education (typically topics related to post-secondary topics)
• Senate Committee on Education
• Senate Committee on Finance

Committee Action

Committee hearings are a critical stage in the legislative process. These public meetings allow for testimony, debate, and analysis. Interested parties, including citizens, experts, and representatives from interest groups, can testify in support of or opposition to the bill. Committee members discuss the bill, propose amendments, and debate its merits. Staff members and experts provide analysis on the potential fiscal impact, legal implications, and other relevant considerations.

After reviewing the bill, a committee can take several actions including recommending passage without changes, recommending amendments that suggest changes to a bill, propose a completely different bill, or take not action which is a called “pigeonholing” or “killing” a bill.

Floor Action

If a bill passes the committee, it proceeds to the floor of the originating chamber for debate and votes. The bill must typically pass three readings in each chamber. During floor debate, legislators can propose amendments, and the chamber can vote on these amendments. If the bill is amended in one chamber, a conference committee is formed. This committee consists of members from both chambers to reconcile the differences between the two versions of the bill.

Governor’s Action

Once passed by both chambers, the bill is sent to the governor. The governor sign the bill into law, veto the bill, or allow the bill to become law without a signature. If the governor takes no action within ten days of receiving the bill (excluding Sundays), it automatically becomes law.

If the governor choose to veto a bill can still become law if a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and the Senate is achieved.

Beyond Bills: Resolutions

A legislative resolution is a formal expression of opinion or intent by a legislative body, such as the Texas Legislature. Unlike a bill, which becomes law if passed, a resolution does not have the force of law. It primarily serves to state the legislature’s position on a particular issue, honor individuals or organizations, recognize special events or occasions, or request action from other entities.

The Texas Legislature also utilizes three types of resolutions: simple, concurrent, and joint. Simple Resolutions pertain to matters considered by the originating chamber only, such as honoring a distinguished citizen. Concurrent Resolutions require approval from both chambers and the governor. Often used for expressing legislative sentiment on various issues. Joint Resolutions are used for proposing amendments to the Texas or U.S. Constitutions.

Getting Involved

Understanding the legislative process empowers citizens to engage with their government. It is important all citizens understand the ways to get involved. Below are some of the most common:

• Contact your legislators: Share your views on important issues and urge them to support or oppose specific legislation.
• Testify at committee hearings: Share your perspective on bills under consideration.
• Attend legislative sessions: Observe the legislative process firsthand.
• Stay informed: Follow legislative news and track the progress of bills that interest you.
• Joining groups: Join groups like the Texas Messenger Roundtable Facebook group to get relevant information and here views from other members.

By staying informed and actively participating in the democratic process, citizens can play a vital role in shaping the future of Texas.