Texas Legislature

Texas Legislature
source
Name	Texas Legislature
Legislature	88th Texas Legislature
House type	Bicameral
Houses	Texas Senate, Texas House of Representatives
Leader1 type	Lieutenant Governor of Texas
Leader1	Dan Patrick
Election1	January 20, 2015
Leader2 type	Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives
Leader2	Dade Phelan
Election2	January 12, 2021
Members	181, 31 Senators, 150 Representatives
House1	Senate
House2	House of Representatives
Meeting place	Texas State Capitol, Austin

Texas Legislature. The state legislature of the U.S. state of Texas, it is a bicameral body composed of the Texas Senate and the Texas House of Representatives. It convenes at the Texas State Capitol in Austin and is one of the ten state legislatures that meet biennially in regular session. The legislature holds significant power in shaping state policy, with its members elected from districts across the state's vast and diverse regions.

History

The origins of the legislature trace back to the Congress of the Republic of Texas, established after the Texas Revolution and the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence at Washington-on-the-Brazos. Following annexation by the United States in 1845, the first state constitution created the modern bicameral legislature. Key historical moments include the Constitution of 1876, which established its current biennial schedule and limited session length, and the Sharpstown scandal of the early 1970s, which led to major ethics reforms. Throughout the 20th century, the body was dominated by the Democratic Party until the Republican Party gained control of both chambers following the 2002 elections, a realignment influenced by figures like George W. Bush and Rick Perry.

Structure and organization

The legislature is constitutionally mandated as a bicameral institution. The upper chamber is the Texas Senate, consisting of 31 members serving four-year terms, while the lower Texas House of Representatives has 150 members serving two-year terms. Leadership is provided by the Lieutenant Governor of Texas, who presides over the Senate, and the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, elected by House members from their own ranks. The work is organized through a system of standing committees, such as the Senate Finance Committee and the House Appropriations Committee, and powerful legislative councils like the Legislative Budget Board and the Texas Legislative Council. It operates under the guidelines set by the Texas Constitution and Mason's Manual.

Powers and duties

As a co-equal branch under the state's separation of powers, its primary authority is the enactment of statutes for the State of Texas. It holds the "power of the purse," crafting the state's biennial budget through the General Appropriations Act. The legislature has the sole power to propose constitutional amendments to the Texas Constitution, which are then ratified by voters. Additional duties include confirming gubernatorial appointments, exercising oversight over state agencies like the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the power to impeach and try state officials. It also retains significant authority over local governments, including municipalities and counties.

Legislative process

Bills may be introduced in either chamber, except for revenue bills which must originate in the Texas House of Representatives. Legislation is typically referred to a standing committee for hearing; powerful committees like the State Affairs Committee can determine a bill's fate. The process requires three readings in each chamber and must pass both the Texas Senate and Texas House of Representatives in identical form. A key feature is the requirement for a two-thirds vote to suspend the regular order of business to consider most bills, giving substantial power to the minority. Finally, passed bills are sent to the Governor of Texas for signature or veto; the legislature may override a veto with a two-thirds vote in each chamber during a session.

Current composition and leadership

Following the 2022 Texas elections, the Republican Party holds a majority in both chambers. In the Texas Senate, the Lieutenant Governor of Texas, Dan Patrick, presides over a chamber where Republicans hold 19 seats. The Texas House of Representatives is led by Speaker Dade Phelan, with Republicans holding 86 seats. Key committee chairs include Lois Kolkhorst leading the Senate Health & Human Services Committee and Andrew Murr chairing the House General Investigating Committee. The minority Democratic Party is led in the Senate by Carol Alvarado and in the House by Trey Martinez Fischer.

Elections and membership

All 150 members of the Texas House of Representatives are elected every two years in even-numbered years. Members of the Texas Senate serve staggered four-year terms, with approximately half the chamber elected every two years. Elections are held in November, with district boundaries determined by the Texas Redistricting process following each United States Census. Candidates must meet requirements including U.S. citizenship, residency in their district, and minimum age. The Secretary of State of Texas oversees election administration. Campaigns and elections are significantly influenced by rulings from the United States Supreme Court and litigation in courts like the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas.

Category:Texas Legislature Category:State legislatures of the United States