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Understanding the Texas Legislature: Structure, Powers, and Processes

Explore the Texas Legislature with its bicameral structure, unique session schedules, and the powerful role of the Governor. Learn about the key functions, compensation issues, and the comparison with the U.S. Congress. Discover the powers of the legislature, the roles of the House and Senate, and the significant differences in the legislative process between Texas and the federal level.

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Understanding the Texas Legislature: Structure, Powers, and Processes

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  1. Texas Legislature

  2. Bicameralism • House • 150 members • 2-year terms • Senate • 31 members • 4-year terms

  3. One senator per district (about the size of a U.S. House district) Two senators per “district” (where the district is a state) Bicameralism:Texas v. National Legislature

  4. A “Non Professional” Legislature • Regular sessions biennial (140 days) • Interim committees (a few days per month) • Special sessions • Governor calls and sets agenda (lots of power here!) • Can draft the initial proposal • Can promise new agenda items in return for votes • 30 days each • Low salary ($7,200 per year + per diem)

  5. Compensation Comparison

  6. Consequences • You have to have a flexible schedule • You have to have a job that pays well during the “off time” • Lots of lawyers fit the bill, most blue collar laborers do not • Gives special interests a lot of power • Legislators work as lawyers/lobbyists during off season • Rely on interest groups to provide information and bills

  7. Powers of Texas Legislature • Pass laws • Constituent service • Investigation • Oversight • Impeachment

  8. U.S. VP is figurehead as “President of Senate” U.S. House – debate and amendment on floor controlled by Rules Committee Lt. Governor is the real presiding officer of Texas Senate Texas House – debate and amendment on floor controlled by Speaker of the House Texas and U.S. Legislative Processes: Important Differences

  9. U.S.: fewer than 10 days in legislative session – Pocket Veto President must accept or reject whole bill Texas: fewer than 10 days in legislative session – Gov has 20 days to sign or veto, no Pocket Veto Texas: Line Item Veto for appropriations Texas and U.S. Legislative Process: Important Differences

  10. Other Players in the Legislative Process • Interest Groups • Propose legislation • Persuade public/legislature/executive • Executive (more to come!) • Bureaucracy (more to come!) • Courts (more to come!)

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