Texas legislature
how many members are in the Texas Legislature?
31-member Senate and a 150-member House of Representatives.
how does a bill become a law in the Texas Legislature?
A representative or senator gets an idea for a bill by listening to the people he or she represents and then working to solve their problem, then A bill is written by the legislator, often with legal assistance from the Texas Legislative Council, a legislative agency which provides bill drafting services, research assistance, computer support, and other services for legislators. Once a bill has been written, it is introduced by a member of the house or senate in the member's own chamber, However, any bill increasing taxes or raising money for use by the state must start in the house of representatives. Then, during the first reading, the presiding officer assigns the bill to a committee.
who may be impeached by the Texas Legislature and how is it accomplished?
According to article 15 of the Texas Constitution, the power of impeachment shall be vested in the House of Representatives. Impeachment of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Commissioner of the General Land Office, Comptroller and the Judges of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and District Court shall be tried by the Senate with concurrence of two-thirds.
what is impeachment?
Impeachment is a formal process in which an official is accused of unlawful activity, the outcome of which, depending on the country, may include the removal of that official from office as well as criminal or civil punishment.
does the Texas Legislature always stay in session for the same Of time?
No
by what title do we refer to the preceding officers of the Texas Legislature?
President of the Senate: Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House of Representatives and their Pro Tempore Positions
how long is the term of office for Texas legislators?
Senators serve four-year terms and represent a relatively large number of constituents, whereas house members serve two-year terms and represent a smaller number of constituents.
who are the current occupants of those positions?
The Honorable Joe Straus has been Speaker of the Texas House since January 2009, with Speaker Pro Tempore: Rep. Dennis Bonnen and Lt. Govoner Dan Patrick with Juan Hinojosa (D); since January 13, 2015
what are the primary functions of a Texas Legislature?
The duties of the legislature include consideration of proposed laws and resolutions, consideration of proposed constitutional amendments for submission to the voters, and appropriation of all funds for the operation of state government. All bills for raising revenue considered by the legislature must originate in the house of representatives. The house alone can bring impeachment charges against a statewide officer, which charges must be tried by the senate.
when does the Texas Legislature meet?
The legislature meets in regular session on the second Tuesday in January of each odd-numbered year.
how is the Texas Legislature organized?
it is a bicameral institution, consisting of a lower house, the Texas House of Representatives, and the upper house, the Texas Senate.