HBA-BSM H.J.R. 107 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.J.R. 107
By: Garcia
State Affairs
3/28/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the Texas Senate consists of 31 members, a number mandated by
the Texas Constitution in 1876.  However, the Texas of today is a very
different state from what it was in 1876, with a population that is far
larger and much more ethnically diverse.  Increasing the number of state
senators from 31 to 50 members may increase African-American and
Mexican-American representation.  In addition,  Texas will soon have 32
members in its congressional delegation to the United States House of
Representatives, resulting in state senators having larger districts than
members of Texas' congressional delegation.  As proposed, House Joint
Resolution 107 requires the submission to the voters of a constitutional
amendment increasing the membership of the Texas Senate to 50 members. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this resolution
does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Joint Resolution 107 amends the Texas Constitution to increase the
Senate membership from 31 to 50 members.  The bill requires the governor no
later than the 30th day after the date of the election at which an increase
in the membership of the legislature is approved to convene the legislature
in special session to apportion the state into the appropriate number of
districts as provided by this resolution. 

FOR ELECTION

This proposed constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters at
an election to be held November 6, 2001.