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Comparing Bill Statistics to Last Session

The Austin-American Statesman recently reported "Legislators filing fewer bills this session." Here is a look at the numbers in comparison to a similar period last session, 45 days into session, or, 3/4 of the way to the 60-day bill filing deadline (Friday, March 8 for the 83rd R.S.)

 

Bills & Joint Resolutions
82nd Regular Session

(Nov. 8, 2010-Feb. 24, 2011)
83rd Regular Session

(Nov. 12, 2012-Feb. 21, 2013)*
% change
House filed 1,886 1,673 -11.29%
Senate filed 940 720 -23.40%
Total filed 2,826 2,393 -15.32%
House referred to committee 970 1,188 22.47%
Senate referred to committee 745 588 -21.07%
Total referred to committee 1,715 1,776 3.56%
House scheduled for hearing 19 78 310.5%
Senate scheduled for hearing 34 109 220.59%
Total scheduled for hearing 53 187 252.83%
House reported out of committee** 7 1 -85.71%
Senate reported out of committee 16 33 106.25%
Total reported out of committee 23 34 47.83%

* As of 2pm on Feb. 21, 2013.

**According to Texas Constitution, Article 3, Section 5, during the first 60 days of the legislative session, only emergency matters and emergency appropriations can be considered on the House floor. During the 82nd Regular Session in 2011, Governor Rick Perry designated six emergency matters; this session there have been no emergency matters and there has been one emergency supplemental appropriations bill (HB 10).