Legislative Hotline Jan. 14: Senate Reduces Votes Needed to Debate Bills
By Jennifer Perkins

Capitol_Dome 

UNDER THE ROTUNDA 

A decrease in the Republican majority in the Senate this session prompted an inevitable discussion Wednesday about the procedure for bringing bills to the floor for debate.

Since 2015, bringing a bill up for discussion required approval from at least 19 senators, or three-fifths of the 31-seat chamber. Yesterday, Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola) introduced Senate Resolution 2 to reduce the threshold for a supermajority to 18 votes – the number of seats now held by Republicans.

Despite protests from Democrats that this would disenfranchise them from participating in any discussion about which bills to consider, senators approved the change on a party-line vote.

At press time, the House of Representatives still was discussing its rules for session. After the House adjourns today, both chambers will be adjourned until Jan. 26.

Last Updated On

January 14, 2021

Originally Published On

January 14, 2021

Related Content

Texas legislation