Texas Constitution LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT
Here’s an overview of the Texas Constitution provisions related to the Legislative Department. The Texas Constitution organizes its legislative section mainly in Article 3, titled “Legislative Department.”
Texas Constitution — Article 3: Legislative Department
Purpose:
Establishes the structure, powers, and operation of the Texas Legislature, including the Senate and House of Representatives.
Key Highlights:
1. Bicameral Legislature (Section 1)
The legislative power of Texas is vested in a Senate and a House of Representatives.
The Senate has 31 members; the House has 150 members.
2. Sessions (Section 5)
The Legislature meets in regular session once every two years, lasting no longer than 140 days.
Special sessions may be called by the Governor, limited to 30 days.
3. Qualifications (Sections 6 & 7)
House members: at least 21 years old, resident of the state for 2 years, and district for 1 year.
Senate members: at least 26 years old, resident of the state for 5 years, and district for 1 year.
4. Legislative Officers (Section 8)
The Lieutenant Governor is the President of the Senate.
The House elects its Speaker.
5. Law-Making Powers (Section 31)
The Legislature enacts laws, levies taxes, appropriates funds, and has the power to regulate state affairs.
Bills must pass both houses and be presented to the Governor for approval.
6. Impeachment (Section 14)
The House has the power to impeach officials.
The Senate conducts the impeachment trial and can remove officials upon conviction.
7. Legislative Procedures
Rules for how bills are introduced, debated, amended, and passed.
Requirements for the publication of laws and effective dates.
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