Senate and House committees: Pillars of the legislative process

In the Texas Legislature, legislative committees play a critical role in the lawmaking process, driving deliberation, analysis and refinement of legislation. The composition, appointment and procedures of these committees shape the efficiency and effectiveness of the Texas Senate and House of Representatives.

Committee Composition and Appointment

The Texas Senate and House of Representatives organize lawmakers into committees that specialize in particular policy issues or procedural matters. Their committees enable the thorough evaluation of bills and promote informed decision-making.

Senate Committees:

• The Lieutenant Governor, as the presiding officer of the Senate, wields significant power in appointing senators to committees and assigning chairmanships. This allows the Lieutenant Governor to influence the legislative priorities of the Senate.
• There are currently 15 standing committees and 1 subcommittee.
• Senate committees are typically structured based on subject matter, such as education, health and human services and transportation.

House Committees:

• In the House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House appoints members to committees and selects committee chairs and vice chairs. Unlike the Senate, the House uses a mix of seniority and Speaker appointments to determine committee assignments, ensuring a balance of influence.
• The number of committees and their subject matter have not yet been determined in the Texas House, but there are typically 30-35 standing committees.
• Standing committees, such as Appropriations and State Affairs, are critical for reviewing legislation and determining budgetary priorities.

Types of Committees

The Texas Legislature utilizes various types of committees to address its wide-ranging responsibilities. These include:

1. Standing Committees:
   • These are permanent committees established by the rules of each chamber.
   • Standing committees handle bills and issues related to specific subject areas, such as education, transportation or public health.
2. Joint Committees:
   • Composed of members from both the Senate and the House, joint committees address issues that require coordination between the two chambers.
   • Examples include committees formed to oversee budgetary matters or resolve discrepancies in legislation.
3. Select Committees:
   • These are temporary committees created to address specific issues or tasks that fall outside the scope of standing committees.
   • Select committees often investigate emerging issues or oversee special projects.
4. Investigative Committees:
   • Formed to conduct in-depth investigations into particular issues, such as government misconduct or public safety concerns.
   • These committees have the authority to subpoena witnesses and documents to aid their investigations.

Committee Procedures

Committees are the first venue where lawmakers thoroughly examine proposed bills. Their procedures include:

1. Bill Referral: Once a bill is introduced, it is referred to a committee based on its subject matter. The presiding officer in each chamber determines the referral.
2. Hearings: Committees hold public hearings to gather input from stakeholders, experts and citizens. These hearings promote transparency and allow for diverse perspectives to inform legislative decisions.
3. Debate and Amendments: Committee members debate the merits of a bill and may propose amendments. This stage is crucial for refining legislative language and addressing potential issues.
4. Voting: After deliberation, the committee votes on whether to advance the bill to the full chamber. A favorable vote is necessary for the bill to proceed.
5. Reporting: If approved, the committee issues a report summarizing its findings and recommendations, which guides further deliberations in the chamber. These reports include:
   • The committee’s recommendations, and the yay and nay votes on the bill;
   • The text of the bill as reported out by the committee;
   • A fiscal note or other impact statement;
   • Any proposed amendments;
   • An analysis of the bill; and,
   • A witness list of non-members who showed their support or opposition to the bill.

Importance of Committees in the Legislative Process

Committees are vital to the legislative process for several reasons. The committee process helps identify and address potential problems in proposed bills, improving their chances of successful implementation. Committees focus on specific areas and often consist of members with experience or interest in the subject matter, enabling informed discussions and allowing for detailed analysis.

In addition, committee hearings provide a platform for public participation, fostering accountability and ensuring consideration of diverse viewpoints.

Why It Matters

The appointment and operation of Texas Senate and House committees are fundamental to the legislative process. Their role in fostering expertise and public engagement underscores their importance as a cornerstone of democratic governance in Texas.

The Texas Legislature may only meet for a short period every two years, but its decisions have a lasting impact on the state. Stay engaged and stay informed as the 89th Legislative Session kicks off this month!