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Senate passes bill to curb Texas governor's power to shut down state for extended time during
Senate passes bill to curb Texas governor’s power to shut down state for extended time during emergencyby Kate McGee, Texas Tribune
The Texas Senate backed a potential constitutional amendment Tuesday that would substantially rein in the power of the governor during emergencies like this past year’s coronavirus pandemic.
Texas voters would have to approve the amendment Nov. 2 for it to take effect. And before it could get on a ballot, the Senate action must still be approved by the House.
The amendment would require the governor to call a special session in order to declare a state emergency that lasts more than 30 days. The special session would give lawmakers the chance to terminate or adjust executive actions taken by the governor, or pass new laws related to the disaster or emergency.
The Legislature did not meet last year as the pandemic swept the state, so Gov. Greg Abbott addressed the largely unprecedented situation with executive orders and declarations spanning several months, citing the Texas Disaster Act of 1975.
Read more: https://www.texastribune.org/2021/04/13/texas-legislature-governor-power-emergency/