House changes rules on points of order

Date Posted: 1/16/2013 | Author: Jennifer Mitchell, CAE
Adopting the rules under which the House will operate for the session is a fairly standard procedure. That was the case this time around when the House adopted its rules on Monday. However, there was one notable change that might have a fairly significant impact on the session. The House adopted an amendment to the rules offered by Rep. Phil King (R-Weatherford) that would make using a point of order to kill a bill more difficult. A point of order is a parliamentary procedure that sends a bill back to committee if a mistake is found. Under previous rules, any mistake, even a small technicality, could kill a bill well into the negotiation process. King’s amendment changes the standard for sustaining a point of order so that errors must be substantial or misleading. King said that his purpose was to avoid bills being taken down on the House floor because of a typo. But the change will also make it more difficult for a minority to block legislation from being forced through by the majority, and make it more difficult for interest groups to stop hostile bills. How much of an effect this change will have on the outcome of the session remains to be seen.
CONVERSATION
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

03/28/2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: March 28, 2025
Even halfway through the session, the 89th Texas Legislature is already shaping up to be one of the most consequential sessions in recent history for public education and educators across Texas.

03/27/2025
House Public Education Subcommittee considers bill to expand virtual education in Texas
The House Subcommittee on Academic and Career-Oriented Education heard testimony from ATPE at its March 27 meeting.

03/27/2025
Senate Education K-16 Committee hears discipline and truancy bills
ATPE weighed in on several of the bills during the committee’s March 25 hearing.