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

06/02/2023
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: June 2, 2023
The HB 100 voucher scheme dies at the end of regular session, plus a special session and the TEA takeover of Houston ISD begin.

06/01/2023
From The Texas Tribune: Tension over property taxes produces rare public clash between Dan Patrick, Greg Abbott
Always happy to castigate the Texas House, Patrick breaks form to criticize the governor as misinformed and unsympathetic toward homeowners.

School Finance, Retirement | TRS | Social Security, Texas Legislature, Privatization | Vouchers, Educator Compensation | Benefits
05/30/2023
Voucher dies as final weekend of 88th Legislature brings conflict between House and Senate
HB 100 was a casualty of a breakdown in communications between the House and Senate as the regular session drew to a close.