Issues

The terms "bills" and "resolutions" are frequently used when discussing legislative matters.  Often they are used interchangeably and might be confusing to some readers.  So what do each of these legislative measures actually do and how important are they?

A bill is the primary means used to create and change the laws of the state.  It requires passage by both chambers of the legislature and action by the governor.  Once bills becomes law, it becomes codified as a statute.  Referred to as House Bills (HB) or Senate Bills (SB), these are the legislative measures that have the most impact on the state.

When used generically, a "bill" could refer to the various types of legislative measures that may be introduced during a legislative session. Bill types include: senate and house bills, senate and house joint resolutions, senate and house concurrent resolutions, and senate and house resolutions.

A resolution, according the Texas Legislative Council glossary, is "a formal expression of opinion or decision, other than a proposed law, that may be offered for approval to one or both houses of the legislature by a member of the house or senate."  Most resolutions are congratulatory, honorary or memorial in nature.

There are three different types of resolutions for legislators to file and consider, including:

A simple resolution is a type of legislative measure that is considered only within the chamber in which it is filed. It can offer a commendation, a memorial, a statement of congratulations, a welcome, or another statement of legislative sentiment.  This type of resolution does not require action by the governor.  Known as a House Resolution or Senate Resolution, the abbreviations are HR and SR respectively.

For example, HR 6 by Representative Dan Flynn honors Buster and Merlyn Rivers, of Point, Texas, on their 60th wedding anniversary.

A concurrent resolution is a type of legislative measure that requires passage by both chambers of the legislature and generally requires action by the governor. A concurrent resolution is used to convey the sentiment of the legislature and may offer a commendation, a memorial, a statement of congratulations, a welcome, or a request for action by another governmental entity.  Concurrent resolutions are also recognized by the abbreviation of HCR or SCR, indicating House Concurrent Resolution or Senate Concurrent Resolution.

In addition, they can be used for designating state symbols or inviting distinguished speakers to address a joint session. Much like HCR 30, by Representative Bonnen, that designates the Texas blind salamander as the official State Amphibian of Texas.

Finally, a joint resolution is a type of legislative measure that requires passage by both chambers of the legislature but does not require action by the governor. A House or Senate joint resolution (HJR or SJR) is used to propose amendments to the Texas Constitution, to ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution, or to request a convention to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Before becoming effective, the provisions of joint resolutions proposing amendments to the Texas Constitution must be approved by the voters of Texas.

One example is HJR 11 by Representative Frank Corte that proposes a constitutional amendment to limit the public taking of private property.

Of the 4974 bills and resolutions filed to date, there have been 141 HCRs filed, 108 HJRs filed and 748 HRs filed during the first few months of the 80th Session.   In 2005, during the 79th Regular Session, over 2,500 resolutions were filed, so expect to see many more resolutions filed over the next few months.   For updated reports and statistics visit the Texas Legislature Online.