Texas lawmakers file record number of bills before deadline
March 16, 2009
A total of 7,136 bills – 946 more than lawmakers filed in their session two years ago – have been proposed. The 15 percent jump could be attributed to freedom from the usual calamities legislators have faced in the recent past, such as a $10 billion budget shortfall (2003) or the courts throwing out the state's system of financing public schools (2005).
Written by Marcus Funk, The Dallas Morning News
AUSTIN – Texas lawmakers filed a record number of proposed laws before Friday's deadline – tackling everything from what a child must learn in school to whether a pet dog can be protected during a divorce.
A total of 7,136 bills – 946 more than lawmakers filed in their session two years ago – have been proposed. The 15 percent jump could be attributed to freedom from the usual calamities legislators have faced in the recent past, such as a $10 billion budget shortfall (2003) or the courts throwing out the state's system of financing public schools (2005).
Lawmakers said the increase also reflects the state's growing population and infrastructure needs. They also are hearing more from their constituents, who had their own ideas and problems they thought the Legislature could resolve.
"As we become a more complex state, the number of bills will continue to grow," said Rep. Warren Chisum, R-Pampa, who has been filing legislation in Austin for 20 years. "Texas is growing, and like any growing community, we'll have more needs to fill."
Representatives and senators are required to file bills within the session's first 60 days, which arrived Friday. By next week, lawmakers would need special permission from colleagues to file a substantial bill. They still can file "local bills" – minor adjustments that only affect their home districts.
The 1,000 last-minute bills and 24 proposed constitutional amendments filed Friday were varied and diverse, addressing local issues and high-profile policies.
Another factor in the last-minute rush is technology. The process becomes more digital every year, making it easier to file bills later in the session, lawmakers said.
"It takes awhile to gather up what the constituents are asking you for," said Rep. Al Edwards, D-Houston, a 28-year veteran of the House.
Despite the steady increase in proposed legislation, the number of bills to become law has remained about the same: about one in four. In 2007, 6,190 bills were filed, and only 1,481 made the final cut.
And besides, lawmakers only have to pass one if they choose – Senate Bill 1, the state's two-year budget.
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