SENATE – On Tuesday, David Dewhurst was sworn in for a third four-year term as Lt. Governor. The Senate adopted SR 36 by Senator Kevin Eltife (R-Tyler), the Senate rules.
Changes made include:
Committees – Adding the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs with five members, the Committee on Economic Development with seven members, and the Committee on Higher Education with seven members;
Introduction of Local Bills – Clarifying the rule on introduction of bills to allow local bills to be filed any time during the session; and
Conference Committee Reports on Appropriations Bills – Requiring the “out of bounds” resolution (the resolution suspending the limitations on the conferees) for the general appropriations bill to be provided to Senate members at least 48 hours prior to Senate action on the resolution during a regular session and 24 hours in a special session.
After the Senate adjourned on Wednesday, Lt. Governor Dewhurst said the Senate will lay out its proposed budget by the middle of next week. He said it would preserve more funding for programs such as TEXAS Grants and merit pay incentives for teachers. He added that the Senate’s budget will include enough money to take care of less-fortunate Texans.