The coalition against long weekends in the Texas House continues to grow, as five members voted against a resolution to allow legislators to leave for an extended four-day weekend.
In order to adjourn for more than three days during the session, the House and Senate are constitutionally required to pass a resolution granting each other permission to do so. These resolutions are often passed with little or no discussion or opposition.
Earlier this month, State Rep. Tony Tinderholt (R–Arlington) attempted to question the prudence of leaving for a five-day weekend while priority legislation had not been passed.
Tinderholt was shut down and told to return to his seat by Speaker Dade Phelan. The House then voted to approve the resolution, with only Tinderholt and State Rep. Bryan Slaton (R–Royse City) voting against it.
The following week, State Rep. Brian Harrison (R–Midlothian) joined Tinderholt and Slaton in opposing a similar resolution.
Five lawmakers now oppose the move, as State Reps. Nate Schatzline (R–Fort Worth) and Mark Dorazio (R–Leon Springs) voted against a resolution to allow the chamber to adjourn on Wednesday, March 1, and return next Monday, March 6.
By that point, the Legislature will be 56 days into its 140-day legislative session without having passed any legislation—including Republican priorities.
Meanwhile in the Senate, committees have already begun considering and passing bills, including priority legislation to restore the felony penalty for illegally voting after it was lowered in the House last session.
While the Texas Constitution prevents the Legislature from passing most bills during the first 60 days, it does allow them to pass legislation deemed a priority by Gov. Greg Abbott. Those priorities include issues like school choice, property tax relief, and increasing border security.
At this pace, however, it seems unlikely that any of Abbott’s priorities will be passed by the House during this fast-track period of time.
