Texas Constitution:Article III and Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 10: Difference between pages

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Article III of the Texas Constitution}}[[File:Texas_Constitution_of_1876_Article_3.jpg|125px|border|right|Article III: Legislative Department]]The official title of Article III is "Legislative Department."
[[Category:Featured Article]]<indicator name="featured">[[File:Featured_article_star.svg|25px]]</indicator>{{DISPLAYTITLE:Article III, Section 10 of the Texas Constitution (''<small>"Quorum; Adjournments from Day-to-Day; Compelling Attendance"</small>'')}}{{Texas Constitution|text=Adopted February 15, 1876:


It originally had fifty-eight sections. Ninety-five sections have been added.
'''Two-thirds of each House shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner and under such penalties as each House may provide.'''


Four of the original and twenty-five of the added sections have been repealed.
|editor=


Sections 50-b-4 and 50-b-5 (''"Additional Student Loans"'') have an official title.
The first edition of an often-cited treatise on legislative practice and procedure declared that "[t]he right of a legislative assembly, after it is regularly constituted, to have the attendance of all its members except those who are absent on leave, or in the service of the assembly, and to enforce it, if necessary, is one of its most undoubted and important privileges." Luther Cushing, ''Elements of the Law and Practice of Legislative Assemblies in the United States of America'' [https://texaslegalguide.com/images/Lex_Parliamentaria_Americana.pdf#page=8 101] (1856).


Note that the term "Proceedings" precedes Section 29.
Note that the Republic of Texas constitution (1836) and each of the state's first four constitutions (1845, 1861, 1866, & 1869) contained a section with the same substantive language as this section.


And "Requirements and Limitations" precedes Section 42.
The most well-known quorum break involving the Texas Legislature is probably the one executed in 1979 by the so-called "Killer Bees" over a presidential primary bill. But the journals of the House and Senate document numerous other quorum breaks over the years, some more notable than others. Cf. John Brockman, "Railroads, Radicals, and the Militia Bill: A New Interpretation of the Quorum-Breaking Incident of 1870" ''The Southwestern Historical Quarterly'', 83:2 [https://www.jstor.org/stable/30238628 105] (1979).


On TLG, each section of the state constitution has its own page:
|recent=


* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 1|<span title="Senate and House of Representatives">Article III, Section 1 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* ''In re Abbott'', 628 S.W.3d 288, [https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=3792689067870385306#p291 291] (Tex. 2021) ("The question now before this Court is not whether it is a good idea for the Texas House of Representatives to arrest absent members to compel a quorum. Nor is the question whether the proposed voting legislation giving rise to this dispute is desirable. Those are political questions far outside the scope of the judicial function. The legal question before this Court concerns only whether the Texas Constitution gives the House of Representatives the authority to physically compel the attendance of absent members. We conclude that it does, and we therefore direct the district court to withdraw the TRO.")
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 2|<span title="Membership of Senate and House of Representatives">Article III, Section 2 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 3|<span title="Election and Term of Office of Senators">Article III, Section 3 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 4|<span title="Election and Term of Office of Representatives">Article III, Section 4 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 5|<span title="Legislative Sessions; Order of Business">Article III, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 6|<span title="Qualifications of Senators">Article III, Section 6 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 7|<span title="Qualifications of Representatives">Article III, Section 7 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 8|<span title="Each House Judge of Qualifications and Election of its Members">Article III, Section 8 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 9|<span title="President Pro Tempore; Lieutenant Governor Vacancy; House Speaker">Article III, Section 9 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 10|<span title="Quorum; Adjournments from Day-to-Day; Compelling Attendance">Article III, Section 10 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 11|<span title="Rules of Procedure; Punishment or Expulsion of Member">Article III, Section 11 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 12|<span title="Journals of Proceedings; Record Votes">Article III, Section 12 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 13|<span title="Vacancy in Legislature">Article III, Section 13 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 14|<span title="Privilege from Arrest during Legislative Session">Article III, Section 14 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 15|<span title="Disrespectful or Disorderly Conduct; Obstruction of Proceedings">Article III, Section 15 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 16|<span title="Open Sessions">Article III, Section 16 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 17|<span title="Adjournments">Article III, Section 17 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 18|<span title="Ineligibility for Offices; Voting for Members; Interest in Contracts">Article III, Section 18 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 19|<span title="Ineligibility of Persons Holding other Offices">Article III, Section 19 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 20|<span title="Eligibility of Persons Entrusted with Public Money">Article III, Section 20 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 21|<span title="Words Spoken in Debate">Article III, Section 21 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 22|<span title="Disclosure of Interest in Measure or Bill; Not to Vote">Article III, Section 22 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 23|<span title="Vacancy Following Removal from District or County from which Elected">Article III, Section 23 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 23-a|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 23-a of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 24|<span title="Compensation and Expenses of Members; Duration of Regular Sessions">Article III, Section 24 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 24-a|<span title="Texas Ethics Commission; Legislative Salaries and Per Diem">Article III, Section 24-a of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 25|<span title="Senatorial Districts">Article III, Section 25 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 26|<span title="Apportionment of Members of House of Representatives">Article III, Section 26 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 26-a|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 26-a of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 27|<span title="Elections for Legislators">Article III, Section 27 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 28|<span title="Time for Apportionment; Apportionment by Legislative Redistricting Board">Article III, Section 28 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 29|<span title="Enacting Clause of Laws">Article III, Section 29 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 30|<span title="Laws Passed by Bill; Amendments Changing Purpose Prohibited">Article III, Section 30 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 31|<span title="Origination in Either House; Amendment">Article III, Section 31 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 32|<span title="Reading on Three Several Days">Article III, Section 32 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 33|<span title="Origination of Revenue Bills in House of Representatives">Article III, Section 33 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 34|<span title="Defeated Bills and Resolutions">Article III, Section 34 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 35|<span title="Subjects and Titles of Bills">Article III, Section 35 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 36|<span title="Revival or Amendment by Reference Prohibited">Article III, Section 36 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 37|<span title="Reference to Committee and Report">Article III, Section 37 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 38|<span title="Signing Bills and Joint Resolutions; Entry on Journals">Article III, Section 38 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 39|<span title="Time of Taking Effect of Laws">Article III, Section 39 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 40|<span title="Special Sessions; Subjects of Legislation; Duration">Article III, Section 40 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 41|<span title="Elections by Senate and House of Representatives">Article III, Section 41 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 42|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 42 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 43|<span title="Revision of Laws">Article III, Section 43 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 44|<span title="Extra Compensation; Unauthorized Claims; Unauthorized Employment">Article III, Section 44 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 45|<span title="Power of Courts to Change Venue">Article III, Section 45 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 46|<span title="Uniformity in Collection of Fees">Article III, Section 46 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 47|<span title="General Prohibition on Lotteries and Gift Enterprises; Exceptions">Article III, Section 47 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 48|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 48 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 48-a|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 48-a of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 48-b|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 48-b of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 48-d|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 48-d of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 48-e|<span title="Emergency Services Districts">Article III, Section 48-e of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 48-f|<span title="Jail Districts">Article III, Section 48-f of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49|<span title="State Debts">Article III, Section 49 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-a|<span title="Revenue Estimate by Comptroller; Appropriations Limitation">Article III, Section 49-a of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-b|<span title="Veterans' Land Board; Bond Issues; Veterans' Land and Housing Funds">Article III, Section 49-b of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-b-1|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 49-b-1 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-b-2|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 49-b-2 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-b-3|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 49-b-3 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-c|<span title="Texas Water Development Board; Bonds; Texas Water Development Fund">Article III, Section 49-c of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-d|<span title="Development of Reservoirs and Facilities; Transfer of Facilities or Waters">Article III, Section 49-d of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-d-1|<span title="Additional Texas Water Development Bonds">Article III, Section 49-d-1 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-d-2|<span title="Bonding Authority of Texas Water Development Board">Article III, Section 49-d-2 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-d-3|<span title="Creation and Use of Special Funds for Water Projects">Article III, Section 49-d-3 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-d-4|<span title="Bond Insurance Program for Water Projects">Article III, Section 49-d-4 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-d-5|<span title="Extension of Benefits to Nonprofit Water Supply Corporations">Article III, Section 49-d-5 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-d-6|<span title="Review and Approval of Texas Water Development Bonds">Article III, Section 49-d-6 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-d-7|<span title="Use of Proceeds of Texas Water Development Bonds">Article III, Section 49-d-7 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-d-8|<span title="Texas Water Development Fund II; Bonds; Facilities; Waters">Article III, Section 49-d-8 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-d-9|<span title="General Obligation Bonds for Texas Water Development Fund II">Article III, Section 49-d-9 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-d-10|<span title="Bonds for Financial Assistance to Economically Distressed Areas">Article III, Section 49-d-10 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-d-11|<span title="Authorization for Bonds for Texas Water Development Fund II">Article III, Section 49-d-11 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-d-12|<span title="State Water Implementation Fund for Texas">Article III, Section 49-d-12 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-d-13|<span title="State Water Implementation Revenue Fund for Texas">Article III, Section 49-d-13 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-d-14|<span title="Two Sections with Same Number–Water Management">Article III, Section 49-d-14 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
<!--*[[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-d-16|<span title="Two Sections with Same Number—Broadband Fund and Water Fund">Article III, Section 49-d-16 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]-->
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-e|<span title="Texas Park Development Fund; Bonds">Article III, Section 49-e of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
<!--*[[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-e-1|<span title="Centennial Parks Conservation Fund">Article III, Section 49-e-1 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]-->
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-f|<span title="Bonds for Assistance to Purchase Land and for Rural Development">Article III, Section 49-f of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-g|<span title="Economic Stabilization Fund; Allocation of Certain Tax Revenue">Article III, Section 49-g of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-h|<span title="Bond Issuance for Certain Public Facilities and Institutions">Article III, Section 49-h of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-i|<span title="Texas Agricultural Fund; Rural Microenterprise Development Fund">Article III, Section 49-i of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-j|<span title="Limit on State Debt Payable from General Revenue Fund">Article III, Section 49-j of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-k|<span title="Texas Mobility Fund">Article III, Section 49-k of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-l|<span title="Assistance to Counties for Roadway Projects to Serve Colonias">Article III, Section 49-l of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-m|<span title="Notes and Loans for Texas Department of Transportation Functions">Article III, Section 49-m of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-n|<span title="Two Sections with Same Number–Public Securities">Article III, Section 49-n of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-o|<span title="Texas Rail Relocation and Improvement Fund">Article III, Section 49-o of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 49-p|<span title="General Obligation Bonds for Highway Improvements">Article III, Section 49-p of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 50|<span title="Loan or Pledge of Credit of the State">Article III, Section 50 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 50-a|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 50-a of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 50-b|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 50-b of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 50-b-1|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 50-b-1 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 50-b-2|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 50-b-2 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 50-b-3|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 50-b-3 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 50-b-4|<span title="Additional Student Loans">Article III, Section 50-b-4 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 50-b-5|<span title="Additional Student Loans">Article III, Section 50-b-5 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 50-b-6|<span title="Additional Student Loans">Article III, Section 50-b-6 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 50-b-6A|<span title="Enhancement Agreements with Respect to Bonds Issued for Student Loans">Article III, Section 50-b-6A of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 50-b-7|<span title="Continuing Authorization for Additional Bonds for Student Loans">Article III, Section 50-b-7 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 50-c|<span title="Farm and Ranch Loan Security Fund">Article III, Section 50-c of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 50-d|<span title="Agricultural Water Conservation Fund">Article III, Section 50-d of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 50-e|<span title="Guarantee of Texas Grain Warehouse Self-Insurance Fund">Article III, Section 50-e of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 50-f|<span title="General Obligation Bonds for Certain Projects and Equipment">Article III, Section 50-f of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 50-g|<span title="General Obligation Bonds for Certain Projects and Equipment">Article III, Section 50-g of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 51|<span title="Grants of Public Money Prohibited">Article III, Section 51 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 51-a|<span title="Assistance Grants, Medical Care, and Other Services for Needy Persons">Article III, Section 51-a of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 51-a-1|<span title="Financial Assistance to Local Fire Departments and Organizations">Article III, Section 51-a-1 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 51-a-2|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 51-a-2 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 51-b|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 51-b of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 51-b-1|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 51-b-1 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 51-c|<span title="Aid or Compensation to Persons Improperly Fined or Imprisoned">Article III, Section 51-c of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 51-d|<span title="Assistance to Survivors of Certain Public Servants Suffering Death">Article III, Section 51-d of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 51-e|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 51-e of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 51-f|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 51-f of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 51-g|<span title="Social Security Coverage of Proprietary Employees of Political Subdivisions">Article III, Section 51-g of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 52|<span title="Restrictions on Lending Credit or Making Grants by Political Subdivisions">Article III, Section 52 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 52-a|<span title="Programs and Loans or Grants of Public Money for Economic Development">Article III, Section 52-a of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 52-b|<span title="Loan of State's Credit or Grant of Public Money for Toll Road Purposes">Article III, Section 52-b of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 52-d|<span title="County or Road District Tax for Road and Bridge Purposes in Harris County">Article III, Section 52-d of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 52-e|<span title="County Payment of Medical Expenses of Law Enforcement Officials">Article III, Section 52-e of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 52-f|<span title="Private Road Work by Counties with Population of 7,500 or less">Article III, Section 52-f of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 52-g|<span title="Dallas County Bond Issues for Roads and Turnpikes">Article III, Section 52-g of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 52-h|<span title="Donations by Municipalities of Equipment to Underdeveloped Countries">Article III, Section 52-h of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 52-i|<span title="Donations by Municipalities of Equipment for Rural Fire Protection">Article III, Section 52-i of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 52-j|<span title="Sale of Real Property Acquired Through Eminent Domain">Article III, Section 52-j of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 52-k|<span title="Bonds or Notes to Acquire Land Adjacent to Military Installations">Article III, Section 52-k of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 52-l|<span title="Donation of Law Enforcement Animal">Article III, Section 52-l of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 53|<span title="Payment of Extra Compensation or Unauthorized Claims Prohibited">Article III, Section 53 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 54|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 54 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 55|<span title="Extinguishment of Indebtedness to State or Political Subdivision">Article III, Section 55 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 56|<span title="Prohibited Local and Special Laws">Article III, Section 56 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 57|<span title="Notice of Intention to Apply for Local or Special Law">Article III, Section 57 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 58|<span title="Seat of Government">Article III, Section 58 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 59|<span title="Workers' Compensation Insurance for State Employees">Article III, Section 59 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 60|<span title="Workers' Compensation Insurance for Employees of Political Subdivisions">Article III, Section 60 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 61|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 61 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 61-a|<span title="Minimum Salaries of Certain State Officers">Article III, Section 61-a of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 62|<span title="Continuity of Governmental Operations Following Enemy Attack">Article III, Section 62 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 63|<span title="Repealed">Article III, Section 63 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 64|<span title="Consolidation of and Contracts between Political Subdivisions">Article III, Section 64 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 65|<span title="Maximum Interest Rate on Public Bonds">Article III, Section 65 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 66|<span title="Limitation of Liability for Noneconomic Damages">Article III, Section 66 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]
* [[Texas Constitution:Article III, Section 67|<span title="Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas; Bonds">Article III, Section 67 of the Texas Constitution</span>]]


[[Category:Texas Constitution]]
|historic=
[[Category:By Steve Smith]]
 
[[Category:TxCon ArtIII]]
None.
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[[Category:TxCon ArtIII Sec]]

Latest revision as of 08:59, July 31, 2023

Adopted February 15, 1876:

Two-thirds of each House shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner and under such penalties as each House may provide.

Editor Comments

The first edition of an often-cited treatise on legislative practice and procedure declared that "[t]he right of a legislative assembly, after it is regularly constituted, to have the attendance of all its members except those who are absent on leave, or in the service of the assembly, and to enforce it, if necessary, is one of its most undoubted and important privileges." Luther Cushing, Elements of the Law and Practice of Legislative Assemblies in the United States of America 101 (1856).

Note that the Republic of Texas constitution (1836) and each of the state's first four constitutions (1845, 1861, 1866, & 1869) contained a section with the same substantive language as this section.

The most well-known quorum break involving the Texas Legislature is probably the one executed in 1979 by the so-called "Killer Bees" over a presidential primary bill. But the journals of the House and Senate document numerous other quorum breaks over the years, some more notable than others. Cf. John Brockman, "Railroads, Radicals, and the Militia Bill: A New Interpretation of the Quorum-Breaking Incident of 1870" The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, 83:2 105 (1979).

Attorney Steve Smith

Recent Decisions

  • In re Abbott, 628 S.W.3d 288, 291 (Tex. 2021) ("The question now before this Court is not whether it is a good idea for the Texas House of Representatives to arrest absent members to compel a quorum. Nor is the question whether the proposed voting legislation giving rise to this dispute is desirable. Those are political questions far outside the scope of the judicial function. The legal question before this Court concerns only whether the Texas Constitution gives the House of Representatives the authority to physically compel the attendance of absent members. We conclude that it does, and we therefore direct the district court to withdraw the TRO.")

Historic Decisions

None.

Library Resources

Online Resources