Focus Report, Volume 76, Number 3, January 1999 Page: 8
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House Research Organization
ag -
Debate on certain motions not pertaining to the
merits of a bill (such as a motion to suspend the
rules) is limited to three minutes "pro" and three
minutes "con." (Rule 7, sec. 2 contains a complete list
of these motions.)
Members recognized as having the floor may not
lose the floor by the introduction of any motion, even
one to adjourn (Rule 5, sec. 26). Members desiring to
interrupt a person who has the floor must address the
chair and ask if the person speaking will yield. After
the chair transmits the request, the person who has
the floor decides whether or not to yield. The chair
must announce the decision to yield before the other
member may speak. Any time consumed by yielding
for a question is charged against the person who has
the floor. If a member yields to allow another member
to make a motion or to offer an amendment, the
member loses the floor (Rule 5, secs. 25, 26, 28).
Motions
During House debate only certain motions may be
accepted (Rule 7, sec. 3). The order of preference for
these motions is as follows:
+ to adjourn.
+ to recess.
+ to lay on the table. Such motions are commonly
used to kill a measure. Motions to table are not
debatable. However, the author of the matter up for
tabling is permitted to close debate on the matter
before the motion to table is voted on (Rule 7, sec.
12). A motion to table is sometimes used as a "test
vote" on a bill or amendment. If the motion to table
prevails, the bill or amendment is dead. If the motion
fails, the bill or amendment still has a chance of
passage.
+ to lay on the table subject to call. Such motions
often are used to stall for time in which to garner
additional votes. To recall a measure on the same day
it is tabled requires only a majority vote. To recall a
measure on a later day requires one day's advance
notice and majority approval (Rule 7, sec. 13).
+ to call for the "previous question." Successful
motions for the previous question cut off debate and
bring the previous question (the main issue being
debated) to a vote. If at least 25 members second
such a motion, opponents and proponents then get
three minutes each to speak. Motions to call the
previous question are not subject to motions to table.Successful motions for the previous question do not
cut off discussion of amendments that have not been
read but are on the speaker's desk. These may be
considered before the previous question is ordered
(Rule 7, secs. 21-36).
+ to postpone to a day certain. Such motions may be
amended but may be debated only within narrow limits
(Rule 7, sec. 14).
+ to commit, recommit, refer or re-refer, within
certain limits (Rule 7, secs. 17-20).
+ to amend by striking out the enacting or resolving
clause. If approved, such motions effectively kill the
legislation (Rule 11, sec. 7).
+ to amend (see next section).
+ to postpone indefinitely (Rule 7, sec. 14).
Amendments
Five copies of all amendments, except committee
amendments or amendments to delete language, must
be submitted in writing at the speaker's desk. One
extra copy must be supplied to the chief clerk if the
amendment is one page or less, and 15 extra copies
are required for longer amendments (Rule 11, sec. 6).
An amendment that exceeds one page in length and
is a complete substitute for a bill, or, in the speaker's
opinion, is a substantial substitute, may not be
considered unless 25 copies have been provided to the
chief clerk and are available in the Chief Clerk's
Office at least 12 hours before the bill to be amended
is eligible for consideration on the floor (Rule 11, sec.
6(e)).
On second or third reading, after the bill caption
has been read and opening remarks offered, members
may offer amendments. The priority for types of
amendments is as follows:
* amendments to delete a bill's enacting or resolving
clause, thus killing the bill. These amendments are not
subject to amendment or substitution.
* amendments to otherwise alter the bill.
+ amendments to the original amendment.
+ a substitute for the amendment to the amendment.
+ amendments to strike all words after the enacting0s
P e 8
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Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas. Legislature. House of Representatives. Research Organization. Focus Report, Volume 76, Number 3, January 1999, periodical, January 29, 1999; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth641010/m1/8/?q=%22~1~1%22~1: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.