Lecture notes for 4/26/99

Formal functions of the Texas Legislature
     -Lawmaking function
          -Similar process as in the U.S. government except in the U.S. government,
               if a person wanted to introduce a bill, he or she needs to file and
               introduce it to the House or Senate
               -Prefiling of motions
                    -A legislative activity beyond the 140 days (making a motion while
                         Congress is not in session)
     -Redistricting
          -National and state function
               -Drawing district lines for both state and federal levels
                    -Will be redrawn in 2002
     -Constitutional amendments
          -Consideration of national amendments
          -Texas Constitution is the longest state constitution in the U.S.
          -Part of the state constitution conflicts other parts of the state constitution
               as well as parts of the U.S. constitution.
               -Deadwood:  something in the constitution that is null and void
          -The consideration of amendments by the legislators is a continual, ongoing
               process.
     -Judicial function
          -Relatively reserved and limited because the legislators use this
               power for cases of impeachment
          -Writing laws that affect the legal system, courts, judicial practices, etc.
     -Administrative function
          -Legislative oversight of the administrative agencies of the state
               -Holds hearings, meetings, checking out agencies periodically,
                    monitoring actions of agencies, etc.

          -Sunset Advisory Committee:  created by the Sunset Act (1977); created an agency
               that viewed the other agencies and determined if any agencies need more
               funding, require less funding, need to be eliminated, etc.
               -Very influential in the budgeting process
          -Official investigation of state agencies
               -Investigate cases of fraud, negligence, abuse, etc.

Informal functions and powers
     -Setting political agenda
          -Linked with prefiling of motions
     -Education and providing information to the public
          -Members of state House and Senate are primary educators of
               constituency of what's going on in Austin
     -Casework:  doing things for constituents
          -Intervening for constituents with state agencies
          -Not as important on the state level than on the federal level because
               the legislators only work part time.