David Simpson
From the AAS:
Simpson said that he would like to “decentralize” the power in the House that is concentrated in the hands of the speaker and his chief lieutenants. Along with Simpson, state Rep. Van Taylor, R-Plano, will be leading the challenge. Reps. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, and Bill Zedler, R-Arlington, also will be part of the push to give more power to the members.
Although they have an uphill battle, even Straus’ supporters acknowledge that the chamber usually approves some changes in its rules every session.
The challengers are expected to offer more than 30 proposals, ranging from making it easier for members to pass bills that the House leadership might not like, to limiting the speaker’s ability to name committee members, to requiring special treatment of tax bills.
For example, one proposal would require the caption of a tax bill summary to literally spell out that it’s a tax bill — sort of a “truth in advertising” idea, Taylor said. Also, he’ll propose that all tax bills go through the Ways and Means Committee and not get sneaked in via other committees.
Taylor said his motivations are simple: to ensure that the people of Texas are the ones with the real power in government.
“It’s really to empower the members,” Taylor said. “Giving more choices to members empowers the people.”
Straus’ office didn’t have a comment, but Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, a trusted member of his team, noted that the House rules have been tweaked every session and changes should be well thought out. He also said that big changes could result in big problems.
“If you change too much, there are unintended consequences,” he said. Branch noted that the current rules make sure that legislation that comes to the floor is properly vetted in committees.
