Mónica Dávila is the behavioral health policy fellow with Prosper Waco. Part of her work involves helping the community to better understand our legislative process. Her latest post explains Texas legislative committees.
Committee structure and roles
For the 88th Texas Legislative session, there are 37 Texas House committees and 16 Texas Senate committees. Each committee has a committee chair, vice chair, committee clerk, and committee director. Here is a brief overview of each role’s responsibilities:
Committee Chair
Scheduling hearings for bills and other matters
Setting agendas, such as what bills will be heard
Conducting and maintaining hearings
Managing committee business, including deadlines for bills and ensuring that all necessary documents are maintained
Guiding the committee’s work, such as shaping the committee’s work and priorities
Presenting committee reports
Vice Chair
Plays a supporting role to the committee chair
Supporting the committee’s work through participation in discussions, offering input and feedback, and helping to shape the committee’s priorities and recommendations
Conducting research and analysis on bills
Representing the committee, when committee chair is absent
Committee Clerk
Maintaining records, such as meeting minutes and transcripts
Assists committee chair with scheduling meetings and preparing agendas
Notifying members and the public about upcoming meetings and hearing
Assisting with research
Coordinating with other staff and agencies
Providing logistical support
Committee Director
Managing the committee staff by assigning tasks, providing support and guidance, and more
Developing the committee agenda along with the committee members
Conducting research and analysis
Works closely with committee to draft legislation and amendments
Managing the committee budget
Serving as a liaison between the committee and other stakeholders
Why do committee assignments matter? Every piece of legislation will be referred to its appropriate committee. Committee chairs will decide which bills get scheduled for hearings. Although a bill can get scheduled for a hearing, the committee chair will decide if and when a vote will be called. A bill needs to be voted out of the committee to move forward; the next step would be for the bill to be brought to the chamber.
Mónica Dávila is the behavioral health policy fellow with Prosper Waco.
It is a position funded by the Hogg Foundation.