The Legislature’s size, work load and time constraints make it impossible for the entire legislative body to consider every proposed bill by members. During the 2007 session, 6,190 bills were filed but 1,672 bills became law. The governor signed 1,651 bills into law, allowed 21 to pass without his signature and he vetoed 54. Committees in the House and Senate conduct most of the basic business of the Texas Legislature. Most bills never make it out of committee.

Texas House

• The Texas Constitution requires committees to consider, approve and file a report before the House membership can take up a bill.
• Each committee has jurisdiction over specific subject matter.
• In 2007, there were 40 standing committees in the House and an additional six subcommittees.
• House committee membership is determined by seniority and by the speaker of the House.
• Each representative serves on at least one committee; most serve on two or three.
• The speaker assigns bill proposals to committees — a powerful tool in influencing policy.

Click here to view a full list of House committees and their members for the current legislative session.

Texas Senate

• The lieutenant governor determines committee membership.
• While the Senate does not require subject matter jurisdiction for its committees and the lieutenant governor has the authority to refer legislation to any Senate standing committee, unofficial jurisdiction is usually followed to prevent duplication of effort by committees.
• Senators typically sit on three or four committees each.
• In 2007, there were 15 Senate committees, and five subcommittees.

Click here to view a full list of Senate committees and their members for the current legislative session.