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SJR 44

Proposing a constitutional amendment to remove the governor's line-item veto authority.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Sarah Eckhardt

Proposes Texas constitutional amendment eliminating governor's line-item veto authority, requiring full bill approval or rejection instead.

Co-author authorized
#governor(i0375) #houseofrepresentatives(v0096) #legislature(i0520) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661) #senate #texas(v0227) #statefinances--appropriations(i0746)
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Bill Summary · SJR 44

Legislative bill overview

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that would eliminate the Texas governor's line-item veto power—the ability to reject specific spending items within appropriations bills while signing the rest into law. If approved by voters in a statewide election, the amendment would require the governor to either sign or veto entire bills without selective cuts.

Why this is important

The line-item veto is a significant executive power that allows governors to control spending without blocking entire legislation. Removing it would shift budget authority more toward the legislature and eliminate a key tool governors have used to enforce fiscal priorities or oppose specific spending provisions. This represents a fundamental change in the balance of power between branches of state government.

Potential points of contention

  • Executive power reduction: Governors from both parties have relied on line-item veto authority for decades; elimination could diminish executive influence over state spending priorities
  • Legislative gridlock risk: Without this veto option, governors might resort to vetoing complete bills, potentially creating more legislative stalemates over budget disputes
  • Fiscal discipline concerns: Proponents may argue the veto enables wasteful spending by allowing line-by-line cuts, while opponents may contend it gives too much power to prevent legitimate appropriations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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