Texas Senate Information

The Senate Chamber, located in the east wing of the Capitol, is the setting for negotiation, debate and legislative action by 31 senators. As established by the Texas Constitution, a senator must be at least 26 years of age, a citizen of Texas five years prior to election, and a resident of the district from which elected one year prior to election. Each senator serves a four-year term— one-half of the Senate membership is elected every two years. As presiding officer of the Senate, the lieutenant governor is officially called the President of the Senate. The lieutenant governor is elected by a statewide popular vote to serve a four-year term of office. The lieutenant governor is not a member of the Senate, and votes only in case of a tie. The lieutenant governor appoints all chairs and members of Senate committees, and refers all bills to committee. The lieutenant governor also schedules most bills for consideration on the Senate floor. Bills which are local or uncontested are scheduled by the Senate Administration Committee. The Senate holds the power of advice and consent on gubernatorial appointments to state boards and commissions. Source: http://www.senate.state.tx.us/assets/pdf/2007_Citizen_Handbook.pdf