By Rachael Dunlap
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-642601.mp3
Dallas, TX – The author of one of 16 constitutional amendments on the ballot statewide believes it could lead to more transparency in the Texas Legislature. Proposition-11 would require lawmakers to go on record for a 3rd reading or final vote of any major bill or resolution. Dallas House member Dan Branch believes it would make legislators more responsible for their votes.
Branch: When I came to the Legislature in 2003, a lot of the votes on bills were just expected and a lot of the time members weren't even here when those votes were taken. So, people will realize that they have to be held accountable. This will change the culture.
Recorded votes would be made available on the internet and in House and/or Senate journals. But critics argue all votes at every step of an issue should be recorded, saying final votes ignore important intermediate steps. Others argue voting on record is time consuming and could discourage voting outside party lines.