What a State Senator Does...

State Senator Responsibilities

  • Serves in the Texas Senate – at the pleasure of the voting electorate of a particular district– for a four-year term
  • Serves on the various Senate committees at the pleasure of the Lieutenant Governor
  • Proposes legislation, and considers legislation proposed by his/her colleagues for passage
  • Seeks to represent the will of the district’s constituency in all legislative matters
  • Receives inquiries from constituents who may need assistance with a state agency
  • Receives inquiries from constituents who wish to voice opinions on matters before the legislature, or who wish to advocate for the proposal of legislative changesAs a body, the State Senate holds the power of advice and consent on gubernatorial appointments to state boards and commissions
  • The only requirements of the entire State Legislature are those of addressing the biennial appropriations (or budget) that must originate in the House, as well as the re-drawing of legislative districts (redistricting) after the decennial census.

 

State Senator Qualifications

  • Must be at least 26 years of age
  • Must be a citizen of Texas for five years prior to election
  • Must be a resident (for at least one year prior to being elected) of the district from which he or she is elected

 

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