Texas House adopts rules to curb speaker's power

House members say they want to trust. But new era or not, they still need to verify. In adopting rules they'll operate under for this year's session, members on Wednesday reflected damage from six years of acrimony in their chamber. Representatives wrangled over how to limit a speaker's power over bills and how to protect against overreach by a favored few. At one point, several asked new Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, to verify the accuracy of a close vote. The issue was which committee would handle matters relating to the federal economic stimulus package. Straus ordered a check of the vote. Before it could occur, though, his allies forged a compromise. Still, the day was filled with discussions of potential abuse of power. "After six years, there's no trust left in this place. That's what this is all about," said Rep. Mark Homer, D-Paris, weary after debate of dozens of amendments to the rules resolution. After a long day, the House approved a nearly 200-page rule book on a 147-1 vote. It permits a majority of the chamber's 150 members to dump a speaker in mid-session. The provision reflects unhappiness with last session's claims by former Speaker Tom Craddick, R-Midland, that he had "absolute power" not to recognize a motion to oust him. One last-minute addition by Rep. Abel Herrero, D-Robstown, would let House members appeal if the speaker would not recognize someone wanting to remove the speaker. The rules also eliminate a half-dozen minor committees and improve senior members' chances of getting on the influential Appropriations Committee, which writes the state budget. After much debate, the House kept supervision of the scandal-plagued Texas Youth Commission under the revamped Corrections and Public Safety Committee. Rep. Jerry Madden, R-Richardson, who has headed the old Corrections Committee, said its members are "the most knowledgeable group" and can keep pressure on for changes in youth lock-ups. The House also beefed up the State Affairs Committee. It will grow to 15 seats, from nine. And it will oversee all electricity and telecommunications matters, previously handled by the Regulated Industries panel, which was abolished.