ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the members and leaders of the Texas legislature. It explains how the Texas legislature is organized to do the state's business and how well that business is being done. To sit in the Texas House, one must be at least 21, a US citizen, a registered voter, and a resident of Texas for two years and of the legislative district for one year. Fifty years ago, the Texas legislature was the preserve of white, middle-aged businessmen, lawyers, and ranchers. Texas legislators tend to be well-educated. Only about 2 percent hold less than a four-year college degree. The Texas legislature meets in biennial session for 140 days, beginning on the second Tuesday in January of odd-numbered years. Texas state legislators receive just $600 a month, or $7,200 a year, for their service. The Speaker of the House is a constitutional office, though the constitution describes it only in the most general terms.
