AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Texas House has passed - but fallen short of giving final approval to - a proposed state constitutional amendment allowing some statewide officeholders to no longer be required to live in Austin.
Lawmakers on Monday voted 94-46 to endorse a proposal by tea party-backed Sen. Donna Campbell. It would excuse the attorney general, land commissioner and comptroller form living in the state capital.
As a proposed constitutional amendment, though, it needs two-thirds House support, or a minimum of 100 votes.
A final chance will come during a vote Tuesday.
The proposal would put a referendum on this November’s general election ballot, letting voters decide whether to change the Texas Constitution and scrap a statewide officeholder residency requirement from 1876.
Campbell argues technology has made it obsolete.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.