The Texas Legislature, a cornerstone of state governance established by the Texas Constitution of 1876, serves as the primary lawmaking body for America’s second-largest state. Operating from the historic State Capitol in Austin, built in 1888, it maintains a bicameral structure consisting of two distinct chambers: the 150-member House of Representatives and the 31-member Senate. Together, these chambers represent over 29 million Texans across 254 counties, making it one of the largest state legislatures in the United States.

The House of Representatives features 150 members elected from districts of approximately equal population, with each member representing about 194,000 constituents. Representatives serve two-year terms, face re-election every even-numbered year, and must be at least 21 years old, Texas residents for two years, and district residents for one year before election. The House is led by the Speaker, elected by House members, who manages chamber operations and assigns committee leadership.

The Senate’s 31 members represent larger districts of roughly 940,000 constituents each. Senators serve four-year terms staggered so half the chamber faces election every two years. Senatorial candidates must be at least 26 years old, Texas residents for five years, and district residents for one year before election. The Lieutenant Governor, elected statewide, serves as President of the Senate, wielding significant power in committee assignments and legislative priorities.

This bicameral structure creates a system of checks and balances within the legislative process, requiring both chambers to agree on legislation before it can become law. The Legislature’s composition reflects Texas’s diverse population, with representatives from urban, suburban, and rural districts bringing varied perspectives to state governance. Operating under a part-time model, known as a “citizen legislature,” members maintain careers outside their legislative duties, bringing real-world experience to their lawmaking responsibilities.