Proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the powers of the governor, the legislature, and the supreme court following certain disaster or emergency declarations.

SJR 40 proposes a constitutional amendment that would require the Texas governor to call a special legislative session if a disaster or emergency affects significant portions of the state (e.g., 40% of counties, half the population, or two-thirds of counties in three trauma areas). It would give the legislature the power to renew or extend emergency declarations beyond 30 days (90 days for nuclear/radiological events) and to pass related laws. The amendment also specifies that legislative votes on modifying or ending emergency declarations would not be subject to certain constitutional restrictions. This would directly affect how Texas manages prolonged emergencies by shifting authority to require legislative approval for extended emergency powers.