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Two Thirds Rule Being Challenged AUSTIN, TX (KERA) - While the main feature on this opening day of the legislature was the election of new House Speaker Joe Straus, Texas Senators were also gathering. And on that side of the capitol there were signs of a brewing dispute.

Republican Senator Dan Patrick wants the Senate to change the so called two third's rule. It requires 21 of the 31 senators to agree on a bill before it is sent to the full body for a vote. Houston Republican Dan Patrick wants that required support lowered to 19, which just happens to be the number of Republicans in the Senate.

Senator Patrick: The key is, our body must bring legislation to the floor that the people want us to pass. We must end the gridlock that's created by 21 and However we do that on issues that the people care about I'm willing to support a variety of diffeent ideas. But I'd like to see a three fifths rule. Senate Democrat Royce West of Dallas says he wouldn't support the change. Some lawmakers say it might allow the Senate to pass a voter ID bill that Democrats blocked the last session. © Copyright 2009, KERA