Sharon Carter
Biographical Information
- First Appointed: 2019
Contact Information
(512) 463-2003
Powers & Duties
The Parliamentarian of the Texas House serves as the chamber’s chief procedural adviser, ensuring that every action taken on the floor complies with the House Rules, the Texas Constitution, and established parliamentary precedent. Although the position is not elected, it is one of the most influential staff roles in the Legislature. The Parliamentarian interprets the rules for the Speaker and members, guides the flow of debate, and helps determine whether motions, amendments, and procedural maneuvers are in order. Because legislative strategy often hinges on technical compliance with procedure, the Parliamentarian’s rulings can shape the outcome of major bills long before a vote is cast.
A central responsibility of the Parliamentarian is advising the Speaker during floor proceedings. When members raise points of order, challenge the germaneness of amendments, or question whether a motion is proper, the Speaker relies on the Parliamentarian’s expertise to issue a ruling. These determinations decide whether legislation can advance, must be delayed, or is procedurally invalid. The Parliamentarian also plays a key role in bill referral by helping the Speaker ensure that legislation is sent to the correct committee according to the jurisdiction established in the House Rules.
Beyond the legislative session, the Parliamentarian helps maintain, revise, and interpret the House Rules themselves. When a new legislature convenes, the Parliamentarian advises members on proposed changes to the rules and provides institutional continuity as leadership and membership shift. The office is also responsible for preserving precedent, researching past rulings, and ensuring that the chamber’s procedural history is consistently applied. In practice, this means the Parliamentarian acts as both the guardian and the architect of House procedure.
While the Parliamentarian has no vote and does not publicly debate policy, the power of procedural interpretation gives the office immense practical influence over the legislative process. A single ruling can determine whether a bill moves forward, whether an amendment sticks, or whether a member’s strategy succeeds. For that reason, the Parliamentarian is one of the most consequential figures in the Texas House who never appears on a ballot, a procedural referee whose decisions quietly help shape the direction and priorities of the Legislature.
