Just the News reports that a bill that would result in Texas seceding from the United States has now been assigned to a committee.
This, of course, doesn't mean that Texas is on the verge of separating itself from the United States. But, it is certainly a step in that direction.
The bill that has been assigned to a committee is known as the Texas Independence Referendum Act.
It is also being referred to as "TEXIT," which has become a common way to refer to such efforts at separation - such "Brexit," when the United Kingdom separated itself from the European Union.
Legislatively, the Texas Referendum Act is labeled HB 3596. It can be read in its entirety here.
The bill states:
At the general election to be held November 7, 2023, the voters shall be permitted to vote in a referendum on the question of whether this state should reassert its status as an independent nation.
The bill goes on to state that a "Referendum Proposition" would be placed on the ballot, which would ask voters the question, " Should the State of Texas reassert its status as an independent nation?"
The legislation was introduced by Texas state Rep. Bryan Slaton (R) on March 6, which is the anniversary of Mexico's taking of the Alamo in 1836.
In introducing the bill, Slaton released a statement, saying:
The Texas Constitution is clear that all political power resides in the people. After decades of continuous abuse of our rights and liberties by the federal government, it is time to let the people of Texas make their voices heard.
It is not clear how much support there is among the people of Texas for the Texas Independence Referendum.
But, Daniel Miller, the president of the Texas Nationalist Movement - which boasts well over 400,000 members - expressed optimism about the future of the Texas Independence Referendum.
He said:
[The bill is] headed to the State Affairs Committee in the Texas House, and we're looking forward to having it scheduled for testimony and letting the public speak and say with one loud voice that at a minimum, whether you agree with TEXIT or disagree, Texans should have a vote on the issue.
This is not Texas's first attempt to secede from the United States. Just the News reports:
Texas has attempted to secede from the U.S. on multiple occasions, but the Supreme Court ruled in the 1868 case Texas v. White that states could not unilaterally secede from the union.
It remains to be seen whether the present secession effort will be more successful than previous ones.
