Texas. Legislature. Senate. Office of the Secretary

The Secretary of the Senate is elected by the Texas Senate as its chief executive administrator. The Secretary participates in the legislative process by calling roll and reading bills, maintaining legislative records, and receiving legislative messages and communications. The Secretary also receives prefiled bills for the upcoming session as provided for in Senate Rule 7.04, supervises the elected officers of the Senate, and controls and coordinates the operation of the central Senate staff.

Beyond his/her administrative duties in the office and legislative duties on the floor, the Secretary must satisfy the demands of his/her electorate, the 31 members of the Senate. She or he must answer queries from citizens and groups from throughout the state and the nation, and participate in ceremonial and social occasions as a representative of the Senate. During the interim, the Secretary of the Senate's office serves as a general administrative office, information center and clearinghouse for staff functions.