Texas is thinking about separating itself from the rest of the United States and becoming an independent nation. A bill in Texas has been introduced, H.B. 3596, known as the “TEXIT Referendum Act” would allow a vote on “whether or not the State should investigate the possibility of Texas independence.” 

If H.B. 3596 is passed, it will place a referendum on the ballot, asking the people of Texas whether or not the State should investigate the possibility of the state declaring independence, and if so to present plans to the state’s legislature.

If legislators decide to go forward with a secession vote, H.B. 3596 proposes, “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.”

Any serious attempt to secede from the United States would face significant legal and practical challenges, including issues related to citizenship, borders, trade, and security. The introduction of H.B. 3596 is a political matter that would involve complex legal and constitutional issues.

It is important to note that secession is not a legal or constitutional option available to individual states at this time. The US Constitution does not provide a path for secession and the Supreme Court has ruled that secession is unconstitutional. 

The Texit bill is unlikely to result in any substantive action towards secession, but if a majority of the people of Texas end up voting ‘yes’ on the referendum, a committee would be established to investigate the feasibility of independence from the Union and propose options and potential plans for independence to the Texas Legislature.

Image adapted from AnonMoos based on image by Darwinek is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0