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Bill Clayton (1928-), a state representative for 20 years, served as speaker from 1975 to 1983, a tenure twice as long as that of any other presiding officer of the house elected before him. Clayton, a conservative Democrat from a rural area of the Panhandle, attained the speakership by successfully forging a broad-based house coalition. Born in Olney on September 11,1928, Clayton grew up in Springlake and attended Texas A&M University, where he earned a degree in agricultural economics. After graduating in 1950, he returned to Springlake to shoulder the management of the family farm. Eventually, Clayton expanded his agricultural operations and became involved in many diversified business enterprises. He also participated in precinct and county politics, and in 1960 served as a delegate for Lyndon Johnson at the Democratic National Convention. Two years later, Clayton ran for the vacated seat of Jess Osborne, the incumbent state representative, and not only won election to the 58th Legislature in 1962, but also was reelected to the House in nine consecutive races. Clayton, a leading spokesman on water issues, sponsored major legislation addressing the state's need for increased water resources and effective conservation programs. He also promoted these issues as a delegate to many regional and national conferences on water. As Speaker of the House, Clayton extensively modernized House operations. To begin with, he implemented a more streamlined, cost-efficient system of house administration. Texas' lawmakers were provided with more support services, and advanced computerization of legislative information further facilitated their work. Clayton refurbished press facilities in the Capitol; the Capitol's space problem was alleviated with the acquisition of additional office space in the Reagan Building for legislative agencies, House operating staff, and House committees. In reforming House rules and policies, Clayton placed particular emphasis on expanding the role of the standing House committees. He initiated the issuance of interim charges to those committees, directing them to conduct research on legislative issues between regular sessions. Clayton delegated to standing committees additional budgetary and oversight responsibilities for state agencies and institutions under their jurisdiction. Also, by modifying the method of reviewing appropriations bills, he allowed legislators more participation in the budget-setting process. Another policy change instituted by Clayton permits House members to file bills in advance of the session, thereby reducing the overload of paperwork and printing when the legislature convenes. Speaker Clayton also served as vice-chairman of the Joint Advisory Committee on Governmental Operations ("Hobby-Clayton Commission"). As a result of one of the recommendations made by that interim body, which was created by the 64th Legislature in 1975, the next legislature passed the Texas Sunset Act. Although Clayton chose not to pursue elective office again in 1982, he has maintained his active interest in legislative affairs. In 1985, Clayton switched to the Republican Party and, four years later, was appointed by Governor William P. Clements, Jr., to serve as a regent of the Texas A&M University System. In 1990, Clayton returned to school and received a master of business administration degree from the University of Texas at Austin two years later. He currently is president of Capital Consultants, a political and business consulting firm in Austin, and maintains a farming operation and vineyard in Springlake with his son, Tommy Clayton. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Presiding Officers of the Texas Legislature, 1846-2002. [Austin, Tex.]: Texas Legislative Council, 2002. link: Billy Clayton.
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