ISSUE Now in a third session of the Legislature (which Gov. Abbot called as COVID infections hit a new peak), state leadership is using every trick in the book to thwart voting rights and suppress turnout. The bill that passed out of the house on August 23 is a complete House committee substitute for SB […]
Protect Public Education
The quality of public education in Texas is under threat from several bills. Other bills that would improve public education will die if they are not heard and approved this week. The Bad HB 3979 would severely limit how educators teach history and social studies. It would also keep students from participating in civic activities […]
Keep Control of School Districts in Local Hands (SB 1365)
ISSUE Democratically elected school boards are essential because they know best when it comes to managing local education efforts. They are responsible to the communities they serve. But the authority of those elected positions is under attack. Senate Bill 1365 would disenfranchise voters by allowing the appointed commissioner of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to […]
People Should Not Be Trapped in Jail Awaiting Trial (HB 20)
ISSUE House Bill 20 would require individuals–presumed innocent but accused of a crime–to pay for release from jail. It would take away judicial discretion to release large categories of people on personal bond. This means that people who do not have money would have to stay in jail indefinitely, while people with money would be […]
Don’t Limit Free Speech and Engagement in Classrooms (HB 3979)
ISSUE House Bill 3979 would control how educators can teach history and social studies students. It targets the diversity and inclusion efforts already underway in public schools across Texas. HB 3979 is part of a trend nationwide to keep educators and students from discussing and learning from history and current events. This trend would prohibit […]
Budget Action for SB 1 In Conference Committee
MAY 10 UPDATE ISSUE Both the Senate and House have passed their versions of the appropriations bill (SB 1). A conference committee is now deciding how to reconcile the differences in the bills, which will determine how much money will be spent for the next two fiscal years. This stage of the budget process will […]
Senate Should Pass a Year of Medicaid Coverage for Mothers (HB 133)
ISSUE Texas leads the nation in maternal mortality–women dying after childbirth. HB 133, currently in the Senate Health and Human Service Committee, would extend Medicaid for 12 months after pregnancy. HB 133 would save women’s lives. The staff of the chair of the Senate HHS Committee is saying that HB 133 is not needed because […]
Pro-Voter Bills to Support!
HEARING IS THURSDAY, APRIL 29 ISSUE Among the bills that will be heard before the House Elections Committee on April 29, 2021, we like the following pro-voter bills and think they deserve our support. (It’s a House hearing where several Senate bills will also be included.) HB 32 would allow a parent or legal guardian […]
Keep Local Control of Charter School Expansions (SB 28)
COMMITTEE HEARING ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28 ISSUE Senate Bill 28, which will be heard in House Public Education Committee on Wednesday, April 28, would remove the power of local governments and the State Board of Education (SBOE) to limit the expansion of charter schools. It would allow all charter school operators to site campuses wherever […]
Save Power and Money for Texans! (SB 243, HB 4556)
HOUSE AND SENATE HEARINGS ON APRIL 20 ISSUE The Texas Legislature needs to scale up goals for energy efficiency. These two bills (Senate Bill 243 and its companion House Bill 4556) would raise energy efficiency standards, invest in energy efficiency programs, and help weatherize homes and businesses. This would reduce the ever-growing demand on the […]
More Attacks on Transgender Youth and Those Who Care for Them (SBs 1311/1646, HBs 1399/1424)
ISSUE Quick Take: There will be hearings this week (week of April 12) on several bills that would limit healthcare access for transgender children. Senate, Monday, April 12, 9 AM Senate State Affairs Committee hearing on SBs 1311 and 1646. SB 1311 would ban healthcare providers from providing gender-affirming care to transgender children. SB 1646 […]
Stop Attacks on Transgender Children! (SB 29) (2)
ISSUE SB 29 passed out of committee last week and now heads to the full senate. Time to contact your state senator and urge them to oppose SB 29. SB 29 bans transgender children from participating in student athletics teams that match their gender identities, excluding them from the friendship, education, teamwork, and health benefits […]
Don’t Force Companies to Invest in Fossil Fuels. Stop HB 2189!
ACT BY THURSDAY, APRIL 1 ISSUE House Bill 2189 (and its Senate companion bill SB 13) would require the State of Texas and its entities (including state pension funds and the state’s huge K-12 school endowment) to cut ties with companies that refuse to invest in fossil fuels. Scientific data shows that we must decrease […]
Defeat HB 6, a Voter Suppression and Criminalization Act (and SB 7, too!)
ISSUE We saw proof in 2020–Texans want to vote and they did! Now, the Texas Legislature is taking up comprehensive election bills that will deter voters and restrict election officials: House Bill 6 Senate Bill 7 in the Senate. 3/30 Update on SB 7: On Friday (3/26), despite many hours of public testimony–the vast majority […]
Keep Control of Schools Local (SB 28 and 1365)
ISSUE Senate Bill 28 would remove the power of local governments and the State Board of Education to limit the expansion of charter schools. It would allow charter schools to site their campuses wherever and whenever they want, without local government oversight or review by the State Board of Education. Senate Bill 1365 gives wide […]