88th Legislative Session - Committee Hearings on RPT Legislative Priorities
Legislative Priorities Report for 4.18.23
Posted 4.18.2023 - by RPT Staff
Although anything can still happen, if bills are not out of committee hearing by this Thursday, they are generally not going to pass. While that is a mixed blessing, it does not bode well for many of our priority bills still stuck in committee.
On a positive note, we now have two major priority bills moving in the House. Representative Patterson’s HB 900, which would remove explicit books from public school libraries, was scheduled for a floor vote on Wednesday.
HB 1686/SB 14, banning gender mutilation of children was voted out of committee to Calendars to be scheduled for a floor vote soon.
This week, we have priority bills in multiple House hearings, including in the Elections and Public Education committees. We appreciate Elections Chairman Reggie Smith for scheduling several of our LP approved bills for Protect Our Elections after your calls last week.
ACTION: Please register in favor of the following RPT Legislative Priority and Election Integrity approved bills at the Capitol this week.
Simply click the link for the committee (below) and scroll to the bottom of the notice, where instructions are given to submit comments electronically.
Thursday, April 20, 2023
House Elections 8 am E2.016
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A critical Bill (HB 4876 – Hefner) remains pending in the House Judiciary Committee. This Bill provides for a private right of action against those persons and entities which perform or assist in unlawful abortions, defined as a “wrongful act.” Notably, included in the definition of “wrongful act” is the manufacture, marketing, mailing, distribution, transportation, delivery, provision, or possession of mifepristone or misoprostol, which are abortion-inducing drugs. Today, most abortions are obtained through these drugs rather than clinical abortions. This bill would prevent their use in Texas, even from out-of-state sources. Please call the House Judiciary Committee Chairman, Rep. Jeff Leach, at 512-463-0790 and voice your support for this significant legislation.
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SB 959, by Sen. Campbell, was passed out of the Senate State Affairs Committee. This bill includes open enrollment Charter Schools as a “public entity” and prohibits that entity from entering transactions with abortion providers.
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On Thursday, April 20th, we are hosting an event to support Banning Gender Modification of Children. In the morning, please visit House members’ offices to advocate for this priority. Then, in the afternoon, we hear from a broad coalition, including legislators, grassroots groups, and de-transitioners. We will meet from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Legislative Conference Center in the Capitol extension. NTX Conservatives are hosting free buses from the Denton, Collin, and Wise county areas. Contact them for more information on their website.
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Also, on the 25th – The RPT is collaborating with grassroots leaders, organizations, religious groups, and churches across the state to come together for the Stop Sexualizing Texas Kids Day of Action and Prayer at the Texas State Capitol. It will be a full day of legislative action with briefings, a press conference, and ending with a prayer service in the evening. NTX Conservatives will also have buses for this day. Use the link above to contact them.
Action Steps:
Jill Glover
SREC, SD 12
Chair, SREC Legislative Priorities Committee
Posted 4.18.2023 - by RPT Staff
Although anything can still happen, if bills are not out of committee hearing by this Thursday, they are generally not going to pass. While that is a mixed blessing, it does not bode well for many of our priority bills still stuck in committee.
On a positive note, we now have two major priority bills moving in the House. Representative Patterson’s HB 900, which would remove explicit books from public school libraries, was scheduled for a floor vote on Wednesday.
HB 1686/SB 14, banning gender mutilation of children was voted out of committee to Calendars to be scheduled for a floor vote soon.
This week, we have priority bills in multiple House hearings, including in the Elections and Public Education committees. We appreciate Elections Chairman Reggie Smith for scheduling several of our LP approved bills for Protect Our Elections after your calls last week.
ACTION: Please register in favor of the following RPT Legislative Priority and Election Integrity approved bills at the Capitol this week.
Simply click the link for the committee (below) and scroll to the bottom of the notice, where instructions are given to submit comments electronically.
Thursday, April 20, 2023
House Elections 8 am E2.016
- HB2809 – YES – Voter Registration crosscheck system – This bill will eliminate the use of the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) by limiting the expenditure allowed, limiting access to personal data, limiting activities allowed (no voter registration) of the Interstate Crosscheck program.
- HB1671 – YES – Places Civil Penalties on ballot harvesting
- HB862 – YES – Non-citizen registration cancellation
- HB5259 – YES – Relating to death records maintained and provided by the vital statistics unit of the Dept of State Health Services
- HB1299 – YES – Requires a wet signature on mail ballot envelopes
- HB3449 – YES – Ballots by mail signature timing
- HB4399 – YES – Central Counting Station plan
- HB2860 – YES – Maintaining certain voter registration information, reviewing BBMA and offenses
- HB 5180 – Requires accessibility by the general public (within 61 days) to view anonymous voted ballots, cast vote records and ballot images
- HB 3611 – Bans ranked choice voting in Texas.
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- HB 2813 Tinderholt – Restricting employers from facilitating employees’ travel to obtain an abortion
- HB 3738 Cain – Allowing a right of private action for the enforcement and validity of laws restricting abortion and includes a waiver of sovereign immunity.
- HB 3850 Slaton – Assuring the restrictions on abortions apply to pregnant biological females who identify as males
- HB 5249 Klick – Prohibiting public entities from providing financial assistance for obtaining abortions and providing for a private right of action. This Bill is the companion bill to SB 2378 Campbell, which is still pending in the Senate State Affairs Committee
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A critical Bill (HB 4876 – Hefner) remains pending in the House Judiciary Committee. This Bill provides for a private right of action against those persons and entities which perform or assist in unlawful abortions, defined as a “wrongful act.” Notably, included in the definition of “wrongful act” is the manufacture, marketing, mailing, distribution, transportation, delivery, provision, or possession of mifepristone or misoprostol, which are abortion-inducing drugs. Today, most abortions are obtained through these drugs rather than clinical abortions. This bill would prevent their use in Texas, even from out-of-state sources. Please call the House Judiciary Committee Chairman, Rep. Jeff Leach, at 512-463-0790 and voice your support for this significant legislation.
*************************************
SB 959, by Sen. Campbell, was passed out of the Senate State Affairs Committee. This bill includes open enrollment Charter Schools as a “public entity” and prohibits that entity from entering transactions with abortion providers.
***********************************************************************
On Thursday, April 20th, we are hosting an event to support Banning Gender Modification of Children. In the morning, please visit House members’ offices to advocate for this priority. Then, in the afternoon, we hear from a broad coalition, including legislators, grassroots groups, and de-transitioners. We will meet from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Legislative Conference Center in the Capitol extension. NTX Conservatives are hosting free buses from the Denton, Collin, and Wise county areas. Contact them for more information on their website.
********************************************************************
Also, on the 25th – The RPT is collaborating with grassroots leaders, organizations, religious groups, and churches across the state to come together for the Stop Sexualizing Texas Kids Day of Action and Prayer at the Texas State Capitol. It will be a full day of legislative action with briefings, a press conference, and ending with a prayer service in the evening. NTX Conservatives will also have buses for this day. Use the link above to contact them.
Action Steps:
- Please sign into the House Elections Committee comments link and support our Elections bills listed above. If you can, come to Austin and testify in person to the Elections committee.
- Contact House Elections committee members and ask them to pass our priority bills out of committee following Thursday’s hearing.
- Contact State Affairs Chair in the House and Senate regarding the pro-life bills listed above.
- Attend our advocacy day for Ban Gender Modification of Children this Thursday, from 1:30-3:30, in the Legislative Conference Center in the Capitol extension.
Jill Glover
SREC, SD 12
Chair, SREC Legislative Priorities Committee
Final # Bills/Resolutions Filed:
88th Legislative Session: 140 days
7,917 Bills were filed: Senate 2589 & House 5328
Counting the resolutions, that’s a total of 9,607 documents that the Legislature has to deal with this session.
6 weeks are left to the end of session.
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Number of bills filed as of Friday, January 13th:
House of Representatives:
1,316 bills;
21 House concurrent resolutions;
72 House joint resolutions;
27 resolutions.
________________________________________________________
Senate:
441 bills;
9 Senate concurrent resolutions
24 Senate joint resolutions;
13 Senate resolutions.
What's the difference between a 'bill' and 'concurrent resolution' and 'joint resolution' and a simple 'resolution'?
All are "legislative measures".
Bill: A type of legislative measure that is the primary means used to create and change the laws of the state. A bill becomes law on its effective date if it is passed by both chambers of the legislature and is not vetoed by the governor.
Concurrent Resolution—A type of legislative measure that requires adoption by both chambers and generally requires action by the governor. A concurrent resolution may be used to convey the sentiment of the legislature or offer a commendation, a memorial, a statement of congratulations, a welcome, or a request for action by another governmental entity.
Joint Resolution—A type of legislative measure that requires adoption by both chambers of the legislature but does not require action by the governor. A joint resolution is used to propose amendments to the Texas Constitution, ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution, or request a constitutional convention to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Before becoming effective, the provisions of joint resolutions proposing amendments to the Texas Constitution must be approved by the voters of Texas.
Simple Resolution—A type of legislative measure that is considered only within the chamber in which it is filed. A simple resolution may be used to offer a commendation, a memorial, a statement of congratulations, or the views of that chamber, as well as adopt or change the chamber's rules of procedure.
source: https://tlc.texas.gov/glossary#bill
88th Legislative Session: 140 days
7,917 Bills were filed: Senate 2589 & House 5328
Counting the resolutions, that’s a total of 9,607 documents that the Legislature has to deal with this session.
6 weeks are left to the end of session.
*********************************************************************************
Number of bills filed as of Friday, January 13th:
House of Representatives:
1,316 bills;
21 House concurrent resolutions;
72 House joint resolutions;
27 resolutions.
________________________________________________________
Senate:
441 bills;
9 Senate concurrent resolutions
24 Senate joint resolutions;
13 Senate resolutions.
What's the difference between a 'bill' and 'concurrent resolution' and 'joint resolution' and a simple 'resolution'?
All are "legislative measures".
Bill: A type of legislative measure that is the primary means used to create and change the laws of the state. A bill becomes law on its effective date if it is passed by both chambers of the legislature and is not vetoed by the governor.
Concurrent Resolution—A type of legislative measure that requires adoption by both chambers and generally requires action by the governor. A concurrent resolution may be used to convey the sentiment of the legislature or offer a commendation, a memorial, a statement of congratulations, a welcome, or a request for action by another governmental entity.
Joint Resolution—A type of legislative measure that requires adoption by both chambers of the legislature but does not require action by the governor. A joint resolution is used to propose amendments to the Texas Constitution, ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution, or request a constitutional convention to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Before becoming effective, the provisions of joint resolutions proposing amendments to the Texas Constitution must be approved by the voters of Texas.
Simple Resolution—A type of legislative measure that is considered only within the chamber in which it is filed. A simple resolution may be used to offer a commendation, a memorial, a statement of congratulations, or the views of that chamber, as well as adopt or change the chamber's rules of procedure.
source: https://tlc.texas.gov/glossary#bill
Principles, Platform & Legislative Priorities adopted by the 2022 Republican Party of Texas Convention Delegates
Republican Party of Texas 2022-2023 Platform
Top 8 Republican Party of Texas Convention Delegates’ 2022-2023 Legislative Priorities
Protect our Elections
Restore felony penalties and enact civil penalties for Election Code violations, which shall be enforceable by any Texas jurisdiction, including the Texas Attorney General. Require citizenship verification of each voter. Restrict the distribution of mail-in ballots to only disabled, military, and citizens that are out of state. Reduce the time allowed for early voting, and eliminate the three day gap between early voting and election day. Establish closed primaries in Texas. As technology evolves, we encourage the passage of legislation that ensures the security of our elections.
Ban Democrat Chairs
To ensure all legislative priorities are given a fair opportunity to become law, the Republican-controlled Texas legislature shall adopt a rule that would end the practice of awarding committee chairmanships to Democrats.
Abolish Abortion in Texas
Abolish abortion by ensuring the right to life and equal protection of the laws to all preborn children from the moment of fertilization, including adopting effective tools to ensure the enforcement of our laws to protect life when district attorneys fail to do so.
Stop Sexualizing Texas Kids
Repeal Texas Penal Code “Obscenity Exemption” 43.24(c), which allows children access to harmful, explicit, or pornographic materials and 43.25(f)(2-3), which allows sexual performance by a child. In addition, prohibit teaching, exposure, and/or discussion of sexual matters (mechanics, feelings, orientation, or “gender identity” issues), and prohibit use or provision of related books and other materials using criminal, civil or other enforcement measures.
Ban Gender Modification of Children
Texas must ban chemical castration, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, genital mutilation, bodily alteration surgery, psychological/social transitioning, and any other methods applied to or performed on children.
Secure the Border and Protect Texans
Texas shall immediately deny all taxpayer funded services and subsidies to illegal aliens. We call upon the Governor to assert his duty under Article 1, Section 10, Clause 3 of the US Constitution to declare an invasion on our Texas border and do everything in his power to protect Texans from this invasion. The legislature shall direct the Governor to enter into an Interstate Compact with one or more states for Border Security.
Parental Rights and Educational Freedom
Parents are the primary decision makers for their children in all matters. This authority shall be protected as an inalienable right. This shall include the choice of schooling where the money follows the child without strings attached, and enforcement and penalty mechanisms when parents' rights are violated. The right to education shall be free from any social theories.
Defend our Gun Rights
Protect our gun rights against threats, such as red flag laws, federal, state or other restrictions, by strengthening and preserving our inalienable rights under the second amendment to protect our life, liberty and property. The Texas Legislature should eliminate gun-free zones.
Protect our Elections
Restore felony penalties and enact civil penalties for Election Code violations, which shall be enforceable by any Texas jurisdiction, including the Texas Attorney General. Require citizenship verification of each voter. Restrict the distribution of mail-in ballots to only disabled, military, and citizens that are out of state. Reduce the time allowed for early voting, and eliminate the three day gap between early voting and election day. Establish closed primaries in Texas. As technology evolves, we encourage the passage of legislation that ensures the security of our elections.
Ban Democrat Chairs
To ensure all legislative priorities are given a fair opportunity to become law, the Republican-controlled Texas legislature shall adopt a rule that would end the practice of awarding committee chairmanships to Democrats.
Abolish Abortion in Texas
Abolish abortion by ensuring the right to life and equal protection of the laws to all preborn children from the moment of fertilization, including adopting effective tools to ensure the enforcement of our laws to protect life when district attorneys fail to do so.
Stop Sexualizing Texas Kids
Repeal Texas Penal Code “Obscenity Exemption” 43.24(c), which allows children access to harmful, explicit, or pornographic materials and 43.25(f)(2-3), which allows sexual performance by a child. In addition, prohibit teaching, exposure, and/or discussion of sexual matters (mechanics, feelings, orientation, or “gender identity” issues), and prohibit use or provision of related books and other materials using criminal, civil or other enforcement measures.
Ban Gender Modification of Children
Texas must ban chemical castration, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, genital mutilation, bodily alteration surgery, psychological/social transitioning, and any other methods applied to or performed on children.
Secure the Border and Protect Texans
Texas shall immediately deny all taxpayer funded services and subsidies to illegal aliens. We call upon the Governor to assert his duty under Article 1, Section 10, Clause 3 of the US Constitution to declare an invasion on our Texas border and do everything in his power to protect Texans from this invasion. The legislature shall direct the Governor to enter into an Interstate Compact with one or more states for Border Security.
Parental Rights and Educational Freedom
Parents are the primary decision makers for their children in all matters. This authority shall be protected as an inalienable right. This shall include the choice of schooling where the money follows the child without strings attached, and enforcement and penalty mechanisms when parents' rights are violated. The right to education shall be free from any social theories.
Defend our Gun Rights
Protect our gun rights against threats, such as red flag laws, federal, state or other restrictions, by strengthening and preserving our inalienable rights under the second amendment to protect our life, liberty and property. The Texas Legislature should eliminate gun-free zones.
"These priorities were chosen by over 5,000 voting delegates at the state convention, June 13-18, 2022 in Houston, Texas. Delegates were presented with a list of 15 topics selected by the Legislative Priorities Committee after a comprehensive review of resolutions passed at the precinct and senate district levels of the convention process. Delegates were allowed to vote on 8 topics, which became the official Legislative Priorities of the Republican Party of Texas." https://texasgop.org/priorities/
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The other 7 presented to the voting delegates:
Ban Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
Eliminate the use of tax dollars to hire lobbyists or pay individuals or organizations that lobby any governmental entity.
Stop Executive Overreach
Reform emergency powers at the state, county, and city level to prohibit the creation or suspension of laws that impact entities such as religion and business. Convene with full authority the state legislature, county commissioners court, or city council to ratify, alter or terminate any emergency declaration within 14 days.
Protect the Electric Grid Secure the integrity of Texas Electric Energy production and delivery with abundant, reliable, and resilient energy. Ensure that the Texas Grid can withstand any natural or man-made threat to include weather, cyber, physical, Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP) and Geomagnetic Disturbances (GMD).
Protect Medical Freedom All Texans must be free to make their own medical decisions and have those decisions followed in all situations. This is not limited to life sustaining treatment (repeal the 10-Day Rule), vaccinations, and COVID-19 treatments (oppose vaccine passports and mask mandates). Allow providers to offer alternative treatments without fear of retribution, discrimination, or privacy violations for all persons involved.
Eliminate Property Tax using every means available to the legislature, with the exception of an income tax, without increasing Texans' overall tax burden.
Convention of States Extend Texas’ call for a Convention of States to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government.
Save Women's Sports
Protect women’s opportunities, health, safety, and fair play in sports by banning biological men from competing in women’s collegiate athletics or any UIL events. Biological males may not use female bathrooms, locker rooms or hotel rooms
while participating in school-sanctioned events
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The other 7 presented to the voting delegates:
Ban Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
Eliminate the use of tax dollars to hire lobbyists or pay individuals or organizations that lobby any governmental entity.
Stop Executive Overreach
Reform emergency powers at the state, county, and city level to prohibit the creation or suspension of laws that impact entities such as religion and business. Convene with full authority the state legislature, county commissioners court, or city council to ratify, alter or terminate any emergency declaration within 14 days.
Protect the Electric Grid Secure the integrity of Texas Electric Energy production and delivery with abundant, reliable, and resilient energy. Ensure that the Texas Grid can withstand any natural or man-made threat to include weather, cyber, physical, Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP) and Geomagnetic Disturbances (GMD).
Protect Medical Freedom All Texans must be free to make their own medical decisions and have those decisions followed in all situations. This is not limited to life sustaining treatment (repeal the 10-Day Rule), vaccinations, and COVID-19 treatments (oppose vaccine passports and mask mandates). Allow providers to offer alternative treatments without fear of retribution, discrimination, or privacy violations for all persons involved.
Eliminate Property Tax using every means available to the legislature, with the exception of an income tax, without increasing Texans' overall tax burden.
Convention of States Extend Texas’ call for a Convention of States to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government.
Save Women's Sports
Protect women’s opportunities, health, safety, and fair play in sports by banning biological men from competing in women’s collegiate athletics or any UIL events. Biological males may not use female bathrooms, locker rooms or hotel rooms
while participating in school-sanctioned events