Texas 88th Legislative update for March 18, 2023

This session Matt is focusing on the priorities of The Republican Party of Texas established during the State Convention of 2022.

There are currently just over 110 bills, in The House and Senate, that address the eight priorities for this session.

The following bills, mostly, from the list provided by the SREC committee on Priorities are being heard in committee this next week:

Monday – March 20

SJR 35 – Proposing a constitutional amendment clarifying that a voter must be a United States citizen.
Tuesday – March 21

HB 175 – Relating to the expunction of arrest records and files for certain defendants placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for the unlawful carrying of a handgun.
HB 636 – Relating to the applicability to election judges of a prohibition on the carrying of a handgun at a polling place.
HB 900 – Relating to the regulation of books sold to or included in public school libraries.
Wednesday – March 22

HB 613 – Relating to charges imposed by a governmental body for providing copies of public information under the public information law.
SB 176 – Relating to the establishment of the Texas Parental Empowerment Program and an insurance premium tax credit for contributions made for purposes of that program.
SJR 29 – Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing a parent’s right to direct a child’s education.
Thursday – March 23

SB 250 – Relating to the provision of and professional liability insurance coverage for gender transitioning or gender reassignment medical procedures and treatments for certain children.
Important Note on a Senate Bill – SB 2 has been passed by The Senate and is now in The House and ready for action.

SB 2 – Relating to conduct constituting the criminal offense of illegal voting; increasing a criminal penalty.

Matt Long will be at The Capitol on Tuesday and Thursday this week. He will be available to help with testimony or training of any other kind needed. Matt is planning to testify on HB 900 (tue) and SB 250 (thu).

Now is the time to be in touch with your focus group leader for guidance on these and other bills.

Feel free to call with any questions – Matt Long – 830-992-9010