88th Legislature
January 10, 2023 – May 29, 2023
We’re now in the last few weeks of the 88th legislature regular session. A letter from Rep. Carrie Isaac dated May 4th said “House Bill 900 and HB 18 both passed in the House. HB 900 will ensure children are protected from pornographic material in school libraries, and HB 18 by fellow conservative Rep. Shelby Slawson will require social media apps and websites to obtain parental consent before allowing users under 18 to sign user agreements. It is so important that parents are aware of what their children are being exposed to, and these two bills I’m proud to co-author will empower parents with the final say in what their children are viewing.†These 2 bills will support our GOP Priority #4 to Stop Sexualizing Texas Kids.
“Raise the age, raise the age,†could be heard in the Capitol rotunda earlier this week as raising the minimum age to purchase semi-automatic rifles from 18 to 21 is gaining steam. The House panel advanced HB 2744 to the full chamber in a vote of 8-5. Republican state Reps. Sam Harless of Spring and Justin Holland of Rockwall joining Democrats in the vote. You can read more about HB 2744 in the Bills of the Week.
In other news, Rep. Bryan Slaton resigned from the Texas House on after an investigation determined that he had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a 19-year-old woman on his staff. He was also providing her with alcohol before their encounters.
In the Senate, Sen. Donna Campbell authored SB 14 that bans gender modifications of children (GOP Priority #3) will be heard on the House floor this Friday May 12th. You can read more about SB 14 in the Bills of the Week.
My wife and I will be visiting the Capital on Friday to speak with our representatives. I’ll bring back and share any news they have in our next mailer.
Remember to stay involved in these final days as history tells us that our voices will be critical with getting our agenda passed.
Thank you,
Matthew Okerson
3rd VICE PRESIDENT CAMPAIGN & LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
[email protected]