TX Legislative Scorecard 2023-2

SB3 allocates $1.54 billion for border security over two years, funding law enforcement and border barriers. It includes $40 million for enhanced law enforcement in Liberty County's Colony Ridge. Funds cannot be used for land acquired through eminent domain or for barriers on such land.

The Texas State Senate passed SB3 on December 1, 2023 by a vote of 18 to 9. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the bill strengthens border security and upholds American sovereignty. By funding enforcement and infrastructure, it counters federal policies that undermine the Constitution, deters illegal entry, and reinforces the rule of law to minimize unlawful immigration. This bill addresses the challenges of illegal immigration by safeguarding the nation’s borders and supporting policies that enhance national security rather than weaken it.

HB900, titled the READER act, prevents sexually explicit materials from being within reach of children in government schools, and it prevents vendors from selling such materials to school districts.

The Texas State Senate Passed HB900 on May 23, 2023 by a vote of 19 to 12. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because it protects children from inappropriate content and upholds family values. By blocking sexually explicit materials in schools, the bill reinforces parents' rights in education and fosters a learning environment rooted in academic excellence and moral integrity. It also ensures taxpayer dollars won’t fund programs promoting woke culture or divisive propaganda. This legislation is a vital step toward reclaiming our schools and safeguarding our children.

SB1 would create an Education Savings Account (ESA) program providing $8,000 annually per eligible child for private-education expenses, including tuition, textbooks, and tutoring.

The Texas State Senate passed SB1 on October 12, 2023 by a vote of 19 to 12. We have assigned pluses to the nays because all government money comes with strings attached. ESAs might sound good in theory, but they expand government involvement into all aspects of education — including homeschools and religious schools — and can potentially affect rules and curriculum. We encourage all parents to get their children out of government schools and instead pursue sound alternatives such as homeschooling and patriotic private schools, like FreedomProject Academy, that don’t use government funds.

SB4 establishes penalties for unauthorized entry or reentry into the state by individuals classified as "aliens" under federal law, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses or previous deportations. Courts can order violators to return to their country of origin under specific conditions.

The Texas State Senate passed SB4 on November 9, 2023 by a vote of 17 to 11. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because this bill takes a strong stance against illegal reentry, reinforcing immigration laws that protect American sovereignty. By imposing penalties and curbing unlawful migration, SB4 helps counter policies that facilitate mass migration and undermine our Republic’s constitutional foundations. It also safeguards the rule of law by ensuring that immigration-law violations are met with consequences, rather than leniency, which would further erode border security and national integrity.

SB1158 expands eligibility for funding under the Major Events Reimbursement Program by amending the Government Code to classify each series of World Cup games in a designated market area as separate, single events.

The Texas State Senate passed SB1158 on April 17, 2023 by a vote of 28 to 3. We have assigned pluses to the nays because privately-owned billion-dollar entities such as the World Cup should be expected to pay for their own facilities and events, which they can more than afford. Forcing people to furnish proliferate amounts of taxpayer money when attending games or concerts to fund crony, corporate-sponsored projects violates their individual liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.