Carl O. Sherman Sr. Voting Record & Scorecard | Institute for Legislative Analysis

TX Representative

District: 109 • Democrat

2023 Alignment:

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Bill

Title

Lawmaker Position

HB 1

House 2023

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through a $321.3 Billion Budget (21.3% Increase) with Countless Provisions that Further Grow the Size and Scope of Government.

This bill, the Fiscal Years 2024-2025 Operating Budget, represents a 21.3% increase over the prior budget, and the largest in state history. Some of the major new and increased spending initiatives within the bill include $1 billion for land acquisition for parks (3603.7% increase over the $27 million appropriated in the previous budget), an additional $100 million for the Texas Water Development Board Economically Distressed Areas Program, and $45.9 billion for business and economic development (25.8% increase).

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the budget is chock-full of countless wasteful and unnecessary spending initiatives which directly violate limited government principles and far exceed the basic and necessary functions of government.

The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country. Democratic lawmakers who opposed the bill for not containing even greater levels of spending were recording as opposing the limited government position.

Supports
Limited
Government

HB 100 (Amd. #1)

House 2023

Protecting Taxpayers and Promoting Student Success by Ensuring School Funding is Directed to Teachers Instead of Wasteful Administration.

The Harrison and Leo-Wilson amendment #1 to a public school funding bill. This amendment provides that a school district is only eligible to receive the basic allotment funding if more than 50% of the district's maintenance and operations expenditures the previous school year were spent on salaries and benefits for full-time teachers.

Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment is designed to ensure school districts are using taxpayer funds to provide the best education possible for students, rather than wasting funds on administrative and other unnecessary expenses.

Supports
Limited
Government

HB 1058

House 2023

Expanding Cronyism and Diluting the Tax Base Through Additional Subsidies under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program.

This bill provides additional state subsidies ($25 million) to builders and purchasers of housing under the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. The LIHTC program subsidizes the acquisition, new construction, and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income tenants.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone.

This and other central planning and tax cronyism schemes merely dilute the tax base which results in higher taxes on all other individuals and businesses to make up for the lost revenue. Instead, lawmakers should make housing truly "affordable" by working to eliminate excessive building and zoning mandates as well as work to cut property taxes by reducing spending.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 12

House 2023

Increasing Government Dependency and Ballooning Medicaid Welfare Spending by an Additional $381 Million by Hiking Postpartum Benefits from 60 Days to 12 Months.

This bill extends the duration of postpartum coverage provided under Medicaid (government-provided healthcare) from 60 days to 1 year, which is estimated to cost an additional $381 million over the next five years.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows government dependency under the state's Medicaid welfare program.

The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 1243

House 2023

Strengthening Election Integrity by Increasing the Penalty for Knowingly Engaging in Voting Fraud.

This bill increases penalties on individuals who knowingly engage in vote fraud, such as voting more than once in an election or impersonates another person when submitting a ballot. Under the bill, the penalty is increased from a Class A misdemeanor to a Felony of the Second Degree, which can carry a 2 to 20 year prison sentence.

Support is the Limited Government Position as maintaining strong safeguards against voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 1287

House 2023

Growing Government Dependency by Increasing the Vehicle Asset Allowance Under the SNAP Welfare Program from $15k to $22.5k.

This bill provides an increase in the vehicle asset allowance under the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP). As a result, an individual may now own a vehicle valued at up to $22,500 (previously $15,000) and still be eligible for the welfare program.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further grows government dependency, which oftentimes leads to intergenerational poverty.

Instead of increasing welfare eligibility, lawmakers should work to reduce government barriers to employment and help empower the private sector to care for individuals who are in need.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 1391

House 2023

Reducing Employment Barriers and Expanding Competition through an Alternative Licensing Pathway for Electricians.

This bill creates an additional alternative pathway for electricians to obtain an occupational license. Under the bill, an aspiring electrician may complete a career and technology education program as opposed to the 4,000 hours of training otherwise required. These programs can be offered by public or private schools and colleges and universities.

Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a step in the right direction to reducing unnecessary employment barriers.

Ultimately, the private sector, via certifications, rating systems, and the free market, is much better equipped to provide consumer protection while also ensuring competition and low consumer costs. Most government licensing entities are overly restrictive and are largely advocated by special interests seeking to restrict competition in the marketplace.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 1515

House 2023

Fueling Tens of Millions in Wasteful Spending by Extending the Unnecessary Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office for Another 12 Years.

This bill extends the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office for an additional 12 years, until September 2035. This office is focused on "marketing and promoting the state of Texas."

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as promoting tourism is not a core nor necessary function of government.

The free-market and private industry - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is many times more effective in attracting visitors to the state and growing the economy.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 1595

House 2023

Raiding the State's Rainy Day Fund to Channel over $3.4 Billion in Additional Funding to Woke Universities.

This bill serves as the enabling legislation for constitutional amendment HJR 3. Through this bill and the constitutional amendment, a $3.4 billion research endowment is created for Texas State University, Texas Tech University, the University of Houston and the University of North Texas. The funds for the bill will come from the state's Economic Stabilization Fund, commonly referred to as the "rainy day" fund.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as any excessive monies within the state's rainy-day fund should be returned to taxpayers through tax cuts, not woke universities.

While it is a necessary role for government to provide quality K-12 education - ideally through school choice - college and university-level education should be funded through user fees (i.e. tuition) by those who wish to pursue their selected career path. These enormous costs should not be imposed on individuals who elect to pursue activities other than higher education, such as those who start their own businesses or work in the trades.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 17

House 2023

Strengthening Public Safety by Allowing Courts to Remove Rogue DAs which Refuse to Prosecute Crime.

This bill allows courts to remove district attorneys for misconduct if they refuse to prosecute certain types of crime. The bill is largely in response to cases of "reform-minded" prosecutors that have refused to prosecute crime or uphold the state's abortion laws.

Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and protecting property rights serve as essential components of government.

Unfortunately, this bill is necessary to combat many of the so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 1750

House 2023

Protecting Farmers from Government Overreach by Preventing Local Governments from Imposing Additional Regulations on the Agricultural Industry.

The bill prevents localities from imposing additional regulations on farmers and ranchers engaging in agricultural operations. Under the bill, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is directed to develop a list of "generally accepted agricultural practices" that do not pose a threat to public health, which cities also may not prohibit or restrict.

Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens property rights by combatting overreaching local regulations.

While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 1755

House 2023

Fueling Runaway Spending and Enriching Government-Favored Educational Entities through the Creation of the "Lone Star Workforce Future Fund".

This bill creates the "Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund" which provides grants to select public junior colleges, technical institutes, and nonprofits for workforce training programs. The bill allows the grants to be utilized for a wide range of purposes including staff salaries and curriculum development, with entities eligible to receive a grant of up to $15,000 per participant.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is best equipped to determine the most in-demand career fields and direct resources to the most effective training entities.

This measure merely enriches government-favored entities (some which may be ineffective) while further increasing out-of-control spending.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 1759

House 2023

Strengthening Individual Liberties and Charitable Giving by Authorizing Professional Sports Team Charitable Foundations to Offer Raffle Tickets Online.

This bill allows professional sports team charitable foundations to sell raffle tickets at their home venue or rodeo venue through a website or mobile application, provided the person is physically located at the venue. The bill also requires the use of a third-party vendor to ensure nobody under 18 purchases tickets.

Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens individual liberties and helps expand charitable giving.

While the bill should expand the raffle ticket offerings to individuals beyond just the physical location, the bill still serves as a strong step in the right direction.

Supports
Limited
Government

HB 1760

House 2023

Strengthening Self-Defense and Second Amendment Rights by Limiting School "Gun-Free Zones" to Only School-Owned Property.

This bill amends the existing state law which prohibits firearms on school grounds or buildings when a school-sponsored activity is taking place. Under this bill, the "gun free zone" only applies to the actual premises owned by a school (not off-campus locations).

Support is the Limited Government Position as "gun free zones" do not protect communities, rather they place individuals in defenseless positions against criminals who do not abide by the law.

While the restriction should be eliminated entirely, this measure serves as a step in the right direction.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 1805

House 2023

Strengthening Medical Freedom and Reducing Addiction by Permitting Physicians to Prescribe Low-THC Cannabis in Cases where Opioids would Otherwise be Prescribed.

This bill expands the list of medical conditions for which a physician may prescribe low-THC cannabis (medical marijuana). Under the bill, physicians who would otherwise prescribe a patient an opioid could now prescribe cannabis. The bill also increases the maximum dosage that may be prescribed by replacing the 1% THC cap with a 10-milligram cap. Texas' medical marijuana program is currently among the strictest in the nation.

Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens medical freedom by ensuring physicians - not politicians - are able to determine and provide the most effective treatment for their patients.

The bill also helps combat the addiction crisis currently plaguing our nation.

Supports
Limited
Government

HB 1825

House 2023

Expanding Individual Liberties and Tax Revenue by Allowing the Sale and Consumption of Alcohol at a Fine Arts Performing Venue in Arlington.

This bill permits the Arlington Independent School District to allow the sale and consumption of alcohol at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts facility.

Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill expands consumer choice and individual liberties while also generating additional sales tax revenue for taxpayers.

Supports
Limited
Government

HB 1859

House 2023

Reducing Employment Barriers and Expanding Competition Through an Alternative Licensing Pathway for HVAC Technicians.

This bill amends the licensing requirements for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technicians by establishing an alternative pathway to become licensed. The bill recognizes completion of a career and technology education program at a public school or institution of higher education as satisfying the certification training program requirements for licensure. The bill also provides for a waiver of any renewal fee and reduction in the number of required continuing education hours for technicians who provide instruction in a career and technology education program.

Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a step in the right direction to reducing unnecessary employment barriers.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 19

House 2023

Improving the State's Business Climate by Creating a Specialized Business Court to Hear Cases and Expedite Legal Proceedings.

This bill establishes a specialized "Business Court" to hear cases involving certain business transaction and governance matters, with the judges appointed by the Governor. Judges are required to have at least 10 years of experience practicing complex civil business litigation or business transaction law, or as a judge of a court with civil jurisdiction.

Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill will help improve the state's legal and business climate by making the legal process more efficient, reducing legal expenses for businesses, and also cut the caseload on other courts.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 1 (Amd. 2 - SS4)

House 2023

Blocking School Choice by Removing the Provision Creating Educational Savings Accounts from the Education Bill.

The Raney amendment #2 to the education omnibus bill. This amendment removes the school choice provision from the bill which provides voucher-like educational savings accounts (ESAs). Each qualifying student would receive an ESA with $10,500 towards private or parochial school tuition.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment worsens educational outcomes for all students by blocking competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 1 (Amd. #45)

House 2023

Blocking School Choice by Prohibiting Any Appropriations within the Budget for School Choice Programs.

The Herrero amendment #45 to the appropriations bill. This amendment prohibits any funds in the bill from being used for school choice programs, including school vouchers, education savings accounts, tax credit scholarships, or grants that allow students to attend private schools.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 2

House 2023

Protecting Homeowners and Businesses from Spiking Property Taxes by Limiting Annual Property Assessment Increases.

This bill, the Property Tax Relief Act, contains a couple key provisions designed to limit increases in property taxes. Most notably, the bill lowers the appraisal cap from 10% to 5% and would expand the cap to also include business property owners, such as restaurants and apartment complexes, rather than just residential.

Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps protect homeowners and businesses from even greater levels of taxation.

While this bill serves as a step in the right direction, lawmakers should advance additional reforms to provide broad-based property tax relief, which will help spur economic growth.

Supports
Limited
Government

HB 2026

House 2023

Growing Government Central Planning and Runaway Spending by Forcing Taxpayers to Pay Off the Student Loan Debt of Veterinarians in Additional Regions of the State.

This bill expands the Rural Veterinarian Incentive Program, which provides taxpayer-funded loan repayment to veterinary students and recent graduates who agree to work in counties with populations below 150,000. Previously, eligibility was limited to counties with populations below 100,000.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by politicians - is the best mechanism to determine the need and distribution of veterinarians across the state.

Taxpayers in urban areas should not be forced to subsidize the amenities of individuals who choose to locate in rural or other portions of the state where veterinarians may not be as accessible.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 2127

House 2023

Combatting Government Overreach by Prohibiting Local Governments from Imposing Additional Regulations on Certain Sectors.

This bill, the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act, prohibits local governments across the state from imposing additional regulations in various fields already regulated at the state level, such as agriculture, labor, and property. The bill also prohibits local governments from enacting any ordinance or rule that conflicts with state law.

Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens both property rights and individual liberties.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 213

House 2023

Threatening Public Safety through a Mass Jailbreak for Prisoners who Committed Murder and other Violent Crimes as Juveniles.

This bill initiates a large release of prisoners within the state correctional system by significantly shortening the sentences of prisoners who committed violent crimes when they were under the age of 18. Under the bill, prisoners who committed first degree felonies as a juvenile must now only serve a quarter of their sentence or 15 years (whichever is shorter) and prisoners who committed capital offenses (sentenced to life in prison) must now only serve 20 years before being eligible for parole. Additionally, the bill establishes certain factors parole boards must consider that are expected to result in earlier releases such as "greater capacity of juveniles for change, as compared to that of adults".

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and protecting property rights serve as essential components of government.

Unfortunately, this bill is one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 2231

House 2023

Worsening Cronyism and Government Central Planning by Forcing Taxpayers to Subsidize an Even Greater Range of Events (Bull Riding and Bassmaster) under the "Major Events Reimbursement Fund".

This bill expands eligibility under the "Major Events Reimbursement Fund" to include a larger range of events ranging from the Bassmaster Classic to motorcycle racing and equestrian competitions.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to select the most desired events and provide the necessary funding (via tickets and other user fees).

The major event reimbursement fund should be eliminated entirely as the state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 2239

House 2023

Strengthening Property Rights by Allowing the Removal of Ashe Juniper Trees Without Property Owners being Forced to Pay into a Tree Fund.

This bill prohibits localities from requiring property owners to pay a "tree mitigation fee" in order to remove an Ashe juniper tree on their property. The bill also ensures that localities can't impose any ban which prevents the removal of the tree.

Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens both property rights and individual liberties.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 2337

House 2023

Increasing Government Dependency by Expanding the Medicaid Welfare Program to Now Cover Behavioral Health Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization Services.

This bill expands coverage under Medicaid (government-provided healthcare) to now include behavioral health intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization services. The expansion is estimated to cost an additional $12.3 million over the next five years.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further traps individuals into government dependency by growing benefits under the government welfare state.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 2466

House 2023

Worsening Cronyism by Forcing Taxpayers to Provide Additional Subsidies to Companies Already Receiving Federal Grants through the Texas Technology and Innovation Trust Fund.

This bill establishes the Texas Technology and Innovation Program to provide matching or supplemental funds to businesses that already receive federal funds through the federal small business innovation research and small business technology transfer programs.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is best equipped to drive economic growth.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 2727

House 2023

Growing Government Dependency by Expanding the Medicaid Welfare Program to Now Cover Home Telemonitoring Services.

This bill expands coverage under Medicaid (government-provided healthcare) by directing the Health and Human Services commissioner to adopt rules to cover home telemonitoring services under the state's Medicaid program. Previously, this was optional if the commissioner determined that such coverage would be "cost-effective and feasible."

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further traps individuals into government dependency by growing benefits under the government welfare state.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 2 (Motion to Table Amd. #1)

House 2023

Denying Texans Significant Property Tax Relief by Blocking a $20 Billion Tax Cut.

This motion tables (defeats) the Tinderholt amendment #1 to a property tax relief bill. The Tinderholt amendment would provide $20 billion in property tax relief through a reduction applied equally across all school districts.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this this motion denies Texans a significant broadly applied property tax cut which would make housing more affordable and help spur economic growth.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 3297

House 2023

Providing Significant Regulatory Relief to Car Owners by Eliminating the State's Mandatory Annual Vehicle Safety Inspection.

This bill eliminates the state's mandatory vehicle safety inspection effective January 1, 2025. As a result, car owners will no longer be forced to annually take their vehicle in for an inspection, however a $7.50 annual fee (the current inspection fee) will still be assessed on vehicle owners. Texas was one of only 13 states which required annual vehicle inspections.

Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill provides significant regulatory relief to motorists by no longer being burdened to take their vehicle in for inspection and sometimes sold to perform unnecessary repairs.

This bill also helps drive "automotive freedom" by reducing a significant burden for owners of multiple collector vehicles and the likelihood of damage due to the inspection process.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 3323

House 2023

Growing Government Bureaucracy by Establishing the Texas Food System Security and Resiliency Planning Council.

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to hire an additional government employee to establish the Texas food system security and resiliency planning council. The bill also requires the establishment of a state food system security plan for purposes such as to "provide for the orderly development and management of food system security" and recommend legislation "needed or desirable to facilitate the resilience and availability of food."

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows government bureaucracy and spending and will likely lead to additional government intervention in future years.

The federal government already spends billions on stockpiling food and planning for natural disasters. Additionally, the free market and private sector is far more effective in solving all other non-emergency related supply-chain issues as opposed to central planning by government bureaucrats.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 3447

House 2023

Growing Government Bureaucracy and Wasteful Spending through the Creation of the Texas Space Commission and the Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium.

This bill creates both the "Texas Space Commission" and the Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium to promote innovation in the space, aeronautics, and aviation industry. The new entities are expected to require the hiring of at least 10 additional state employees at an estimated cost of $3.4 million over the next two years.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the federal government (National Aeronautics and Space Administration already spends tens of billions of dollars advancing innovation in this field.

This new entity is not only unnecessary but will likely enrich select government-favored entities and further distort the private sector and free marketplace. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 3659

House 2023

Strengthening Property Rights and Civil Liberties through Protections Against Abuse of Asset Forfeiture.

This bill reforms the state's asset forfeiture laws, under which the government may seize property deemed to be contraband. Under the bill, property may not be seized if it is not otherwise illegal to possess and the aggregate value is less than $2,500. Additionally, the bill increases the evidence standard the state must meet to show that property is subject to seizure from "a preponderance of the evidence" to "clear and convincing evidence."

Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens property rights and civil liberties by helping combat abuse of the asset forfeiture system (i.

e. "policing for profit"). Individuals who may have been wrongfully accused are forced to undergo a lengthy and expensive legal process to recover their property.

Supports
Limited
Government

HB 3660

House 2023

Empowering the Private Sector to Help Humanely Control the Pet Population by Providing Legal Protection for the "Trap-Neuter-Release" Program.

This bill provides legal protection from the state's animal cruelty law to individuals participating in the "Trap-Neuter-Release" program. Under the program, stray cats are trapped, evaluated by a veterinarian, vaccinated and sterilized, marked, and then returned to the wild. The program helps humanely control the pet population and reduce the euthanasia of animals.

Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps empower the private sector to improve the well-being of animals and control the pet population.

The program has proven extremely effective and prevented the euthanasia of tens of thousands of animals.

Supports
Limited
Government

HB 4218

House 2023

Protecting Truck Rental Companies from Frivolous Litigation for Not Retrofitting Trucks with Safety Equipment Upon their Sale.

This bill provides that a person who sells or leases a vehicle weighing at least 6,000 lbs. is not liable for not retrofitting the vehicle with equipment, or selecting certain equipment, that was not required under federal regulations when the vehicle was manufactured or sold.

Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps protect against frivolous litigation devised by ambulance chasing plaintiffs' attorneys which ultimately drives up costs for businesses and consumers.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 4539

House 2023

Worsening Cronyism by Making it Even Easier for Woke Hollywood Production Companies to become Enriched through Taxpayer Subsidies.

This bill makes it easier for movie production companies to receive a grant under the moving image industry incentive program by reducing the percentage of production crew, actors, and extras who must be Texas residents from 70% to 55%.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is not the proper role of government to subsidize the film production costs of private companies - especially considering this measure enriches woke Hollywood production companies that are antagonistic to limited government principles.

Lawmakers should eliminate this grant program entirely, much less expand the ability of movie production companies to receive taxpayer funds.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 4811

House 2023

Expanding Government and Paving the Way for Additional Energy Efficiency Mandates through the Creation of a Texas Energy Efficiency Council.

This bill creates the Texas Energy Efficiency Council within the Public Utilities Commission to, among other purposes, "provide a statewide collaborative approach to promoting energy efficiency" and "make recommendations for improving energy efficiency programs."

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this further expands the size and scope of government in order to promote a politized environmental agenda.

The bill also has the potential to advance future mandates on property owners, like those passed under SB 2453 this session.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 4885

House 2023

Expanding Cronyism and Government Interference in the Energy Sector through a New Hydrogen Vehicle and Infrastructure Grant Program.

This bill creates the Texas Hydrogen Infrastructure, Vehicle, and Equipment Grant Program within the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan. The bill allocates up to $8 million for the Hydrogen program while also making a few other funding reallocations within the bill.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as while the bill does make some reallocations to offset some of the spending for the new program, the bill still creates yet another avenue for new spending and government interference in the marketplace.

The free market - not government central planning - is the best mechanism to advance energy development. The state should instead eliminate the entire grant fund as well as take additional actions to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 5

House 2023

Expanding Cronyism and Enriching Government-Favored Corporations through a New Property Tax Exemption Scheme.

This bill, the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act, provides select businesses which meet certain investment thresholds and job requirements with property tax exemptions. Under the bill, businesses will receive tax exemptions ranging between 50% and 75% for a period of 10 years, and a 100% tax exemption during the construction phase.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone.

This and other tax cronyism schemes merely dilute the tax base which results in higher taxes on all other individuals and products to make up for the lost revenue. The free market (by lowering taxes for all businesses) can provide much greater returns on investment than this central planning by politicians.

Supports
Limited
Government

HB 54

House 2023

Further Growing Medicaid Welfare Spending by Hiking the Monthly Personal Needs Allowance at Long-Term Care Facilities.

This bill increases the personal needs allowance provided to Medicaid welfare recipients at long-term care facilities (nursing homes). Under the bill the monthly allowance is increased by 25 percent to $75 from $60, which is more than double the federal $30 monthly minimum.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector (charitable entities) is best equipped to provide any additional needs or services to residents not provided by their long-term care facility.

While this measure continues to grow government spending, it most concerningly serves as yet another incentive for government dependency over lifelong saving and personal fiscal responsibility.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 567

House 2023

Increasing Frivolous Litigation and Legal Liabilities by Making "Hair Texture and Style" a Protected Characteristic in Employment and Housing.

This bill, the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act, makes a person's hair texture or hairstyle a protected characteristic if is commonly associated with a particular race. CROWN applies to public schools and institutions of higher education, employment, and housing.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a new tool by plaintiffs' attorneys to subject business owners and housing providers to frivolous litigation.

Such actions merely drive-up costs for consumers and can be particularly devastating for small businesses and landlords.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 9

House 2023

Enriching Comcast and other Woke Corporations by Forcing Taxpayers to Provide "Broadband Equity" through a Government Central Planning Scheme.

This bill contains a major provision which requires taxpayers to fund "expanded access to broadband services in economically distressed communities". The new spending will unlock additional funds under the federal "Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program" and is expected to provide significant new revenue to Comcast which lobbied for the bill.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector and free market are best equipped to determine where broadband is most needed and which expansion projects are most economically viable.

This measure forces taxpayers to enrich woke corporations such as Comcast for infrastructure which may soon be unnecessary due to significant advances in satellite technology from Comcast's competitors such as Elon Musk's Starlink.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 916

House 2023

Hiking Health Insurance Premiums by Mandating Insurance Companies Cover a 12-Month Supply of Contraceptive Drugs.

This bill establishes a new health insurance mandate which requires most healthcare policies offered in the state, including Medicaid (government-provided healthcare), that cover prescription contraceptive drugs to cover a 3-month initial supply and subsequent 12-month supplies of the drugs.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs.

As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.

Against
Limited
Government

HJR 45

House 2023

Increasing Tax Burdens on other Property Owners through a Crony Carveout Providing Physicians a Tax Exemption if they Provide Indigent Services.

This resolution amends the state constitution to authorize counties to grant property tax exemptions to physicians who provide services to indigent patients. The tax exemption may cover up to 50% of the assessed value of a physician's homestead.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone.

The tax cronyism dilutes the tax base, thus increasing tax burdens on all other property owners not favored by government.

Supports
Limited
Government

HR 4 (Amd. 9)

House 2023

Strengthening Government Transparency and Accountability by Requiring Roll Call Votes for Committee Amendments.

The Tinderholt amendment #9 to a resolution adopting rules for the House of Representatives. This amendment allows the sponsor of a bill that is in a committee to request a roll call vote, whereby each lawmaker is on record, on whether to pass the bill or not. This rule applies if a bill has received a public hearing.

Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment helps increase government transparency and accountability by helping ensure government is accountable to the people.

Against
Limited
Government

SB 1017

House 2023

Protecting Consumer Choice by Preventing Localities from Imposing any Ordinance which Restricts or Bans Gas-Powered Engines or a Source of Energy.

This bill prohibits local governments from enacting any ordinances which bans or restricts the sale or use of an engine based on the type of fuel used. Additionally, the bill prevents localities from banning any energy source infrastructure (such as gas stations).

Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps protect individual liberties as well as automotive freedom.

Against
Limited
Government

SB 1070

House 2023

Strengthening Election Integrity through an Additional Voter Crosscheck.

This bill, the Alan Vera Memorial Act, contains several provisions related to election integrity. The bill expands the required cooperation of the Secretary of State with other states to identify ineligible voters. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary to contract with a private sector data system to identify voters whose addresses have changed, are registered to vote in more than one state, are deceased, or who are not eligible to vote due to a felony conviction. Finally, the Secretary is required to use the National Change of Address database to identify voters whose addresses have changed to prevent multiple registrations.

Against
Limited
Government

SB 10 (Amd. #3)

House 2023

Worsening Texas' Unfunded Pension Crisis by Providing Even Greater Unpromised Payouts to Beneficiaries.

The Bryant amendment #3 to a bill relating to teacher retirement benefits. This amendment increases the cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) by an additional 4%. For example, a retired teacher who would receive a 6% COLA under the bill, would now receive a 10% COLA.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the taxpayer-funded Teacher Retirement System (TRS) never promised beneficiaries COLA increases.

This amendment merely worsens Texas' unfunded pension liability crisis which is among the highest in the nation.

Against
Limited
Government

SB 1364

House 2023

Promoting Electric Vehicles and Hiking Roadway Maintenance Costs through a 2,000 lbs. Weight Exemption for all Electric-Powered Vehicles.

This bill allows any vehicle that is primarily powered by electric to exceed the roadway gross weight limitations by 2,000 lbs. The bill largely benefits electric-powered trucks and buses. Under existing law, natural gas-powered vehicles are able to exceed the roadway weight limit, which this bill also updates to 2,000 lbs.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill provides special benefits to government-favored vehicle propulsion systems, while ultimately hiking costs onto taxpayers - primarily gas-powered vehicle owners - through higher roadway maintenance costs.

The vast majority of roadway deterioration is caused by heavy vehicles, with the primary source of roadway funding coming from the gas tax.

Against
Limited
Government

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