Harold V. Dutton Jr. Voting Record & Scorecard | Institute for Legislative Analysis

TX Representative

District: 142 • Democrat

2023 Alignment:

26.09%

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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.

Against
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.

Supports
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 1614

House 2023

Growing Government Dependency and Wealth Redistribution through the Creation of a New "Free" Pre-K and Childcare Program Delivered through Community Providers.

This bill creates the "Prekindergarten Community-Based Child-Care Partnership Grant Program" to provide grants to school districts for pre-K and childcare services delivered through community providers.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further grows government dependency.

Instead of forcing taxpayers to pay for the childcare costs of other individuals, lawmakers should advance de-regulatory policies across the childcare industry to lower costs and expand competition. This free-market approach is the best way to make childcare more affordable.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 1696

House 2023

Expanding Government Power to Shutdown Competition within the Optometry Industry.

This bill primarily targets a business model within the optometry industry which has been deployed by Visionworks of America, which is owned by an insurance company called Vision Services Plan (VSP) Insurance Co. The bill prevents VSP from incentivizing its enrollees to utilize the optometry company it owns (Visionworks) through the offering of discounts or other value-added benefits. Other optometry companies have alleged that since VSP owns its own optometry company and can "steer patients" it is provided an unfair competitive advantage in the industry.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure represents one of the worst examples of cronyism and utilization of government power to stifle competition.

This protectionism merely enriches select businesses and prevents the free market from expanding competition and lowering costs for consumers.

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 1745

House 2023

Reducing Frivolous Litigation by Providing Liability Protections to Rideshare Companies.

This bill provides rideshare companies (such as Uber and Lyft) with legal immunity from any harm or injury caused by a driver, provided the company has followed all applicable laws, unless a person can show gross negligence by "clear and convincing evidence."

Support is the Limited Government Position as protecting business operators from frivolous litigation due to factors outside of their control is critical to ensuring their operation and maintaining low consumer costs.

Supports
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.

Supports
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.

Supports
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.

Supports
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 1942

House 2023

Strengthening Individual Liberties and Lowering Property Taxes by Legalizing Online Sports Betting.

This bill, the Texas Sports and Entertainment Recovery Act, legalizes online sports betting. Under the bill, Texas would join neighboring states Arkansas and Louisiana which have legalized sports gambling. The bill imposes a 15% tax on adjusted gross wagering revenue, with some of the revenue utilized for addiction treatment and all remaining funds dedicated to property tax relief.

Support is the Limited Government Position as individuals - not bureaucrats - should have decision rights over how to utilize the fruits of their labor - even when it comes to risky endeavors such as betting.

Not only does this measure provide desperately needed property tax relief which will make housing more affordable, but it also helps eliminate the financial fraud and other significant societal harms that the current black market in gambling presents to Texans.

Supports
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 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 2022

House 2023

Reducing Frivolous Litigation by Updating the Residential Construction Liability Act to Limit Liability and Provide Clarifications.

This bill updates the Residential Construction Liability Act to provide additional liability protections for contractors. Under the bill, contractors are not liable for residential construction defects unless actual physical damage occurs, part of a building is unable to be used for its intended purpose, or there is a verifiable danger to the residents. Contractors are also not liable for damages that result from a failure to provide timely notice of a defect. The bill also amends various provisions related to lawsuits arising from construction defects, such as allowing contractors additional time to make a settlement offer.

Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps maintain housing affordability by reducing frivolous construction related litigation which drives up costs for developers and consumers.

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 2209

House 2023

Forcing Taxpayers to Pay up to $5 Million Annually for a New Rural College and Career Pathways Program.

This bill establishes the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership Program to "expand opportunities for underserved students to succeed in school and life while promoting economic development in rural areas." The bill provides up to $5 million in funding annually for rural school districts to partner on college and career pathway programs, with districts receiving outcome bonuses based on whether a student is considered economically disadvantaged.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers in urban areas should not be forced to subsidize educational programs for individuals who choose to locate in rural or other portions of the state.

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 2263

House 2023

Hiking Natural Gas Utility Costs for Texans to Enrich Utility Companies and Create New Energy Conservation Programs.

This bill creates a statewide framework for natural gas utility companies to offer energy conservation programs. These programs typically involve subsidies for purchasing higher energy efficiency appliances or for retrofitting a home or business to increase energy efficiency. The programs are paid for by raising natural gas utility rates on all customers through "rate recovery" which also provides utility companies a larger guaranteed profit. Additionally, the bill allows utility companies (which heavily lobbied for the bill) to receive additional profit for designing, marketing, administering, and delivering an energy conservation program.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this and many other energy efficiency schemes are largely designed to enrich select product manufacturers, service providers and utility companies at the expense of all other Texans.

Such cronyism is especially harmful to low-income and elderly individuals on fixed incomes who can't afford rising utility costs.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 2266

House 2023

Protecting Against Overreaching Local Regulations by Allowing Businesses to Sue to Block Enforcement.

This bill allows most businesses subject to state licensing requirements to sue localities to prevent the enforcement of local regulations that are more stringent than state regulations or that can be shown to "result in an adverse economic impact."

Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps protect against overreaching local regulations that most often restrict competition and drive-up business costs.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 2291

House 2023

Strengthening Self-Defense and Public Safety by Authorizing Retired Judges to Carry a Firearm into Courthouses and Other Restricted Places.

This bill allows retired judges who have a handgun license to carry a firearm into restricted places, such as courthouses, schools, and polling locations.

Support is the Limited Government Position as disarming individuals through pointless "gun control" measures merely make law-abiding citizens targets to criminals who do not abide by the law.

And while all law-abiding individuals should be permitted to exercise their Second Amendment rights and defend themselves in these locations, this bill serves as a step in the right direction in helping protect individuals who may be at elevated safety risks.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 2313

House 2023

Expanding Government Overreach through New Annual Mandates on Ridesharing Drivers Pertaining to Human Trafficking Training.

This bill requires all individuals who provide ridesharing services (through companies such as Uber and Lyft) to undergo annual training on human trafficking awareness and prevention. The training materials provided by rideshare companies must meet a long list of requirements and be approved by the Attorney General.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as while human trafficking is certainly a tragedy which society should work to combat, the solution is not the further expansion of the government regulatory state and imposition of new mandates and costs onto the private sector.

A much more laudable approach is for the private sector and companies within to invest and establish their own individual procedures to solve societal problems as opposed to the imposition of one-size-fits all government mandates.

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 2414

House 2023

Lowering Healthcare Costs by Allowing Insurers to Offer Incentives which Steer their Enrollees towards Providers based on Quality and Cost.

This bill reduces regulatory barriers to now allow health insurance companies to incentivize their enrollees to utilize select healthcare providers based on quality and cost. This includes offering enrollees lower deductibles, co-payments or coinsurance.

Support is the Limited Government Position this bill reduces regulatory burdens to drive greater market forces within the healthcare industry.

The state's current draconian regulations within the healthcare industry prevent insurers from offering additional options and limit the ability for enrollees to select the plans that best fit their specific needs.

Supports
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 2493

House 2023

Strengthening Government Transparency and Accountability by Requiring Government Data Be Provided in an Easily Searchable Database to the Public.

This bill requires public information that is stored in a searchable or sortable electronic spreadsheet or database to be made available upon public request and provided in a format which is easily searchable or sortable. Additionally, public requests for this information may not be denied on the basis that the request would require searching, sorting, or filtering electronic information. Finally, the bill requires government contracts for electronic public information to use reasonable efforts to ensure that public access to the information is not restricted or more difficult to access than other government records.

Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens transparency and makes it easier for individuals, the press and government watchdog organizations to hold officials accountable and report on government operations.

Supports
Limited
Government

HB 2509

House 2023

Growing Government Central Planning and Runaway Spending by Forcing Taxpayers to Subsidize Grocery Stores in "Food Deserts".

This bill creates the "Texas Grocery Access Investment Fund" "to construct, rehabilitate, or expand grocery stores in underserved low-income and moderate-income areas." The bill requires at least 25% of funds be in the form of grants or forgivable loans, and recipients may use funds to acquire property, construct grocery stores, and for other purposes.

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

Additionally, taxpayers in one part of the state should not be forced to subsidize amenities such as grocery stores for individuals in other regions of the state.

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 2843

House 2023

Strengthening Individual Liberties and Growing the Tax Base by Allowing Casinos to Operate in the State.

This bill would allow a limited number of casinos to operate in the state. The bill imposes a 15% tax on gross casino gaming revenue and 10% on gross sports wagering revenue, with 80% of the casino gaming tax revenue allocated to support education.

This measure also helps eliminate the financial fraud and other significant societal harms that the current black market in gambling presents, while allowing the state to generate additional revenue, as seen in states such as Tennessee, which has reportedly raised $73.7 million in tax revenue since legalizing online sports betting in November 2020.

Supports
Limited
Government

HB 287

House 2023

Growing Government Regulation of Property Insurance Through a New Mandate Requiring Payment of 80% of Replacement Value Up Front.

This bill requires homeowner's, renter's, and condominium owner's insurance policies that include replacement cost coverage to pay 80% of the repair or replacement cost of a claim upfront, minus the deductible. Once documentation is provided showing that the repair or replacement is complete, and any deductible has been paid, the remaining balance is to be paid.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows the regulatory state and government interference in the free market.

While there is a role of government to protect individuals from fraudulent practices, this overreach significantly adds to the already overregulation of the insurance industry, limiting policy options and driving up costs for both businesses and consumers.

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 3128

House 2023

Increasing Employment Barriers and Reducing Competition by Forcing Sewage Disposal Pump Technicians to Obtain a License.

This bill requires anyone who provides sewage disposal system pumping services in the state to become licensed and empowers the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to determine the qualifications.

Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the state already has certain licensing and regulatory protections in place surrounding septic tanks and this measure represents an excessive employment barrier.

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.

Against
Limited
Government

HB 3135

House 2023

Combatting Government Overreach by Requiring Localities to Review their Zoning Rules to Reduce Regulatory Burdens.

This bill requires localities to review the costs, benefits, and risks of their existing zoning regulations, building codes, development permits, and other land regulations. Localities are required to hold a public hearing and must repeal or amend certain regulations that interfere with new housing construction or existing housing development. Additionally, before adopting or modifying a land development regulation, localities must issue an impact statement analyzing the effects of the regulation. The regulation may only be modified or adopted if, among other requirements, the regulation does not negatively impact housing costs.

Support is the Limited Government Position as, like all government central planning attempts, many of the zoning and land use ordinances enacted across the state are overreaching and oftentimes designed to benefit select developers and landowners.

Supports
Limited
Government

HB 3137

House 2023

Protecting Second Amendment Rights by Preventing Localities from Imposing Liability Insurance Mandates on Firearm Owners.

This bill prohibits local governments from enacting any ordinances which require a firearm owner to obtain liability insurance for "damages resulting from negligent or willful acts involving the use of the firearm."

Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government.

This measure provides an additional layer of protection for individuals to exercise their Second Amendment rights without being unduly restricted by government.

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.

Supports
Limited
Government

HB 33

House 2023

Protecting the Oil and Gas Industry from Overreaching Federal Climate Change and Environmental Regulations.

This bill prohibits any state agency from assisting in the enforcement of any federal law or regulation on oil and gas operations unless such action is aligned with state regulation.

Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps protect the oil and gas industry from overreaching and politicized new mandates being proposed by the Biden Administration.

Such draconian regulations result in much higher consumer costs and choke economic growth.

Supports
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

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