Carl O. Sherman Sr. Voting Record & Scorecard | FoundersPAC
TX Representative
District: 109 • Democrat
2023 Alignment:
22.22%
Lifetime Ratings by Policy Category
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Provided by Transparency USA
Rep. Carl O. Sherman Sr. (D-TX-109) earned a 22% FoundersPAC score for 2023, showing minimal alignment with constitutional and limited-government principles. Carl O. Sherman Sr. voted on 63 of the 100 key bills Founders PAC scored in 2023. Carl O. Sherman Sr. represents the 109th District in the Texas House of Representatives. Highest category scores: National Defense and Foreign Affairs (33%), Health and Human Services (29%), and Criminal and Civil Justice (29%).
Title
Lawmaker Position
HB 1
House 2023
HB 1House 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.
With FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Spending Restraint Section 76: "State Fiscal Restraint". " We urge the Legislature to amend the Texas Constitution and State statute with a stricter spending limitation based on US Census population growth plus inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, and apply the new limit to Texas’s total government budget. We call on the Texas State Legislature to freeze State spending until wasteful programs have been eliminated, a sustainable size of government has been restored, and substantive property tax relief has been provided to Texas citizens. Any budget surplus shall be applied to property tax relief."
HB 100 (Amd. #1)
House 2023
HB 100 (Amd. #1)House 2023
Protecting Taxpayers and Promoting Student Success by Ensuring School Funding is Directed to Teachers Instead of Wasteful Administration.
With FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under School and Property Taxation Section 93: "Administrative Bloat is Not Tranformative". "We call on Texas school administrators to deliver more education for our dollars, instead of nonstop lobbying for more dollars for education. At a minimum, 65% of revenue should be spent in the classroom. We oppose the underhanded strategy of making cuts to visible frontline teaching positions instead of administrators and overhead."
HB 1058
House 2023
HB 1058House 2023
Expanding Cronyism and Diluting the Tax Base Through Additional Subsidies under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Opposition to Market-Distorting Tax and Fiscal Subsidies Section 95: "Bailouts and Subsidies". "We encourage government to divest its ownership of all businesses that should be run in the private sector. We oppose all bailouts of and subsidies to domestic and foreign government entities, states, and for all businesses, public and private."
HB 12
House 2023
HB 12House 2023
Increasing Government Dependency and Ballooning Medicaid Welfare Spending by an Additional $381 Million by Hiking Postpartum Benefits from 60 Days to 12 Months.
With FoundersPAC
This bill extends the duration of postpartum coverage provided under Medicaid from 60 days to 1 year. Support is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under Life-Affirming Health Care Concepts Section 165: "Alternatives to Abortion". "We urge the Republican Party of Texas to support programs that provide assistance to pregnant women by: Ensuring women have medical insurance coverage up to one year postpartum, making it safer for pregnant women to give birth in Texas."
HB 1243
House 2023
HB 1243House 2023
Strengthening Election Integrity by Increasing the Penalty for Knowingly Engaging in Voting Fraud.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Elections Section 242: "Fair Elections Procedures". "We support: Felony status for willful violations of the election code and increasing penalty for voter fraud from a misdemeanor back to a felony."
HB 1287
House 2023
HB 1287House 2023
Growing Government Dependency by Increasing the Vehicle Asset Allowance Under the SNAP Welfare Program from $15k to $22.5k.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Government-funded Health Programs Section 146: "Welfare Reform". "We support the abolition of all federal welfare programs, as they are not an appropriate role of the federal government. Until such time, welfare reform should encourage partnerships with faith-based institutions, community, and business organizations to assist individuals in need.
HB 1391
House 2023
HB 1391House 2023
Reducing Employment Barriers and Expanding Competition through an Alternative Licensing Pathway for Electricians.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Markets and Regulation Section 39: "Licensing". "We call upon the Texas Legislature to review all Texas Department of Licenses and Regulations (TDLR), business/professional licensing programs, and associated licensing for the purpose of abolishing or removing as many as reasonably possible and repealing those laws, rules, and regulations."
HB 1515
House 2023
HB 1515House 2023
Fueling Tens of Millions in Wasteful Spending by Extending the Unnecessary Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office for Another 12 Years.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Spending Restraint Section 75: "Government Spending and Taxation". "We believe in the principles of constitutionally limited government based on federalist principles. To this end, we encourage our elected officials at all levels of government to work to reverse the current trend of expanding government and the growing tax and debt burdens placed on “We the People.” Government spending is out of control at the federal, state, and local levels, and action is needed to reduce spending, and therefore taxation, at all levels."
HB 1595
House 2023
HB 1595House 2023
Raiding the State's Rainy Day Fund to Channel over $3.4 Billion in Additional Funding to Woke Universities.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Spending Restraint Section 86: "Higher Education Spending Control". "We support freezing public spending on State higher education until waste and administrative costs are reduced." "We oppose the use of the Economic Stabilization Fund (Rainy Day Fund) to expand government. Use of the Economic Stabilization Fund shall be limited to its intended purposes of preventing tax increases during economic downturns and responding to unforeseen disasters."
HB 17
House 2023
HB 17House 2023
Strengthening Public Safety by Allowing Courts to Remove Rogue DAs which Refuse to Prosecute Crime.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Courts, Prosecution, Restitution Section 183: "Court Accountability". "We believe district attorneys have a duty to seek justice for victims of all forms of crime and oppose policies that systematically decline to prosecute crimes."
HB 1750
House 2023
HB 1750House 2023
Protecting Farmers from Government Overreach by Preventing Local Governments from Imposing Additional Regulations on the Agricultural Industry.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Markets and Regulation Section 38: "Municipal Preemption". "We encourage the Legislature to preempt local government efforts to interfere with the State’s sovereignty over business, employees, and property rights. This includes but is not limited to burdensome regulations on short-term rentals, bags, sick leave, trees, and employee criminal screening."
HB 1760
House 2023
HB 1760House 2023
Strengthening Self-Defense and Second Amendment Rights by Limiting School "Gun-Free Zones" to Only School-Owned Property.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Citizen Rights Section 32: "The Right to Keep and Bear Arms". "State and Federal Legislatures shall: Recognize the right of License to Carry holders to carry anywhere off-duty or retired law enforcement can carry."
HB 1859
House 2023
HB 1859House 2023
Reducing Employment Barriers and Expanding Competition Through an Alternative Licensing Pathway for HVAC Technicians.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Markets and Regulation Section 39: "Licensing". "We call upon the Texas Legislature to review all Texas Department of Licenses and Regulations (TDLR), business/professional licensing programs, and associated licensing for the purpose of abolishing or removing as many as reasonably possible and repealing those laws, rules, and regulations."
HB 19
House 2023
HB 19House 2023
Improving the State's Business Climate by Creating a Specialized Business Court to Hear Cases and Expedite Legal Proceedings.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Courts, Prosecution, Restitution Section 184: "Frivolous Lawsuits". "We support further reform to discourage frivolous lawsuits. We oppose the abusive use of class action lawsuits and any law that allows government agencies to collect lawyer fees from the plaintiff when they win but not have to pay the plaintiff fees when they lose."
HB 1 (Amd. 2 - SS4)
House 2023
HB 1 (Amd. 2 - SS4)House 2023
Blocking School Choice by Removing the Provision Creating Educational Savings Accounts from the Education Bill.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Parents' Rights Section 101: "School Choice". "Texas families shall be empowered to choose from public, private, charter, or homeschool options for their children’s education, and the funding shall follow the student without strings attached. We also support tax credits and exemptions for education and choice within the public school system."
HB 1 (Amd. #45)
House 2023
HB 1 (Amd. #45)House 2023
Blocking School Choice by Prohibiting Any Appropriations within the Budget for School Choice Programs.
Against FoundersPAC
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. Oppose is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under Parents' Rights Section 101: "School Choice". "Texas families shall be empowered to choose from public, private, charter, or homeschool options for their children’s education, and the funding shall follow the student without strings attached. We also support tax credits and exemptions for education and choice within the public school system."
HB 2
House 2023
HB 2House 2023
Protecting Homeowners and Businesses from Spiking Property Taxes by Limiting Annual Property Assessment Increases.
With FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under School Finance and Property Taxation Section 91: "Property Tax Relief". "We support these incremental steps toward the ultimate abolition of property tax: b. Replace the appraisal system with a system that values property at the purchase price."
HB 2026
House 2023
HB 2026House 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.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Opposition to Market-Distorting Tax and Fiscal Subsidies Section 95: "Bailouts and Subsidies". "We encourage government to divest its ownership of all businesses that should be run in the private sector. We oppose all bailouts of and subsidies to domestic and foreign government entities, states, and for all businesses, public and private."
HB 2127
House 2023
HB 2127House 2023
Combatting Government Overreach by Prohibiting Local Governments from Imposing Additional Regulations on Certain Sectors.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Markets and Regulation Section 38: "Municipal Preemption". "We encourage the Legislature to preempt local government efforts to interfere with the State’s sovereignty over business, employees, and property rights. This includes but is not limited to burdensome regulations on short-term rentals, bags, sick leave, trees, and employee criminal screening."
HB 2231
House 2023
HB 2231House 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".
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Opposition to Market-Distorting Tax and Fiscal Subsidies Section 97: "Special Funds". "We urge the Texas Legislature to abolish the Special Events Trust Fund program, the Texas Enterprise Fund, and the Moving Image Industry Incentive Program."
HB 2239
House 2023
HB 2239House 2023
Strengthening Property Rights by Allowing the Removal of Ashe Juniper Trees Without Property Owners being Forced to Pay into a Tree Fund.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Markets and Regulation Section 38: "Municipal Preemption". "We encourage the Legislature to preempt local government efforts to interfere with the State’s sovereignty over business, employees, and property rights. This includes but is not limited to burdensome regulations on short-term rentals, bags, sick leave, trees, and employee criminal screening."
HB 2337
House 2023
HB 2337House 2023
Increasing Government Dependency by Expanding the Medicaid Welfare Program to Now Cover Behavioral Health Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization Services.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Government-funded Health Programs Section 146: "Welfare Reform". "We support the abolition of all federal welfare programs, as they are not an appropriate role of the federal government. Until such time, welfare reform should encourage partnerships with faith-based institutions, community, and business organizations to assist individuals in need. We oppose any further expansion of Medicaid."
HB 2466
House 2023
HB 2466House 2023
Worsening Cronyism by Forcing Taxpayers to Provide Additional Subsidies to Companies Already Receiving Federal Grants through the Texas Technology and Innovation Trust Fund.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Opposition to Market-Distorting Tax and Fiscal Subsidies Section 95: "Bailouts and Subsidies". "We encourage government to divest its ownership of all businesses that should be run in the private sector. We oppose all bailouts of and subsidies to domestic and foreign government entities, states, and for all businesses, public and private."
HB 2727
House 2023
HB 2727House 2023
Growing Government Dependency by Expanding the Medicaid Welfare Program to Now Cover Home Telemonitoring Services.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Government-funded Health Programs Section 149: "Medicaid Reform". "We support Medicaid block grants to the states and returning Medicaid to its original purpose to be a temporary assistance program. We oppose any further expansion of Medicaid."
HB 2 (Motion to Table Amd. #1)
House 2023
HB 2 (Motion to Table Amd. #1)House 2023
Denying Texans Significant Property Tax Relief by Blocking a $20 Billion Tax Cut.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under School Finance and Property Taxation Section 90: "Axe the Property Tax". "We support replacing the property tax system for businesses and individuals with an alternative other than the income tax and requiring voter approval to increase the overall tax burden. We urge the Legislature to immediately develop and implement a transition plan that is a net tax cut."
HB 3297
House 2023
HB 3297House 2023
Providing Significant Regulatory Relief to Car Owners by Eliminating the State's Mandatory Annual Vehicle Safety Inspection.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Transportation Section 64: "Vehicle Taxes". "Only commercial vehicles should be required to obtain a state safety inspection."
HB 3447
House 2023
HB 3447House 2023
Growing Government Bureaucracy and Wasteful Spending through the Creation of the Texas Space Commission and the Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Spending Restraint Section 76: "State Fiscal Restraint". " We urge the Legislature to amend the Texas Constitution and State statute with a stricter spending limitation based on US Census population growth plus inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, and apply the new limit to Texas’s total government budget. We call on the Texas State Legislature to freeze State spending until wasteful programs have been eliminated, a sustainable size of government has been restored, and substantive property tax relief has been provided to Texas citizens. Any budget surplus shall be applied to property tax relief."
HB 3659
House 2023
HB 3659House 2023
Strengthening Property Rights and Civil Liberties through Protections Against Abuse of Asset Forfeiture.
With FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Rights and Protections Section 173: "Civil Asset Fofeiture". " We call upon the Texas Legislature to abolish civil asset forfeiture, independently or in partnership with federal authorities, and to ensure that private property only be forfeited upon a criminal conviction.
HB 4218
House 2023
HB 4218House 2023
Protecting Truck Rental Companies from Frivolous Litigation for Not Retrofitting Trucks with Safety Equipment Upon their Sale.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Courts, Prosecution, Restitution Section 184: "Frivolous Lawsuits". "We support further reform to discourage frivolous lawsuits. We oppose the abusive use of class action lawsuits and any law that allows government agencies to collect lawyer fees from the plaintiff when they win but not have to pay the plaintiff fees when they lose."
HB 4539
House 2023
HB 4539House 2023
Worsening Cronyism by Making it Even Easier for Woke Hollywood Production Companies to become Enriched through Taxpayer Subsidies.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Opposition to Market-Distorting Tax and Fiscal Subsidies Section 97: "Special Funds". "We urge the Texas Legislature to abolish the Special Events Trust Fund program, the Texas Enterprise Fund, and the Moving Image Industry Incentive Program."
HB 4811
House 2023
HB 4811House 2023
Expanding Government and Paving the Way for Additional Energy Efficiency Mandates through the Creation of a Texas Energy Efficiency Council.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Government Operations Section 237: "Unelected Bureaucrats". "We oppose the appointment of unelected bureaucrats, and we support defunding and abolishing the departments or agencies: Energy".
HB 5
House 2023
HB 5House 2023
Expanding Cronyism and Enriching Government-Favored Corporations through a New Property Tax Exemption Scheme.
With FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Opposition to Market-Distorting Tax and Fiscal Subsidies Section 94: "Property Tax Abatements". "We support repealing Tax Code Chapter 312 county and municipal property tax abatements, and we oppose reintroducing school property tax abatements, formerly known as Chapter 313."
HB 54
House 2023
HB 54House 2023
Further Growing Medicaid Welfare Spending by Hiking the Monthly Personal Needs Allowance at Long-Term Care Facilities.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Government-funded Health Programs Section 146: "Welfare Reform". "We support the abolition of all federal welfare programs, as they are not an appropriate role of the federal government. Until such time, welfare reform should encourage partnerships with faith-based institutions, community, and business organizations to assist individuals in need. We oppose any further expansion of Medicaid."
HB 567
House 2023
HB 567House 2023
Increasing Frivolous Litigation and Legal Liabilities by Making "Hair Texture and Style" a Protected Characteristic in Employment and Housing.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Courts, Prosecution, Restitution Section 184: "Frivolous Lawsuits". "We support further reform to discourage frivolous lawsuits. We oppose the abusive use of class action lawsuits and any law that allows government agencies to collect lawyer fees from the plaintiff when they win but not have to pay the plaintiff fees when they lose."
HB 9
House 2023
HB 9House 2023
Enriching Comcast and other Woke Corporations by Forcing Taxpayers to Provide "Broadband Equity" through a Government Central Planning Scheme.
Against FoundersPAC
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. Other alternatives include Elon Musk's Starlink. Oppose is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under Opposition to Market-Distorting Tax and Fiscal Subsidies Section 95: "Bailouts and Subsidies". "We encourage government to divest its ownership of all businesses that should be run in the private sector. We oppose all bailouts of and subsidies to domestic and foreign government entities, states, and for all businesses, public and private."
HB 900
House 2023
HB 900House 2023
Protecting K-12 Students from Pornographic Content by Prohibiting the Sale or Distribution of Obscene Materials to Public Schools.
With FoundersPAC
This bill, the Restricting Explicit and Adult-Designated Educational Resources (READER) Act, prohibits school libraries from purchasing or possessing material that is harmful, sexually explicit, or "pervasively vulgar or educationally unsuitable." The bill also requires vendors to issue ratings for sexually explicit materials and schools must obtain parental consent before students may check out such materials from a school library. Support is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under Parents' Rights Section 106: "Inapporpriate and/or Harmful Content". "We request that the Texas Legislature pass legislation that requires Texas schools and libraries to filter inappropriate and/or harmful content, such as pornography, for minors. Operators of adult sex entertainment businesses and venues, adult entertainment of any kind, including Drag Queen Story Hour, shall not be part of educational programming in public schools, libraries, or any other taxpayer-funded program for children."
HB 916
House 2023
HB 916House 2023
Hiking Health Insurance Premiums by Mandating Insurance Companies Cover a 12-Month Supply of Contraceptive Drugs.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Government-funded Health Programs Section 146: "Welfare Reform". "We support the abolition of all federal welfare programs, as they are not an appropriate role of the federal government. Until such time, welfare reform should encourage partnerships with faith-based institutions, community, and business organizations to assist individuals in need. We oppose any further expansion of Medicaid."
HJR 45
House 2023
HJR 45House 2023
Increasing Tax Burdens on other Property Owners through a Crony Carveout Providing Physicians a Tax Exemption if they Provide Indigent Services.
With FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Opposition to Market-Distorting Tax and Fiscal Subsidies Section 94: "Property Tax Abatements". "We support repealing Tax Code Chapter 312 county and municipal property tax abatements, and we oppose reintroducing school property tax abatements, formerly known as Chapter 313."
HR 2377
House 2023
HR 2377House 2023
Impeaching Attorney General Ken Paxton
Against FoundersPAC
This vote convicts Attorney General Ken Paxton on Article 19 of the House impeachment inquiry. This article alleges Paxton engaged in private and public misconduct, described in the articles, that “indicate his unfitness for office.” This vote is also reflective of the other conviction votes cast by Senators against Paxton. Oppose is the position of the Texas GOP based on the October 5, 2023 resolution issued by the party. The resolution expressed gratitude to the Texas Senate “for rejecting the politically motivated impeachment of Attorney General Paxton by the Texas House of Representatives that failed to satisfy due process, to comply with applicable Texas law and the Texas and United States Constitutions, and to adhere to precedent”.
SB 1017
House 2023
SB 1017House 2023
Protecting Consumer Choice by Preventing Localities from Imposing any Ordinance which Restricts or Bans Gas-Powered Engines or a Source of Energy.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Transportation Section 63: "Freedom to Travel". "We oppose the Biden Infrastructure and Green Energy Plan that threatens our freedom to travel, imposes a federal mileage tax, as well as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) or other social justice policies on Texas taxpayers and drivers. We oppose anti-car measures that punish those who choose to travel alone in their own personal vehicle, and oppose any measure to impose “road diet” mandates designed to shrink auto capacity and/or intentionally clog vehicle lanes to force deference to pedestrian, bike, and mass transit options (whose users do not pay gas tax)."
SB 1070
House 2023
SB 1070House 2023
Strengthening Election Integrity through an Additional Voter Crosscheck.
Against FoundersPAC
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. Support is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under Elections Section 242: "Fair Elections Procedures". "We support the right of eligible voters to cast a ballot in each election once, but we oppose illegal voting, illegal assistance, or ineligible persons. We support: Allowing, by Open Records Request, a bit-by-bit forensic imaging of all electronic devices, including servers, at Central Counting immediately before and after each election."
SB 10 (Amd. #3)
House 2023
SB 10 (Amd. #3)House 2023
Worsening Texas' Unfunded Pension Crisis by Providing Even Greater Unpromised Payouts to Beneficiaries.
Against FoundersPAC
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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Spending Restraint Section 78: "Government Pensions". "The Texas Legislature shall enact new rules to begin to transition government pensions for public sector employees from a defined benefit pension to a defined contribution retirement plan similar to a 403(b)."
SB 12
House 2023
SB 12House 2023
Protecting Minors from Sexual Content by Ensuring Adult Entertainment is Not Performed on Public Property and that Minor Access is Restricted.
Against FoundersPAC
This bill prohibits "sexually oriented" shows and exhibitions from being performed on public property. Additionally, the bill requires any person or location that hosts such an exhibition (including drag shows) ensure minors are not allowed access. Support is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under Family and Gender Issues Section 209: "Protect Minors Until Age of Consent". "A law shall be enacted to protect the rights of the individual until the age of consent is reached. b. Protect against predatory sexual behaviors, including but not limited to “Drag Queen Story Hour.”
SB 15
House 2023
SB 15House 2023
Ensuring Fair Competition in Collegiate Athletics by Prohibiting Biological Males from Competing in Female Competitions.
With FoundersPAC
This bill, the Save Women's Sports Act, requires public colleges and universities to allow males and females to only compete on the team of their biological sex based on reproductive biology and genetic make-up. However, females are allowed to compete in a male sport if their school does not offer a female team in that sport. Support is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under Governance Section 125: "Gender Identity in Schools". " The official position of the Texas schools shall be that there are only two genders: biological male and biological female. We oppose transgender normalizing curriculum and pronoun use. We hold that biological men shall compete only against other biological men and biological women shall compete only against other biological women in athletics in the public school system of Texas and at the collegiate level."
SB 17
House 2023
SB 17House 2023
Protecting Taxpayer Funds from Being Utilized for Politicized "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" (DEI) Offices at Public College Campuses.
Against FoundersPAC
This bill prohibits public institutions of higher education (colleges and universities) from funding or operating any Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Office. Furthermore, the bill bans institutions from conducting diversity trainings or asking prospective job applicants to provide diversity statements. Support is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under Higher Education Section 129: "Fund and Support Western Civilization Instruction, Defund Political Correctness". "Like Hillsdale College, we agree that state universities “should value the merit of each unique individual, rather than succumbing to the discriminatory trend of so-called social justice and multicultural diversity. We oppose using public funds for homosexuality, transgender, or diversity-equity-inclusion centers."
SB 17 (Amd. #1)
House 2023
SB 17 (Amd. #1)House 2023
Fighting Back Against Efforts Designed to Weaken the DEI Bill by Forcing Taxpayers to Fund DEI Studies, Retaining DEI Employees, and Delaying Implementation of the Bill.
Against FoundersPAC
The Tinderholt amendment #1 to a bill prohibiting public colleges and universities from establishing a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) office. The amendment eliminates language in the bill which forces public institutions to make efforts to reassign employees whose positions will be eliminated due to the bill's prohibition on DEI offices. The amendment also eliminates the requirement that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board conduct an annual study on the impact of the bill on students, broken down by categories such as race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Support is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under School and Property Taxation Section 93: "Administrative Bloat is Not Tranformative". "We call on Texas school administrators to deliver more education for our dollars, instead of nonstop lobbying for more dollars for education. At a minimum, 65% of revenue should be spent in the classroom. We oppose the underhanded strategy of making cuts to visible frontline teaching positions instead of administrators and overhead."
SB 17 (Amd. #14)
House 2023
SB 17 (Amd. #14)House 2023
Advancing Affirmative Action by Mandating College Campuses Represent the Racial, Ethnic, and Religious Diversity of Texas.
Against FoundersPAC
The Zwiener amendment #14 to a bill prohibiting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offices at public colleges and universities. The amendment adds language requiring each public college and university to be committed to an environment of "racial, ethnic, and religious diversity that reflects the racial, ethnic, and religious diversity of the state of Texas." Oppose is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under Higher Education Section 129: "Fund and Support Western Civilization Instruction, Defund Political Correctness". "Like Hillsdale College, we agree that state universities “should value the merit of each unique individual, rather than succumbing to the discriminatory trend of so-called social justice and multicultural diversity, which judges individuals not as individuals, but as members of a group which pits one group against other competing groups in divisive power struggles.”
SB 18
House 2023
SB 18House 2023
Ensuring Colleges and Universities can Remove Poor-Performing Professors by Restricting the Use of Tenure.
Against FoundersPAC
This bill allows public higher education institutions (state colleges and universities) to adopt policies which allow for the termination of tenured faculty for reasons such as "professional incompetence" or "conduct involving moral turpitude". Support is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under Higher Education Section 131: "Tenure". "We support abolishing the system of tenure in academia and advocate replacing it with a merit-based system for teacher retention."
SB 1893
House 2023
SB 1893House 2023
Strengthening National Security by Banning TikTok from Being Accessed on State-Issued Devices.
With FoundersPAC
This bill prevents state employees and officers from downloading or accessing TikTok or other applications declared by the Governor to pose a risk to the state, on state devices. Support is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under Foreign Affairs Section 266: "Trade with China". "Critical infrastructure such as internet or cabling, electrical or power, or water facilities should not be owned by Chinese or communist companies."
SB 1932
House 2023
SB 1932House 2023
Expanding Individual Liberties by Allowing Individuals to Sell Sealed 20+ Year Old Wine to Restaurants.
With FoundersPAC
This bill allows individuals who are not alcohol permit or license holders to sell wine to restaurants, provided the wine is at least 20 years old and still sealed. The restaurant may then sell the wine for on-premises consumption. Support is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under Markets and Regulation Section 41: "Reduce Business Regulations". "We believe that the following businesses shall be minimally regulated at all levels: Eliminate the three-tier alcohol system (production, distribution, and retail)."
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