FOUNDERSPAC

Carl H. Tepper

This resolution amends the state constitution to prohibit the legislature from imposing any tax based on the wealth or net worth of an individual or family. Support 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."

Protecting Economic Growth through a Constitutional Amendment Prohibiting Implementation of any "Wealth Tax".

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 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."

Reducing Frivolous Litigation by Providing Liability Protections to Rideshare Companies.

This bill expands eligibility under the "Major Events Reimbursement Fund" to include a larger range of events ranging from Formula 1 to the country music awards, 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."

Worsening Cronyism and Government Central Planning by Forcing Taxpayers to Subsidize an Even Greater Range of Events (Formula 1 and Equestrian) under the "Major Events Reimbursement Fund".

This bill requires an aspiring dietician to now obtain a master's degree, register with a national commission, complete an internship or other accepted training program, and undergo examination to work in the profession. Oppose 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."

Increasing Employment Barriers and Enriching Certain Educational Institutions by Forcing Dieticians to Obtain Masters Degrees.

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."

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

This bill authorizes El Paso County to issue bonds (debt) to be repaid by higher sales or property taxes in order to finance the construction of recreational facilities, if approved by voters. Oppose is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under School Finance and Property Taxation Section 92: "Bonds Create Bondage". "We urge the Texas Legislature to amend the Texas Election Code to require bond issues be approved by a 2/3 majority of those voting and only if 20% of all registered voters in the district cast ballots. Taxpayer standing must be established to allow taxpayers to hold government entities accountable.  

Authorizing El Paso County to Indebt Taxpayers to Construct Recreational Facilities.

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."

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

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 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."

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

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."

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

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. 

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

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."

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

This bill provides for the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, created this legislative session via a constitutional amendment, to be used to purchase land "for the creation and improvement of publicly accessible state parks." The state budget included $1 billion in funding for this purpose. The state is currently tasked with managing and maintaining over 13 million acres of land under its control. Oppose is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under Land Use Section 222: "Property Rights". "Property ownership and free enterprise, the foundation of our collective wealth, must not be abridged nor denied by government. We support legislation to protect these bedrock rights. Areas of concern are: .. nationalization of land".

Further Growing Government's Unsustainable Land Holdings through a $1 Billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund Program.

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 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."

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

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.” 

Advancing Affirmative Action by Mandating College Campuses Represent the Racial, Ethnic, and Religious Diversity of Texas.

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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Citizen Rights Section 32: "The Right to Keep and Bear Arms". "State and Federal Legislatures shall: Nullify any gun laws that violate the 2nd Amendment or rights of due process."

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

This bill raises the maximum allowable interest rate which lenders may charge on consumer loans, by now allowing the federal funds rate to be included in the calculation. While existing law currently caps consumer loan interest rates between 18% and 30%, the addition of the federal funds rate could allow lenders to charge another 5% to 6% depending on the rate of inflation. Support is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under Markets and Regulation Section 41: "Reduce Business Regulations". "We believe that .. businesses should be minimally regulated at all levels". 

Expanding Borrowing and Lending Opportunities by Raising the Maximum Allowable Interest Rate on Consumer Loans by Including the Federal Funds Rate in the Calculation.

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."

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

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."

Ensuring Fair Competition in Collegiate Athletics by Prohibiting Biological Males from Competing in Female Competitions.

This bill requires cities to provide written notification of any proposed zoning change which could cause a non-conforming use for a property owner or business. If the owner is required to close or cease operations, they would be entitled to compensation, such as the loss in market value of the property. The bill is, in part, in response to a case where a shingle factory operating for 80 years was forced to shut down without any compensation. Support is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under Land Use Section 222: "Property Rights". Property ownership and free enterprise, the foundation of our collective wealth, must not be abridged nor denied by government. Property owners shall be notified of their rights regarding condemnation, annexation, or easement, and the condemner shall be required to petition a court of jurisdiction to show public necessity. Taking of property shall result in immediate compensation of fair market value to the owner."

Strengthening Property Rights by Protecting Businesses from Local Zoning Changes.

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)."

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

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."

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.

This bill provides $100 million in funding to establish a new state border policing unit made up of commissioned peace officers. Funding is also directed to a number of initiatives designed to boost border security such as detention facility upgrades, temporary border barriers and compensation to certain property owners impacted. Support is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under Border Security and Immigration Section 256: "Border Security Funding". "We expect both the Texas Legislature and the United States Congress to make a priority of allocating funds to effectively secure the border through whatever means necessary, including but not limited to barriers, a border wall, and/or fence everywhere along the border where it is feasible and useful, as well as personnel and technology over land, sea, and air. Texas shall seek repayment from the Federal Government for expenses incurred in securing the border."

Strengthening National Security and Helping to Combat Illegal Immigration and Human Trafficking Through Additional Border Security Funding and Property Owner Compensation.

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."

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

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”.

Impeaching Attorney General Ken Paxton

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."

Ensuring Colleges and Universities can Remove Poor-Performing Professors by Restricting the Use of Tenure.

This bill prohibits home-rule municipalities from submitting any climate change charter to voters for approval unless the charter has been approved by the state legislature. This includes any rule or policy statement related to climate change or environmental impact. Support is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under Energy and Environment Section 57: "Environment". "We oppose environmentalism that obstructs legitimate business interests and private property use, including the regulatory taking of property by governmental agencies. We oppose environmentalism that obstructs legitimate business interests and private property use, including the regulatory taking of property by governmental agencies."

Protecting Texans from Politicized Climate Change Agendas by Requiring Municipal Charters on Climate Change be Adopted by the Legislature.

This bill establishes 10-year mandatory minimum sentences for individuals convicted of human smuggling and 5-year mandatory minimum sentences for operating a stash house (10 years if in an area subject to a declared state of disaster). The bill also enhances penalties for property damage that occurs as a result of concealing or harboring a person in the country illegally from a misdemeanor to a third-degree felony (2-10 years in prison). Support is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under Courts, Prosecutions, Restitution Section 187: "Human Trafficking Jurisdiction". "The Texas Legislature shall pass legislation granting the Texas Attorney General full concurrent jurisdiction over multi-jurisdictional cases, to be limited specifically to those cases involving human trafficking."

Strengthening National Security and Law and Order through 10 Year Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Human Trafficking.

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."  

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

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."

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

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."

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

This bill establishes a series of new regulations which prohibit insurance companies operating in the state from discriminating against companies on the basis of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). The new framework applies to both coverage decisions of insurers as well as their rate setting practices. Support is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under Markets and Regulation Section 46: "Texas Resistance to the Great Reset". "Texas should continue to pass legislation needed to protect the citizens of Texas from corporate violation of their rights in the Great Reset/Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) scheme as follows:  Make it illegal for banks and financial institutions operating in Texas to make lending decisions based on anything other than financial concerns. The model for such legislation shall be the Fair Access to Financial Services rule promulgated by President Trump’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, which was immediately suspended by the current occupant of the White House.

Combatting Radical-Left ESG Policies Imposed by Insurance Companies

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."

Protecting Taxpayer Funds from Being Utilized for Politicized "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" (DEI) Offices at Public College Campuses.

This bill prohibits local governments across the state from imposing any ordinances which directly regulate greenhouse gas emissions, with the state given exclusive regulatory authority. As a result, the bill would preempt local regulations that restrict greenhouse gas emissions. Support is the position of the Texas GOP Platform under Energy and Environment Section 57: "Environment". "We oppose environmentalism that obstructs legitimate business interests and private property use, including the regulatory taking of property by governmental agencies. We support the defunding of “climate justice” initiatives, the abolition of the Environmental Protection Agency, and repeal of the Endangered Species Act."

Protecting Against Local Government Overreach by Ensuring Only the State Can Regulate Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

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 position of the Texas GOP Platform under Energy and Environment Section 56: "Midland Not Moscow". "We fully support and encourage greater energy production in the Permian Basin and throughout Texas, as well as the necessary policies and infrastructure investment in roads, pipelines, and ports. This will support Texas workers and help America’s energy security, instead of increasing our reliance on foreign governments that do not benefit America or our allies."