We're at a critical point in the legislative session in Austin where bad bills are moving fast and we need to make extraordinary efforts to stop them. Let's get right to the details.
SB 1585 is a "companion" bill to HB 2771, which would lead to TCEQ issuing permits for frack wastewater to be dumped into our rivers and streams. The House approved HB 2771 last week, but the Senate could soon approve its version at any moment. We need emails and calls in to State Senate offices right away!
HB 3557 is also a "companion" bill to SB 1993, the extreme "anti-protestor" bill that would treat acts of civil disobedience at sites deemed "critical infrastructure" on the same level as attempted murder. This bill would also impose "vicarious liability" on organizations like churches, grassroots groups, and non-profits even if they are unaware of that person's plans or actions. There are already adequate laws on the books for acts of civil disobedience. This bill's intent is really to stifle free speech.
HB 3557 has been voted out of committee and is in the Calendars Committee, which controls which bills get voted on in the full House.
Lastly, HB 3114, which would cut out independent judges in the contested case hearing process on air and water permits, is also in Calendars. We need to send a strong message to the members of the Calendars Committee to stop these bills now.
Calendars Committee
Rep. Joseph Moody, El Paso, 512-463-0728 Tweet him
Rep. John Wray, Waxahachie, 512-463-0516 Tweet him
Rep. Oscar Longoria, Mission, 512-463-0645 Tweet him
Rep. John Frullo, Lubbock, 512-463-0676, Tweet him
Rep. Tom Oliverson, Cypress, 512-463-0661 Tweet him
Rep. Craig Goldman, Ft. Worth, 512-463-0608 Tweet him
Rep. Will Metcalf, Conroe, 512-463-0726 Tweet him
Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, Austin, 512-463-0674 Tweet him
Rep. Joe Deshotel, Beaumont, 512-463-0662 Tweet him
Rep. Four Price, Amarillo, 512-463-0470 Tweet him
Rep. Toni Rose, Dallas, 512-463-0664 Tweet her
Please take a few minutes today and reach out to your State Senator on SB 1585, and call and tweet as many members of the Calendars Committee members as you can.
Thank you!
Photo: East Bay Times