New Opportunities, New Directions: What Went Right in the 82nd Legislature

When the Texas Legislature adjourned “sine die” on May 30, they left many Texans confused: they were coming back the next morning for an encore performance, to continue working on big issues that didn’t get resolved during the regular five-month session. Many people wondered exactly what lawmakers had accomplished during the regular session, since big priorities like the state budget were still works-in-progress. (More about that budget issue here.)
      Don’t be confused. The 82nd Legislature passed significant legislation that can have lasting benefits for our state. From regulating payday lenders to supporting small farmers…from increasing energy efficiency to reforming juvenile justice…from building nonprofit capacity to bringing new accountability to state agencies...lawmakers took meaningful steps to make Texas a better place. Read on for all the details including how YOUR legislator voted!

New Opportunities

• Renewing Our Communities: Local faith and community-based organizations can work with state agencies and OneStar to build stronger partnerships.
• Navigators: Volunteers and staff in outreach programs like food pantries can be certified to assist clients applying for assistance or looking for other online services.
• LoanSTAR Stewards: Houses of worship can receive low-interest financing for energy efficiency upgrades through this pilot program.
• Onsite Solar: More options are available for congregations and other property owners to install solar energy systems.
• Juvenile Justice Reform: Congregations and their members can ensure accountability in the new system and provide support to offenders and families.
• Summer Food: Congregations have increased options for partnering with local school districts to offer meals to kids during summer vacation.
• Urban Agriculture: the Legislature opened up new directions for future work on the related issues of hunger, nutrition, economic development and local environmental planning

New Directions

• Fusion Centers: National model legislation establishes a new oversight and accountability for internet-based law enforcement centers.
• Payday Lending: For the first time, Texas will regulate payday and auto title lenders, as well as providing new consumer credit education.
• Fracking: National model legislation establishes “well-by-well” disclosure of the chemicals used in hydraulic fracture natural gas extraction.
• Indigent Defense: Lawmakers adopted recommendations of the Tim Cole Commission and other recent studies, as well as developing a new structure for ensuring adequate legal representation for indigent defendants.
• Low-Income Weatherization: Utility companies will adhere to stricter quality standards in weatherizing homes for low-income Texans.
• Obesity Prevention: Schools will provide more specific information on student physical fitness to help agencies evaluate obesity prevention programs
• State Budget: The Legislative Budget Board will meet more frequently and interact with stakeholders and the public on budget actions between legislative sessions. (This legislation is pending in the special session--stay tuned!)
• TCEQ Sunset: Legislators improved TCEQ’s enforcement and compliance policies and public participation process.