Leticia Van de Putte Austin: 208 West 14th Street Andrade-Van de Putte & Associates Austin, 78701

Legislative Tool Kit : 300 East Basse, #1144 San Antonio, Texas 78209

O: 210.592.6187 C: 210.854.6604 W: andradevdp.com Table of Contents Who Represents Me? ...... 3 Background ...... 3 Your Elected Officials ...... 3 ...... 3 Emailing your Senate Member ...... 4 Capitol Mailing Address for All Senate Members ...... 4 Senate Members ...... 5 Texas House of Representatives ...... 6 Emailing your House Member ...... 7 Capitol Mailing Address for All House Members ...... 7 Texas House Members ...... 8 The Role of Committees ...... 10 Member Appointments ...... 10 Texas Senate ...... 10 Texas House of Representatives ...... 10 Standing Committees ...... 10 Texas Senate ...... 10 Texas House ...... 11 Committee Assignments ...... 12 Structure ...... 19 The Legislative Process ...... 19 Factoids ...... 20 Getting Around the Capitol: Capitol Guides ...... 21 Tracking Legislative Progress ...... 23 Effective Advocacy for TAPA ...... 24 Building Connections ...... 24 Legislative Meeting ...... 24 Scheduling ...... 24 Preparedness ...... 24 Messaging ...... 25 Relationship Building ...... 25 Following Up ...... 25 Glossary of Terms ...... 26

Who Represents Me?

Below is the link for you to determine who represents you in the Texas Legislature as well as in the U.S. Congress.

https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home

Texas Legislature Background

The State of Texas Legislature operates under the biennial system. It convenes a regular session every odd-numbered year. The maximum duration of a regular session is 140 days.

The governor is given authority under the state constitution to convene the legislature at other times during the biennium. Such sessions are known as called or special sessions and are reserved for legislation that the governor deems critically important in the conduct of state affairs. Called sessions are limited to a period of 30 days, during which the legislature is permitted to pass laws only on subjects submitted by the governor in calling for the session.

Your Elected Officials

Texas Senate

Ø How many- o 31 Members (19 R’s, 12 D’s) Ø Who are they? o The Lt. Gov. is elected statewide and presides as the President of the Texas Senate. Each member represents districts with more than 800,000 constituents, (this is more than a Congressional Member). Ø Length of term - o 4 year The Senate Chamber is located in the east wing of the Capitol and is the setting for negotiations, debate, and legislative action by 31 senators.

As established by the Texas Constitution:

Ø A senator must be at least 26 years of age, Ø A citizen of Texas for five years prior to the election Ø A resident of the district from which elected, one year prior to election Each senator serves a four-year term— one-half of the Senate membership is elected every two years.

As presiding officer of the Senate, the Lieutenant Governor (Lt. Gov.) is officially called the President of the Senate. The Lt. Gov. is elected statewide by popular vote to serve a four-year term of office. The Lt. Gov. is not a member of the Senate, and votes only in case of a tie. The Lt. Gov. appoints all chairs and members of the Senate committees, and refers all bills to committee. The Lt. Gov. also schedules most bills for consideration on the Senate floor. Bills that are local or uncontested are scheduled by the Senate Administration Committee. The Senate holds the power of advice and consent on gubernatorial appointments to state boards and commissions.

The Lt. Gov. schedules most bills for consideration on the Senate floor only after the bill’s author has the required number of Senators pledge’s to vote FOR consideration. The current requirement is 3/5th of the Senate. This is called the “3/5th Rule” and means that 19 of the 31 Senators must agree to bring a bill up for a vote before any formal Senate floor action can be taken.

There are several rules a senator must follow when speaking for or against a bill. A senator must rise and be recognized by the presiding officer before addressing members of the Senate. After being recognized by the presiding officer, the senator:

1. Must remain standing at his/her desk; 2. Must speak on topics relevant to the issue or the bill at hand; and 3. May yield the floor to another member for questions. In some instances, such as when the Senate has resolved into a Committee of the Whole Senate, the Lt. Gov. may “step down” from the podium to participate in the debate of a topic. When this occurs, a senator is asked to “step up” and preside over the Senate.

The Senate elects officers, who are not members of the Senate, to carry our various duties necessary to the legislative process. The Senate parliamentarian assists the presiding officer in the matters of procedure and Senate rules. The Secretary of the Senate reads all the bills before the Senate and calls roll for attendance and voting. The calendar clerk and journal clerk act as assistants to the secretary of the Senate and record bills and Senate actions, each sitting at a large desk on either side in front of the podium. The sergeant-at-arms maintains decorum in the chamber, and the doorkeeper stands at the main entrance doors to the Senate Chamber to announce messengers or delegations from the House, or the arrival of the governor.

Emailing your Senate Member

Ø All Senators can be reached by emailing @senate.texas.gov with their first and last names before the @ symbol. o Be sure the put the period (.) in between the first and last name. Example: Senator Bryan Hughes is: [email protected]

Capitol Mailing Address for All Senate Members

P.O. Box 12068, Austin, TX 78711

Example: Senator Bryan Hughes The Honorable Bryan Hughes P.O. Box 12068 Austin, TX 78711 Texas Senate Members Title First Name Last Name SD Capitol# Lt. Gov. Hon. Bryan Hughes 1 512.463.0101 Hon. 2 512.463.0102 Hon. Robert Nichols 3 512.463.0103 Hon. 4 512.463.0104 Hon. 5 512.463.0105 Hon. 6 512.463.0106 Hon. 7 512.463.0107 Hon. 8 512.463.0108 Hon. 9 512.463.0109 Hon. 10 512.463.0110 Hon. Larry Taylor 11 512.463.0111 Hon. 12 512.463.0112 Hon. 13 512.463.0113 Hon. 14 512.463.0114 Hon. 15 512.463.0115 Hon. Nathan Johnson 16 512.463.0116 Hon. 17 512.463.0117 Hon. 18 512.463.0118 Hon. Peter Flores 19 512.463.0119 Hon. 20 512.463.0120 Hon. 21 512.463.0121 Hon. 22 512.463.0122 Hon. 23 512.463.0123 Hon. 24 512.463.0124 Hon. 25 512.463.0125 Hon. 26 512.463.0126 Hon. Eddie Lucio, Jr. 27 512.463.0127 Hon. Charles Perry 28 512.463.0128 Hon. Jose Rodriguez 29 512.463.0129 Hon. 30 512.463.0130 Hon. 31 512.463.0131 Texas House of Representatives

Ø How many - o 150 Members (82R’s, 64 D’s, 4 current vacancies) Ø Who are they – o Single-member districts representing approximately 175,000 constituents. Ø Length of term – o 2 years

A member of the house must be:

Ø A citizen of the Ø Must be a qualified elector of the state, and Ø Must be at least 21 years old. Ø He/She must have been a resident of the state for two years immediately preceding election, and

Ø For one year immediately preceding election must have been a

resident of the district from which he or she was chosen.

The House of Representatives elects one of its own members as presiding officer--the Speaker of the House. The House creates and enforces its own rules and judges the qualifications of its members.

The Speaker appoints chairs and members of all House committees and refers all bills to a committee. Bills are scheduled for consideration on the House floor by the Calendars Committee. All legislation raising revenue must originate in the House.

A House member who is sponsoring a bill for debate on the floor goes to the front podium just below the Speaker’s desk to explain the bill. Other House members who wish to ask questions or make points pertaining to the measure go to the podium at the rear of the House Chamber.

Only the Hose may originate charges of impeachment, which must be tried by the Senate. Also, all joint sessions of the Senate and House are held in the House Chamber.

The Speaker must rise to put a question before the House prior to a vote. The Speaker has the same right as other House members to vote, but may withhold action in order to cast the deciding vote to make or break a tie. The Speaker decides on all questions of order; however, such decisions are subject to an appeal to the House made by any 10 members. No member may speak more than once on an appeal, unless given leave by a majority of the House.

Emailing your House Member

Ø All Representatives can be reached by emailing @house.texas.gov with their first and last names before the @ symbol. o Be sure the put the period (.) in between the first and last name. Example: Representative is: [email protected]

Capitol Mailing Address for All House Members

P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768

Example: Representative Alma Allen The Honorable Alma Allen P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768

Texas House of Representative Members 2019 Title First Name Last Name HD Capitol# Title First Name Last Name HD Capitol# Hon. Gary VanDeaver 1 512.463.0692 Hon. 55 512.463.0630 Hon. 2 512.463.0880 Hon. Charles "Doc" Anderson 56 512.463.0135 Hon. Cecil Bell 3 512.463.0650 Hon. 57 512.463.0508 Hon. 4 512.463.0458 Hon. DeWayne Burns 58 512.463.0538 Hon. 5 512.463.0271 Hon. J.D. Sheffield 59 512.463.0628 Hon. 6 512.463.0584 Hon. Mike Lang 60 512.463.0656 Hon. 7 512.463.0750 Hon. Phil King 61 512.463.0738 Hon. 9 512.463.0556 Hon. Reggie Smith 62 512.463.0297 Hon. John Wray 10 512.463.0516 Hon. 63 512.463.0688 Hon. 11 512.463.0592 Hon. 64 512.463.0582 Hon. 12 512.463.0412 Hon. 65 512.463.0478 Hon. 13 512.463.0600 Hon. 66 512.463.0594 Hon. John Raney 14 512.463.0698 Hon. 67 512.463.0544 Hon. 15 512.463.0797 Hon. 68 512.463.0526 Hon. 16 512.463.0726 Hon. 69 512.463.0534 Hon. 17 512.463.0682 Hon. 70 512.463.0356 Hon. 18 512.463.0570 Hon. 71 512.463.0718 Hon. James White 19 512.463.0490 Hon. 72 512.463.0331 Hon. Terry Wilson 20 512.463.0309 Hon. 73 512.463.0325 Hon. 21 512.463.0706 74 Hon. 22 512.463.0662 Hon. Mary Gonzalez 75 512.463.0613 Hon. 23 512.463.0502 Hon. 76 512.463.0622 Hon. 24 512.463.0729 Hon. Evelina "Lina" Ortega 77 512.463.0638 Hon. 25 512.463.3000 Hon. 78 512.463.0728 Hon. Rick Miller 26 512.463.0710 Hon. 79 512.463.0596 Hon. Ron Reynolds 27 512.463.0494 Hon. Tracy O. King 80 512.463.0194 28 Hon. 81 512.463.0546 Hon. Ed Thompson 29 512.463.0707 Hon. 82 512.463.0500 Hon. 30 512.463.0456 Hon. 83 512.463.0542 Hon. 31 512.463.0416 Hon. 84 512.463.0676 Hon. Todd Hunter 32 512.463.0672 Hon. Phil Stephenson 85 512.463.0604 Hon. Justin Holland 33 512.463.0484 Hon. John Smithee 86 512.463.0702 Hon. 34 512.463.0462 Hon. 87 512.463.0470 Hon. 35 512.463.0645 Hon. 88 512.463.0736 Hon. Sergio Munoz, Jr. 36 512.463.0704 Hon. 89 512.463.0186 Hon. 37 512.463.0640 Hon. Ramon Romero, Jr. 90 512.463.0740 Hon. Eddie Lucio III 38 512.463.0606 Hon. Stephane Klick 91 512.463.0599 Hon. Armando Martinez 39 512.463.0530 Hon. 92 512.463.0522 Hon. 40 512.463.0426 Hon. Matt Krause 93 512.463.0562 Hon. R.D. "Bobby" Guerra 41 512.463.0578 Hon. 94 512.463.0624 Hon. Richard Pena 42 512.463.0558 Hon. 95 512.463.0716 Hon. J.M. Lozano 43 512.463.0463 Hon. Bill Zedler 96 512.463.0374 Hon. 44 512.463.0602 Hon. 97 512.463.0608 Hon. Erin Zweiner 45 512.463.0647 Hon. 98 512.463.0690 Hon. 46 512.463.0506 Hon. 99 512.463.0610 Hon. 47 512.463.0652 100 Hon. 48 512.463.0631 Hon. Chris Turner 101 512.463.0574 Hon. 49 512.463.0668 Hon. Ana-Maria Ramos 102 512.463.0454 Hon. 50 512.463.0821 Hon. 103 512.463.0746 Hon. Eddie Rodriguez 51 512.463.0674 Hon. Jessica Gonzalez 104 512.463.0408 Hon. 52 512.463.0670 Hon. Thresa "Terry"Meza 105 512.463.0641 Hon. Andrew Murr 53 512.463.0536 Hon. 106 512.463.0694 Hon. Brad Buckley 54 512.463.0684 Hon. 107 512.463.0244 Hon. Morgan Meyer 108 512.463.0367 Hon. Carl Sherman, Sr. 109 512.463.0953 Hon. 110 512.463.0664 Hon. 111 512.463.0598 Hon. Angie Button 112 512.463.0486 Hon. 113 512.463.0464 Hon. John Turner 114 512.463.0576 Hon. Julie Johnson 115 512.463.0468 Hon. Roland Gutierrez 116 512.463.0452 Hon. 116 512.463.0616 Hon. 117 512.463.0269 Hon. 118 512.463.0714 Hon. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins 120 512.463.0708 Hon. 121 512.463.0686 Hon. 122 512.463.0646 Hon. 123 512.463.0532 Hon. 124 512.463.0634 Hon. 125 512.463.0669 Hon. 126 512.463.0496 Hon. 127 512.463.0520 Hon. 128 512.463.0733 Hon. 129 512.463.0734 Hon. 130 512.463.0661 Hon. Alma Allen 131 512.463.0744 Hon. Gina Calanni 132 512.463.0528 Hon. Jim Murphy 133 512.463.0514 Hon. Sarah Davis 134 512.463.0389 Hon. 135 512.463.0722 Hon. John Bucy III 136 512.463.0696 Hon. 137 512.463.0492 Hon. Dwayne Bohac 138 512.463.0727 Hon. 139 512.463.0554 Hon. 140 512.463.0924 Hon. 141 512.463.0720 Hon. Harold Dutton, Jr. 142 512.463.0510 Hon. 143 512.463.0614 Hon. 144 512.463.0460 Hon. 145 512.463.0732 Hon. 146 512.463.0518 Hon. 147 512.463.0524 148 Hon. 149 512.463.0568 Hon. 150 512.463.0572 *Gov. Abbott calls January 28, 2020-- special runoff elections for HD28, HD100, HD148; * Pending HD 74 The Role of Committees

Member Appointments

Texas Senate Ø By the Lt. Governor Dan Patrick

Texas House of Representatives Ø By the Speaker who is elected by the members on the first day of each biennial session.

Standing Committees

Texas Senate

Administration Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs Business & Commerce Committee of the Whole Senate Criminal Justice Education Finance Health & Human Services Higher Education Intergovernmental Relations Mass Violence Prevention & Community Safety, Select Natural Resources & Economic Development Nominations Nominations Property Tax Redistricting, Select State Affairs Texas Ports, Select Transportation Veteran Affairs & Border Security Water & Rural Affairs

Texas House

Agriculture & Livestock International Trade & Intergovernmental Aggregate Production Operations, Interim Study Affairs Appropriations Investments & Financial Services Appropriations - S/C on Article II Investments & Financial Services-S/C on Bond Appropriations - S/C on Article III Indebtedness Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV & V Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII & VIII Juvenile Justice & Family Issues Appropriations - S/C on Budget Transparency & Land & Resource Management Reform Licensing & Administrative Procedures Business & Industry Local & Consent Calendars Calendars Natural Resources Corrections Natural Resources-S/C on Special Water County Affairs Districts Criminal Jurisprudence Opioids & Substance Abuse, Select Pensions Culture, Recreation & Tourism Public Education Defense & Veterans' Affairs Public Education-S/C on Educator Quality Driver’s License Issuance & Renewal Se Public Health Economic & Small Business Development Redistricting Economic & Small Business Development-S/C on Rules & Resolutions Small Business Economic Competitiveness, Select Special Purpose Districts Elections State & Federal Power & Responsibility, Select Energy Resources State Affairs Environmental Regulation Statewide Health Care Costs, Select General Investigating & Ethics Texas Ports, Innovation & Infrastructure, Select Government Transparency & Operation Transportation Higher Education Transportation-S/C on Long-term Infrastructure Higher Education-S/C on Post-Secondary & Planning Workforce Readiness Urban Affairs Homeland Security & Public Safety Ways & Means House Administration Human Services Insurance

Senate Administration Committee Senate Agriculture Committee Senate Business & Commerce Committee Bryan Hughes, Chair Robert Nichols Bob Hall, Chair Kelly Hancock, Chair Angela Paxton Pat Fallon, Vice Chair Judith Zaffirini Jose Rodriguez, Vice Chair Robert Nichols, Vice Chair Charles Schwertner Joan Huffman Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa Donna Campbell John Whitmire Nathan Johnson Charles Schwertner Brandon Creighton Judith Zaffirini Jose Menendez Jose Menendez

Senate Committee on Committee of the Whole Senate Senate Criminal Justice Committee Senate Education Committee Carol Alvarado Jose Menendez John Whitmire, Chair Borris Miles Larry Taylor, Chair Bryan Hughes Paul Bettencourt Borris Miles Joan Huffman, Vice Chair Charles Perry Eddie Lucio, Jr., Vice Chair Angela Paxton Brian Birdwell Jane Nelson Dawn Buckingham Paul Bettencourt Beverly Powell Dawn Buckingham Robert Nichols Peter Flores Donna Campbell Kirk Watson Donna Campbell Angela Paxton Bryan Hughes Pat Fallon Royce West Brandon Creighton Charles Perry Bob Hall Pat Fallon Beverly Powell Peter Flores Jose Rodriguez Senate Health & Human Services Committee Senate Higher Education Committee Bob Hall Charles Schwertner Lois Kolkhorst, Chair Nathan Johnson Brandon Creighton, Chair Larry Taylor Kelly Hancock Kel Seliger Charles Perry, Vice Chair Borris Miles Royce West, Vice Chair Kirk Watson Juan Hinojosa Larry Taylor Dawn Buckingham Beverly Powell Paul Bettencourt Joan Huffman Kirk Watson Donna Campbell Kel Seliger Dawn Buckingham Bryan Hughes Royce West Peter Flores Beverly Powell Nathan Johnson John Whitmire Lois Kolkhorst Judith Zaffirini Eddie Lucio, Jr.

Senate Finance Committee Senate Health & Human Services Committee Senate Higher Education Committee Jane Nelson, Chair Lois Kolkhorst Lois Kolkhorst, Chair Nathan Johnson Brandon Creighton, Chair Larry Taylor Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, Vice Chair Robert Nichols Charles Perry, Vice Chair Borris Miles Royce West, Vice Chair Kirk Watson Paul Bettencourt Charles Perry Dawn Buckingham Beverly Powell Paul Bettencourt Brian Birdwell Larry Taylor Donna Campbell Kel Seliger Dawn Buckingham Donna Campbell Kirk Watson Peter Flores Beverly Powell Peter Flores Royce West Kelly Hancock John Whitmire Joan Huffman

Senate Intergovernmental Relations Committee Senate Mass Violence Prevention & Community Safety, Select Senate Natural Resources & Economic Eddie Lucio, Jr., Chair Jose Menendez Joan Juffman, Chair Charles Perry Brian Birdwell, Chair Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa Charles Schwertner, Vice Chair Robert Nichols Judith Zaffirini, Vice Chair Jose Rodriguez Judith Zaffirini, Vice Chair Borris Miles Carol Alvarado Donna Campbell Larry Taylor Pat Fallon Angela Paxton Donna Campbell Kelly Hancock John Whitmire Peter Flores Jose Rodriguez Pat Fallon Jane Nelson Kelly Hancock

Senate Nominations Committee Senate Property Tax Committee Senate Redistricting Committee, Select Dawn Buckingham, Chair Borris Miles Paul Bettencourt, Chair Joan Huffman, Chair Eddie Lucio, Jr. Kirk Watson, Vice Chair Kel Seliger Angela Paxton, Vice Chair Juan Hinojosa, Vice Chair Jose Menendez Carol Alvarado Brandon Creighton Carol Alvarado Robert Nichols Bob Hall Kelly Hancock Paul Bettencourt Angela Paxton Lois Kolkhorst Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa Dawn Buckingham Charles Perry Donna Campbell Kirk Watson Peter Flores Royce West Kelly Hancock John Whitmire Bryan Hughes

Senate State Affairs Committee Senate Texas Ports Committee, Select Senate Transportation Committee Joan Huffman, Chair Bob Hall Brandon Creighton, Chair Eddie Lucio, Jr. Robert Nichols, Chair Charles Perry Bryan Hughes, Vice Chair Eddie Lucio, Jr. Carol Alvarado, Vice Chair Jane Nelson Kelly Hancock, Vice Chair Jose Rodriguez Brian Birdwell Jane Nelson Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa Larry Taylor Carol Alvarado Charles Schwertner Brandon Creighton Judith Zaffirini Lois Kolkhorst Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa Royce West Pat Fallon Lois Kolkhorst

Senate Veterans Affairs & Border Security Committee Senate Water & Rural Affairs Committee Donna Campbell, Chair Jose Menendez Charles Perry, Chair Lois Kolkhorst Bob Hall, Vice Chair Charles Schwertner Brandon Creighton, Vice Chair Jose Rodriguez Nathan Johnson Kel Seliger Carol Alvarado Larry Taylor Eddie Lucio, Jr. Nathan Johnson House Committee on Aggregate Production Operations, Interim Study (C019) Clerk: Jeff Frazier House Committee on Business & Industry (C040) Clerk: Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0309 Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0766 Appointment Date: 12/10/2019 Room: EXT E2.714 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.128

Position Member Position Member Chair: Rep. Terry M. Wilson Chair: Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer Vice Chair: Rep. Armando Martinez Vice Chair: Rep. Drew Darby Members: Rep. Alma Allen Members: Rep. Michelle Beckley Greg Hale Rep. Nicole Collier Rep. J. M. Lozano Rep. Brooks Landgraf Rep. Andrew S. Murr Rep. Joe Moody Rep. Jared Patterson Rep. Tan Parker David Perkins Rep. Jared Patterson Rep. Rep. Hugh Shine

House Committee on Agriculture & Livestock (C020) Clerk: House Committee on Calendars (C050) Clerk: Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0762 Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0758 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.114 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.148

Position Member Position Member Chair: Rep. Drew Springer Chair: Rep. Four Price Vice Chair: Rep. Charles "Doc" Anderson Vice Chair: Rep. Joe Moody Members: Rep. Michelle Beckley Members: Rep. Joe Deshotel Rep. Brad Buckley Rep. John Frullo Rep. DeWayne Burns Rep. Craig Goldman Rep. Thresa "Terry" Meza Rep. Oscar Longoria Rep. Richard Peña Raymond Rep. Will Metcalf Rep. Erin Zwiener Rep. Tom Oliverson Rep. Eddie Rodriguez Rep. Toni Rose Rep. John Wray

House Committee on Appropriations (C030) Clerk: House Committee on Corrections (C200) Clerk: Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-1091 Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0796 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E1.032 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.110

Position Member Position Member Chair: Rep. Oscar Longoria Chair: Rep. James White Vice Chair: Rep. Cecil Bell Vice Chair: Rep. Alma Allen Members: Rep. Greg Bonnen Members: Rep. Ernest Bailes Rep. Brad Buckley Rep. Rhetta Andrews Bowers Rep. Giovanni Capriglione Rep. Jay Dean Rep. Philip Cortez Rep. Victoria Neave Rep. Sarah Davis Rep. Carl O. Sherman, Sr. Rep. Mary E. González Rep. Phil Stephenson Rep. Cole Hefner Rep. Donna Howard Rep. Jarvis D. Johnson House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence (C220) Clerk: Rep. Rick Miller Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0768 Rep. Ina Minjarez Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.112 Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr. Rep. Toni Rose Position Member Rep. Matt Schaefer Chair: Rep. Nicole Collier Rep. J. D. Sheffield Vice Chair: Rep. Bill Zedler Rep. Carl O. Sherman, Sr. Members: Rep. Cecil Bell Rep. Reggie Smith Rep. Jessica González Rep. Lynn Stucky Rep. Todd Hunter Rep. Steve Toth Rep. Phil King Rep. Chris Turner Rep. Joe Moody Rep. Gary VanDeaver Rep. Andrew S. Murr Rep. Armando Walle Rep. Leo Pacheco Rep. Terry M. Wilson Rep. Gene Wu House Committee on County Affairs (C210) Clerk: House Committee on Defense & Veterans' Affairs (C305) Clerk: Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0760 Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-1393 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.130 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.160

Position Member Position Member Chair: Rep. Garnet Coleman Chair: Rep. Dan Flynn Vice Chair: Rep. Dwayne Bohac Vice Chair: Rep. Tony Tinderholt Members: Rep. Charles "Doc" Anderson Members: Rep. Trent Ashby Rep. Kyle Biedermann Rep. Gina Hinojosa Rep. Sheryl Cole Rep. J. M. Lozano Rep. Alex Dominguez Rep. Ana-Maria Ramos Rep. Dan Huberty Rep. Ron Reynolds Rep. Jon E. Rosenthal Rep. Ramon Romero Rep. Jonathan Stickland

House Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism House Committee on Driver's License Issuance & (C430) Clerk: Renewal, Select (C230) Clerk: Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-1974 Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.134 Appointment Date: 12/10/2019 Room:

Position Member Position Member Chair: Rep. John Cyrier Chair: Rep. Briscoe Cain Vice Chair: Rep. Armando Martinez Vice Chair: Rep. Terry Canales Members: Rep. John H. Bucy III Members: Rep. Ben Leman Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins Rep. Evelina "Lina" Ortega Rep. Justin Holland Rep. Shawn Thierry Rep. Jarvis D. Johnson Rep. Ed Thompson Rep. Kyle J. Kacal Rep. James White Rep. Geanie W. Morrison Rep. Steve Toth

House Committee on Energy Resources (C250) Clerk: House Committee on Elections (C240) Clerk: Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0774 Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0772 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.162 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.144 Position Member Position Member Chair: Rep. Chris Paddie Chair: Rep. Vice Chair: Rep. Abel Herrero Vice Chair: Rep. Philip Cortez Members: Rep. Rafael Anchia Members: Rep. John H. Bucy III Rep. Ernest Bailes Rep. Dustin Burrows Rep. Tom Craddick Rep. Briscoe Cain Rep. Drew Darby Rep. Celia Israel Rep. Roland Gutierrez Rep. Mayes Middleton Rep. Rep. Valoree Swanson Rep. Mary Ann Perez Rep. Jon E. Rosenthal

House Committee on Environmental Regulation (C260) Clerk: House Committee on General Investigating (C280) Clerk: Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0776 Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0780 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.154 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.170

Position Member Position Member Chair: Rep. J. M. Lozano Chair: Rep. Morgan Meyer Vice Chair: Rep. Ed Thompson Vice Chair: Rep. Nicole Collier Members: Rep. César Blanco Members: Rep. Matt Krause Rep. Kyle J. Kacal Rep. Candy Noble Rep. John Kuempel Rep. Leo Pacheco Rep. Geanie W. Morrison Rep. Ron Reynolds Rep. John Turner Rep. Erin Zwiener House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety House Committee on Higher Education (C290) Clerk: (C420) Clerk: Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0782 Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0133 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.106 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.146

Position Member Position Member Chair: Rep. Chris Turner Chair: Vice Chair: Rep. Lynn Stucky Vice Chair: Rep. Dennis Paul Members: Rep. Members: Rep. DeWayne Burns Rep. John Frullo Rep. Gina Calanni Rep. Donna Howard Rep. Travis Clardy Rep. Leo Pacheco Rep. Vikki Goodwin Rep. Matt Schaefer Rep. Celia Israel Rep. John T. Smithee Rep. Mike Lang Rep. Armando Walle Rep. Tony Tinderholt Rep. Terry M. Wilson

House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety (C420) Clerk: House Committee on House Administration (C300) Clerk: Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0133 Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0784 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.146 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.140

Position Member Position Member Chair: Chair: Rep. Charlie Geren Vice Chair: Rep. Dennis Paul Vice Chair: Rep. Justin Holland Members: Rep. DeWayne Burns Members: Rep. Rafael Anchia Rep. Gina Calanni Rep. Charles "Doc" Anderson Rep. Travis Clardy Rep. Dan Flynn Rep. Vikki Goodwin Rep. Evelina "Lina" Ortega Rep. Celia Israel Rep. Tan Parker Rep. Mike Lang Rep. Scott Sanford Rep. Tony Tinderholt Rep. Carl O. Sherman, Sr. Rep. Shawn Thierry Rep. Ed Thompson

House Committee on Insurance (C320) Clerk: House Committee on Human Services (C310) Clerk: Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0788 Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0786 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.150 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.152 Position Member Position Member Chair: Rep. Eddie Lucio III Chair: Rep. James Frank Vice Chair: Rep. Tom Oliverson Vice Chair: Rep. Gina Hinojosa Members: Rep. Greg Bonnen Members: Rep. Travis Clardy Rep. Sarah Davis Rep. Joe Deshotel Rep. Julie Johnson Rep. Stephanie Klick Rep. Stan Lambert Rep. Thresa "Terry" Meza Rep. Dennis Paul Rep. Rick Miller Rep. Chris Turner Rep. Candy Noble Rep. Hubert Vo Rep. Toni Rose House Committee on International Relations & House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Economic Development (C039) Clerk: (C330) Clerk: Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0069 Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0790 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.118 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.120

Position Member Position Member Chair: Rep. Rafael Anchia Chair: Rep. Jeff Leach Vice Chair: Rep. John Frullo Vice Chair: Rep. Yvonne Davis Members: Rep. César Blanco Members: Rep. Julie Johnson Rep. Briscoe Cain Rep. Matt Krause Rep. Lyle Larson Rep. Morgan Meyer Rep. Will Metcalf Rep. Victoria Neave Rep. Mary Ann Perez Rep. Reggie Smith Rep. John Raney Rep. James White Rep. Ramon Romero

House Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Issues House Committee on Land & Resource Management (C340) Clerk: (C360) Clerk: Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0794 Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-1623 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.202 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.136

Position Member Position Member Chair: Rep. Harold V. Dutton, Jr. Chair: Rep. Tom Craddick Vice Chair: Rep. Andrew S. Murr Vice Chair: Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr. Members: Rep. Rhetta Andrews Bowers Members: Rep. Cecil Bell Rep. Gina Calanni Rep. Kyle Biedermann Rep. John Cyrier Rep. Terry Canales Rep. Jay Dean Rep. Ben Leman Rep. Hugh Shine Rep. Ina Minjarez Rep. James Talarico Rep. Jonathan Stickland Rep. Shawn Thierry

House Committee on Licensing & Administrative Procedures (C350) Clerk: House Committee on Local & Consent Calendars (C380) Clerk: Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0798 Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0800 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.156 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.166

Position Member Position Member Chair: Rep. Tracy O. King Chair: Rep. Geanie W. Morrison Vice Chair: Rep. Craig Goldman Members: Rep. Diego Bernal Members: Rep. Charlie Geren Rep. Rhetta Andrews Bowers Rep. Ryan Guillen Rep. Brad Buckley Rep. Sam Harless Rep. Mary E. González Rep. Ana Hernandez Rep. Cody Harris Rep. Abel Herrero Rep. Cole Hefner Rep. Ken King Rep. Armando Martinez Rep. John Kuempel Rep. Mayes Middleton Rep. Chris Paddie Rep. Drew Springer Rep. Senfronia Thompson Rep. Armando Walle House Committee on Mass Violence Prevention & House Committee on Pensions, Investments & Financial Community Safety, Select (C385) Clerk: Laramie Stroud Services (C395) Clerk: Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0331 Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-2054 Appointment Date: 9/4/2019 Room: CAP GW.17 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.164

Position Member Position Member Chair: Rep. Drew Darby Vice Chair: Rep. Hubert Vo Vice Chair: Rep. Poncho Nevárez Members: Rep. Giovanni Capriglione Members: Rep. César Blanco Rep. Dan Flynn Rep. Giovanni Capriglione Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins Rep. Charlie Geren Rep. Roland Gutierrez Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins Rep. Stan Lambert Rep. Julie Johnson Rep. Jeff Leach Rep. Brooks Landgraf Rep. Oscar Longoria Rep. Mike Lang Rep. Jim Murphy Rep. Joe Moody Rep. Phil Stephenson Rep. Geanie W. Morrison Rep. Gene Wu Rep. Four Price Rep. Armando Walle

House Committee on Natural Resources (C390) Clerk: House Committee on Redistricting (C080) Clerk: Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0802 Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-9948 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.104 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.158

Position Member Position Member Chair: Rep. Lyle Larson Chair: Rep. Phil King Vice Chair: Rep. Will Metcalf Vice Chair: Rep. Chris Turner Members: Rep. Alex Dominguez Members: Rep. Sheryl Cole Rep. Cody Harris Rep. Matt Krause Rep. Tracy O. King Rep. Lyle Larson Rep. Mike Lang Rep. Jeff Leach Rep. Poncho Nevárez Rep. Ben Leman Rep. Tom Oliverson Rep. Ina Minjarez Rep. Four Price Rep. Joe Moody Rep. Ana-Maria Ramos Rep. Chris Paddie Rep. Four Price Rep. Toni Rose Rep. Senfronia Thompson Rep. Armando Walle Rep. James White

House Committee on Public Education (C400) Clerk: House Committee on State Affairs (C450) Clerk: Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0804 Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0814 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.124 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.108

Position Member Position Member Chair: Rep. Dan Huberty Chair: Rep. Dade Phelan Vice Chair: Rep. Diego Bernal Vice Chair: Rep. Ana Hernandez Members: Rep. Alma Allen Members: Rep. Joe Deshotel Rep. Steve Allison Rep. R. D. "Bobby" Guerra Rep. Trent Ashby Rep. Sam Harless Rep. Keith Bell Rep. Justin Holland Rep. Harold V. Dutton, Jr. Rep. Todd Hunter Rep. Mary E. González Rep. Phil King Rep. Ken King Rep. Tan Parker Rep. Morgan Meyer Rep. Richard Peña Raymond Rep. Scott Sanford Rep. Eddie Rodriguez Rep. James Talarico Rep. John T. Smithee Rep. Gary VanDeaver Rep. Drew Springer House Committee on Resolutions Calendars (C440) Clerk: House Committee on Urban Affairs (C480) Clerk: Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0812 Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-9904 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.138 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.126

Position Member Position Member Chair: Rep. Ryan Guillen Chair: Rep. Angie Chen Button Vice Chair: Rep. Rick Miller Vice Chair: Rep. Matt Shaheen Members: Rep. DeWayne Burns Members: Rep. Jessica González Rep. Briscoe Cain Rep. Vikki Goodwin Rep. Philip Cortez Rep. Mayes Middleton Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins Rep. Jared Patterson Rep. Thresa "Terry" Meza Rep. Valoree Swanson Rep. Jared Patterson Rep. Lynn Stucky Rep. Hubert Vo Rep. Bill Zedler

House Committee on Transportation (C470) Clerk: House Committee on Statewide Health Care Costs, Clerk: Justin Till Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0818 Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0729 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.122 Appointment Date: 12/10/2019 Room: EXT E2.504

Position Member Position Member Chair: Rep. Terry Canales Chair: Rep. Greg Bonnen Vice Chair: Rep. Brooks Landgraf Vice Chair: Rep. Senfronia Thompson Members: Rep. Diego Bernal Members: Rep. Garnet Coleman Rep. Yvonne Davis Rep. Philip Cortez Rep. Craig Goldman Rep. James B. Frank Rep. Cole Hefner Rep. Cody Harris Rep. Matt Krause Rep. Cole Hefner Rep. Ben Leman Rep. Stephanie Klick Rep. Armando Martinez Rep. Eddie Lucio III Rep. Evelina "Lina" Ortega Rep. Christina Morales Rep. John Raney Rep. Tom Oliverson Rep. Shawn Thierry Rep. Ed Thompson

House Committee on Ways & Means (C490) Clerk: Legislature: 86(R) - 2019 Phone: (512) 463-0822 Appointment Date: 1/23/2019 Room: EXT E2.116

Position Member Chair: Rep. Dustin Burrows Vice Chair: Rep. Ryan Guillen Members: Rep. Dwayne Bohac Rep. Sheryl Cole Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer Rep. Jim Murphy Rep. Candy Noble Rep. Eddie Rodriguez Rep. Scott Sanford Rep. Matt Shaheen Rep. John Wray Structure

Each committee is made up of a Chair, Vice-Chair and at least 5 members but can be up to 9 members or more.

Example: House Appropriations: 27 members Senate Finance: 15 members

The Legislative Process

BILLS Ø Each member can introduce an unlimited amount of bills that have statewide or just local impact. Ø Each member can also co-author or co-sponsor a bill.

COMMITTEE ROLE Ø The Speaker of the House and Lt. Governor of the Senate refer each bill upon the first reading to an appropriate committee of jurisdiction where a public hearing is held after at least a 48 hour public notice posting. Ø Each bill must pass successfully out of committee before being voted upon the entire body.

CALENDARS Ø Texas House: Intent Calendar Ø Texas Senate: 3/5 rule

FLOOR Ø Debates Ø Amendments Attribution: Impact.org

Factoids

Ø Approximately 5000 to 6000 bills are introduced each session Ø Each legislative session is different but only 1000-1200 bills will pass Ø About 400 bills have only local impact such as groundwater district or municipal utility district Ø 100 have major statewide impact Ø Of all bills introduced, only one bill must PASS --and that’s the BUDGET. Ø The 60th day of the Legislative Session is the deadline for the unrestricted filing of bills and joint resolutions other than local bills, emergency appropriations, and emergency matters submitted by the governor

Tracking Legislative Progress

Texas Legislature Online: www.capitol.texas.gov

Your Source For:

Ø The Texas House Ø The Texas Senate Ø Searching Legislation o Word/Phrase or Bill Number o Session Year o Statutes o Reports o Amendments Ø MY TLO o Tracking Legislation With Bill List o Receive Bill and Meeting Alerts o Subscribe to RSS Feeds Ø Legislative Activity o Video Broadcasts o Today’s Calendars o Today’s Meetings o Today’s Filed Bills o Today’s Votes Ø Legislative Process o How A Bill Becomes Law o How to Follow A Bill o Dates of Interest o End of Session Deadlines Ø Who Represents Me? Ø Capitol Complex Information

Effective Advocacy for TAPA

Building Connections

Who you need to meet depends on:

Ø Where you live Ø Where you work Ø The committees that impact your agenda Ø Who you know

Legislative Meeting

Scheduling Ø An in person legislative meeting o Always leave your business card and ask to be put on the Legislator’s mailing list for correspondence or events in the district. o If TAPA has a one pager with information specifically prepared for an issue or bill, explain briefly and leave behind with an emphasis that you can be a resource on many healthcare issues. PA’s are so knowledgeable and are trusted, so use your unique abilities to further our profession. o Get to know the Member’s Chief of Staff Ø Communicate with Scheduler for any/all meetings o They keep schedule for Member and Staff Ø Solicit Meetings o Staff Member -overseeing the issue § They are the resource to the elected official o Go Local • Meeting the legislator or staff in their hometown whether in the district office or at an event is an extremely positive relationship builder for you as a representative of TAPA.

Preparedness Ø DO your Homework o On the legislative offices you meet with o DO make sure your legislator knows people who are affected by the bill or issue. Ø Be Punctual Ø DO be honest, direct, positive, and brief—be specific and know your facts. Ø Stay on Message o DO have reasonable priorities; compromise—it’s a long process. o DO meet/talk with legislator’s staff –they are there to keep legislator informed on the issues. Ø Make a Specific Request o DO write out a one pager for your legislator in getting the facts out on an issue. o Provide facts that tell who, what, when, where, and why. Ø Follow-Up o DO remember to write your legislator after a visit or action on a piece of legislation. o Communication either by letter or by email is appropriate for thank you notes. Ø Three C’s o Courteous o Concise o Consistent

Ø Things to Keep in Mind o Remember the legislator is also working on other issues or problems o Admit you don’t know all the facts, do indicate you will find out and follow up. o Session is unpredictable, bear in mind your meeting may be cancelled or rescheduled o Legislator may not have results for you on your first visit

Messaging Ø Start every correspondence or conversation with an introduction of who you are, where you live and where you work. Always emphasize what PA’s do in our healthcare settings and that you are a member of the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA), the well respected professional organization representing PA’s across the state Ø The message Ø Building relationships Ø Just the facts Ø Delivering the message

Relationship Building Ø Starting the Conversation o Understanding role of constituency Ø Guiding the Conversation o As a representative of the industry Ø Closing the Conversation o The power of “thank you”

Following Up Ø Consistent Communication is Critical, so stay in contact during the legislative interim not just the 140 days when they are in Austin. Ø Be sure to include a copy of any one pager with your thank you to remind the legislator and staff of the issue.

Glossary of Terms

Advocacy: Working for change in order to improve the quality of life on behalf of others or oneself.

Legislative advocacy: Through persuasive reasoning, working to enact or change laws that will improve the quality of life for either a specific group or the general population

Bill: A proposed law during session for consideration by the legislature.

HB House Bill HJR House Joint Resolution SB Senate Bill SJR Senate Joint Resolution HCR House Concurrent Resolution CSHB Committee Substitute House Bill SCR Senate Concurrent Resolution CSSB Committee Substitute Senate Bill

Types of Bills:

Bills limited to a specific geographical area of the state (e.g., local government unites such as cities, counties, Local Bills school districts, precincts, etc.). Bills directed toward a select, special individual or entity Special Bills (e.g. for blind but not other disabled persons. General Bills All other bills are "general" bills.

Calendars Committee: Schedules bills for floor debate in the House of Representatives. All favorably and unfavorably reported bills automatically go to the Calendars Committee. Many bills are not set for floor debate and do not go beyond this point.

Caption: The introductory sentence of a bill, which may be general or specific in describing the scope and/or limits of a bill.

Caucus: The introductory sentence of a bill, which may be general or specific in describing the scope and/or limits of a bill.

Chubbing: Discussing or debate for stalling purposes on House or Senate floor.

Committees: Groups of senators or representatives who are appointed by their respective presiding officers, hear testimony and/or deliberate on pending legislation in specific areas (e.g., finance).

Committee Substitute Bill (CSSB or CSHB): A way of amending a bill in committee that provides for total replacement of a bill with new language, but which is relevant to and within the constraints of the caption of the bill.

Concurrence Votes: If a bill passes one hose and is sent over to the other house, where it is amended, the sponsor in the originating house may opt to seek, “concurrence.” On a vote of concurrence, requiring a majority, the originating house may simply agree to accept the other house’s amendments.

Conference Committee: Five senators (appointed by the Lt. Gov.) and five representatives (appointed by the Speaker) form a committee to resolve differences between the two house versions of a bill. No new provisions are allowed to be added during conference committee proceedings without express written instruction of both houses.

Confirmation: Gubernatorial appointees must receive a two-thirds vote of the Senate to be confirmed.

Constituents: The people represented by an elected lawmaker. (We are all “constituents” of our elected officials, whether they serve in , Austin, or in our local communities.)

Enacting Clause: The Texas Constitution requires each bill, in order to become effective, to contain an “enacting clause,” which includes the statement: “Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas.”

Filibuster: In Texas, a filibuster is allowed only in the Senate. A filibuster occurs when one senator holds the floor through talking or long speeches, without sitting down or leaving the vicinity of the senator’s desk. Although the primary purpose of a filibuster is usually to kill a bill, sometimes this is also done to reach a compromise or to delay a vote as long as possible.

Fiscal Notes: One or more pages attached to a bill stating the estimated cost to the state and/or at the local level (city, school districts, etc.) if the various provisions of the bill are enacted.

Forums: Public meetings for open discussion of issues.

FY: Fiscal Year, the annual state budget cycle beginning September 1 and ending August 31 of the following year.

Hearings: Legislative Committees or agency boards/committees schedule meetings to hear public comments (“testimony”) on announced topics; generally relating to filed or planned legislation, or for agency rulemaking purposes.

Intent Calendar: The Senate calendar, a schedule of bills to be heard during a daily session.

Interim Study: During the months between regular sessions, members from both the House and Senate hold meetings and public hearings to study and make recommendations to the next legislature on a specific issue.

Legislative Budget Board (LBB): A board of 10 members (five each from the Senate and House, including the Lt. Gov., Speaker, and Chairmen of designated committees) that recommends legislative appropriations for all state agencies.

Legislative Council: A support agency for both the Senate and House whose main responsibility is to draft and review bills before they are filed in order to provide accuracy and congruity with existing laws.

Legislative Day: From opening to adjournment. This period may cover one, several or part of a calendar day, which permits another “day” to be opened on the same calendar day.

Line Items: The state budget appears as a series of listed items and the amount the appropriated for each, line by line. Each project or state-funded program and its funding level is listed, therefore, on its own ”line” and is referred to as a “line item.”

Lobbyist: A person who meets with legislators with the intent of influencing legislation. (Originally the term referred to persons who frequented lobbies or corridors outside legislative chambers waiting to speak with lawmakers.)

Markups: The Senate Finance Committee and the House Appropriations Committee each evaluate the budget requests, line item by line item. Shifting of available funds occurs during “markup” sessions.

Resolution: A formal expression of the opinion or the will of members of the House or Senate, not a statutory expression.

Regulation: A rule or order that has the force of law, and is issued by a state agency or commission, which has been given statutory authority to do so in implementing laws.

Sine Die: Latin for “without another day.” Final adjournment of a regular or special session of the legislature

Statutes: The compilation of all enacted laws.

Testimony: Comments made by individuals during a public hearing such as before a committee or board, and which becomes public record.

Veto: A governor’s act that officially negates a piece of legislation, preventing the enactment of law. A veto may be overturned by a two-third vote of the membership in bot the Senate and the House of Representatives.