1. Presented to: AAOMPT October 7, 2010 Texas Legislature 101

2. Key Elements of the Legislative Process Structure/Political Standings The Interim Session Our Strategy

3. Legislature Political Make Up Executive Governor [R] Regulators Senate Leadership Lt. Governor [R] Senate 19 [R] / 12 [D] House Leadershi p Speaker House 77 [R] / 73 [D]

4. Lt. Governor and Speaker of House release interim charges for each committee to study prior to next session Public Hearings – Report to legislature Election Bill pre-filing begins Legislative Process: The Interim November 8 November 2 Spring - Fall Winter Session Begins January 11

5. ✓ Know your stakeholders Legislative Process: Interim Checklist 1 4 3 2 Identify your legislative advocates Consult executive branch: Governor, Regs. Develop your policy arguments and counter arguments

6. Begins January of odd-numbered years Lasts 140 days Veto period is 20 days following end of session [No opportunity to override veto made post-session] Governor may call special sessions Legislative Process: The Regular Session

7. Legislators / Constituents Interim Committee Reports Industry/Professional Organizations Interest Groups Legislation: Sources

8. Legislation: Putting It In Context A lot of legislation is filed each session. Last session, in 2009: 2583 Senate Bills were filed [592passed] 4836 House Bills were filed [867passed] 4 000 + House and Senate Resolutions were filed

9. Governor ConferenceEnrolled House Bill Introduced Engrossed Committee Process House Floor Debate Senate House Bill Introduced Committee Process Senate Floor Debate Legislation: The Process

10. Referred by Speaker/Lt. Gov. Public hearings Testimony Amendment Substitute Vote Amendment Substitute Vote Opportunities for Amendment: Committee, Floor, Conf. Cmte., Governor, Speaker, Lt. Gov. Opportunities for Amendment: Committee, Floor, Conf. Cmte., Governor, Speaker, Lt. Gov.

11. Big Initiatives = Limited Bandwidth Budget Current 2010-2011 Budget: $189 billion; $14 billion in stimulus 2012-2013 Budget: Projected $18 - $21 billion shortfall Stimulus? Rainy Day Fund: ~$9 billion Redistricting Every 10 years following census Sunset Review PUC, TXDOT, RR Commission, TDI, + over 20 others The 82 nd Legislature: What to Expect

12. Chair: Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham Vice Chair: Rep. Elliott Naishtat, D-Austin Members: Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston Rep. John Davis, R-Houston Rep. Veronica Gonzales, D-McAllen Rep. Chuck Hopson, R-Jacksonville Rep. Susan King, R-Abilene Rep. Jodie Laubenberg, R-Rockwall Rep. Jim McReynolds, D-Lufkin Rep. Vicki Truitt, R-Southlake Rep. John Zerwas, R-Katy Getting Active: Grassroots & Grasstops Chair: Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Lewisville Vice Chair: Sen. Bob Deuell, R-Greenville Members: Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso Sen. Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo House Public Health Senate Health & Human Services

13. Communicate with Legislators’ offices Invite Legislator to speak at public forum Attend forums/town hall meetings Volunteer for campaigns! Attend TPTA advocacy days during legislative session Letters to the editor Contribute (any amount) directly or to TPTA PAC Getting Active: Grassroots & Grasstops Build Relationships & Create Advocates

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