Learn to be an effective activist 

• Texas Director Rachel Malone will present FREE Zoom trainings on how to effectively advocate for your issues in the Texas Legislature.
• Trainings will be the first three Thursdays of December:
  • Dec. 3: Bill Survival 101 – how does a bill become law, and what can you do at each step
  • Dec. 10: How to use TLO – the Texas Legislature Online website, your lifeline
  • Dec. 17: How to talk to legislators – making the most of phone calls, emails, and committee hearings

Will the Capitol be open? 

• The Texas Capitol has been closed to the public since March 18 of this year.
• We believe the best, most effective way for the grassroots to advocate for our rights is to show up in person during the legislative process.
• But, in August, 54% of legislators said in an anonymous survey they favored closing the Capitol to everyone except those who “had business” in the building, implying that they don’t believe the public has business there.
• House and Senate leadership are keeping quiet about whether the Capitol will reopen for session.
• The House and Senate usually vote on their rules – which include provisions for public involvement – on the second day of session. See 2019 Senate Rules and House Rules.
• The Speaker and Lt. Gov. hold significant influence, but proposed rules are generally developed through committees. Rep. Charlie Geren chairs the House Administration Committee and Rep. Smithee usually authors the House Rules Resolution.