Texas Congressional Bills

passed · Texas · House May 30, 2023

HR 467: HALT Fentanyl Act

The HALT Fentanyl Act expands the definition of fentanyl-related substances in the Controlled Substances Act to include many structurally similar compounds, making it easier to regulate new fentanyl analogs without individual listing. It defines these substances based on specific chemical modifications to fentanyl, with limited exceptions for substances already controlled or listed elsewhere. The bill also streamlines research procedures for schedule I substances by creating expedited registration processes and allowing multiple studies under one registration, while requiring the Attorney General to publish a list of substances meeting the new definition.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

H. Morgan Griffith (R) · 52 co-sponsors

passed · Texas · House May 23, 2023

HRES 429: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 467) to amend the Controlled Substances Act with respect to the scheduling of fentanyl-related substances, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 11) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Control of Air Pollution From New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards"; and providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 45) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "Waivers and Modifications of Federal Student Loans".

HRES 429 is a procedural resolution that sets rules for the House of Representatives to debate and vote on three specific measures. It enables consideration of H.R. 467 (which would amend drug scheduling for fentanyl-related substances), S.J. Res. 11 (to block an EPA air pollution rule for vehicles), and H.J. Res. 45 (to block a Department of Education rule on student loan waivers). The resolution establishes time limits, debate rules, and amendment procedures for each measure. It does not change policy itself but streamlines the legislative process for these three items.

Topics ✗ Education ✗ Environment

passed · Texas · Senate May 22, 2023

SJRES 18: A joint resolution disapproving of the rule submitted by the Department of Homeland Security relating to "Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility".

This joint resolution (SJRES 18) disapproves a Department of Homeland Security rule that would have expanded the "public charge" standard for immigration. The rule, published in the Federal Register on September 9, 2022, aimed to deny visas or green cards to immigrants who might rely on public benefits like housing or food assistance. By passing this resolution, Congress blocks the rule from taking effect, meaning immigrants applying for visas or permanent residency would not face this specific eligibility barrier. The resolution directly affects non-citizens seeking to enter or remain in the U.S. under immigration processes.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Immigration

passed · Texas · House May 18, 2023

HR 3091: Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act

This bill allows current federal law enforcement officers to purchase retired handguns from their agency within six months of the weapon being declared surplus. Officers must be in good standing with their agency and buy the handgun at its fair market value, considering the weapon's age and condition. The program requires the General Services Administrator to establish the purchasing system within one year of the bill's enactment. It directly affects active federal law enforcement officers who are retiring or leaving service and wish to retain their issued firearms.

Russell Fry (R) · 18 co-sponsors

passed · Texas · House May 18, 2023

HR 2494: POLICE Act of 2023

The POLICE Act of 2023 would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to make it a grounds for deportation if a non-citizen assaults a law enforcement officer. This provision directly affects non-citizens (aliens) who commit such assaults, requiring mandatory deportation proceedings under immigration law. The bill adds a specific clause to the list of deportable offenses without changing criminal penalties for the assault itself. As a result, non-citizens who physically attack police officers or other law enforcement personnel would automatically face deportation as a consequence of their actions.

Topics ✗ Immigration

passed · Texas · Senate May 17, 2023

SRES 216: A resolution designating the week of May 14 through May 20, 2023, as "National Police Week".

This resolution designates the week of May 14-20, 2023, as "National Police Week" to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. It recognizes 444 officers killed in 2022 (including specific names listed in the resolution) and acknowledges 32 officers killed in 2023, while expressing support for law enforcement personnel. The resolution encourages the public to observe this week by honoring law enforcement officers and promoting awareness of their essential service. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new policy or alter existing laws.

Lindsey Graham (R) · 79 co-sponsors

passed · Texas · Senate May 15, 2023

SJRES 23: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Marine Fisheries Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat".

This joint resolution (SJRES 23) seeks congressional disapproval of a specific rule issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The rule, published in the Federal Register on June 24, 2022, established regulations for listing endangered/threatened species and designating critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act. If passed, this resolution would nullify that rule, preventing it from having legal effect. The bill directly affects how the National Marine Fisheries Service implements species protection under federal law.

Topics ✗ Environment

passed · Texas · House May 15, 2023

HRES 363: Resolution memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty

HRES 363 is a resolution expressing support for recognizing National Police Week, an annual observance established by law to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The resolution acknowledges 556 officers killed in the line of duty during 2022 and calls for ensuring law enforcement officers have necessary equipment, training, and resources to protect both themselves and the public. It encourages the American public to observe National Police Week by honoring law enforcement personnel and recognizing their essential mission in serving communities across the United States. This resolution does not create new law but formally expresses congressional support for an existing observance.

Michael Guest (R) · 111 co-sponsors

passed · Texas · Senate May 11, 2023

SRES 195: A resolution congratulating the students, parents, teachers, and leaders of charter schools across the United States for making ongoing contributions to education, and supporting the ideals and goals of the 24th annual National Charter Schools Week, to be held May 7 through May 13, 2023.

SRES 195 is a ceremonial Senate resolution congratulating students, parents, teachers, and leaders of charter schools nationwide for their contributions to education. It formally supports the 24th annual National Charter Schools Week (May 7-13, 2023), encouraging public recognition of charter schools' role in providing diverse educational options. The resolution does not create new policies, funding, or obligations - it solely expresses legislative support for charter schools as part of a symbolic observance. It directly affects the charter school community by acknowledging their work during a designated national week.

Tim Scott (R) · 26 co-sponsors

passed · Texas · House May 11, 2023

HR 1163: Protecting Taxpayers and Victims of Unemployment Fraud Act

The Protecting Taxpayers and Victims of Unemployment Fraud Act allows states to retain 25% of funds recovered from fraudulent unemployment claims (for pandemic-related benefits) to improve fraud prevention systems. States can use these retained funds to modernize unemployment systems, hire fraud investigators, reimburse administrative costs, or conduct other fraud prevention activities. The bill requires states to use specific data matching systems like the National Directory of New Hires to detect fraud more effectively. It modifies federal rules to ensure states can use recovered funds without violating deposit requirements. This legislation aims to reduce unemployment fraud while protecting taxpayers and victims of fraud.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Technology

Jason Smith (R) · 35 co-sponsors

passed · Texas · Senate May 10, 2023

SRES 115: A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of "Countering International Parental Child Abduction Month" and expressing the sense of the Senate that Congress should raise awareness of the harm caused by international parental child abduction.

SRES 115 is a Senate resolution designating April 2023 as "Countering International Parental Child Abduction Month" to raise public awareness about the issue. It urges Congress to educate the public on the emotional, psychological, and physical harm caused to children and parents when children are abducted across international borders. The resolution references statistics showing over 9,800 U.S. children were abducted internationally between 2010-2020 and notes U.S. legal frameworks like the Hague Convention and the Sean and David Goldman Act. It does not create new laws or funding but emphasizes symbolic recognition and public education efforts.

passed · Texas · Senate May 10, 2023

SRES 23: A resolution demanding that the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Communist Party of China immediately release Mark Swidan.

S. RES. 23 is a symbolic Senate resolution demanding the immediate release of Mark Swidan, a U.S. citizen from Texas detained in China since 2012. The resolution cites U.S. and UN findings that his detention is arbitrary, noting no evidence was found linking him to drug charges, his passport records contradict the alleged timeline, and China denied his family contact and consular access. It calls on the U.S. government to prioritize securing his release and highlights China's violation of international norms regarding his treatment. This resolution does not create new legal obligations but expresses the Senate's position on the case.

Texas Congressional Bills

Bill results