Lieutenant Governor of Texas President of the Senate
Statement on Passage of Senate Bills 1234 & 598
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement April 12th following the unanimous passage of 2 election security bills, Senate Bill 1234, by Senator Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, and Senate Bill 598, by Senator Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham:
"At a time when the rhetoric around election security is being increasingly used in the media and corporate America to divide Texans and Americans, it is notable that Republicans and Democrats came together today in Texas to unanimously pass two bills designed to safeguard our elections. SB 1234 requires that a paper record be created of every ballot that is cast and SB 598 puts a system in place to audit ballots in coming elections so that the public can be confident about the accuracy of a vote tally. As I noted recently, over the past several years, both parties have expressed mistrust in the final outcome of elections. These bills will help us rebuild that trust."
Statement on the Passage of Senate Bill 23 "Texans do not support defunding the police."
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement April 13th following the passage of Senate Bill 23, the Stop Local Police-Defunding Act, by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston:
"I congratulate Sen. Huffman on the passage of Senate Bill 23 which affirms our support for law enforcement in Texas and the critical role they play in keeping Texas communities safe. Senate Bill 23 makes it clear that Texans do not support defunding the police. It will require local governments to secure voter approval before passing a budget that reduces or reallocates funding originally dedicated to law enforcement. The Texas Senate and I remain committed to supporting our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line when they leave their homes every single day and I appreciate Sen. Huffman's continued leadership on this important issue."
Statement on the Passage of Senate Bill 29 “In the same week that the NCAA threatened states that don’t open women’s sports to men, the Texas Senate took a principled stand in support of women and girls’ high school and middle school sports.”
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement April 15th following the passage of Senate Bill 29, the Fair Sports for Women and Girls Act, by Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock.
"I congratulate Sen. Perry and the Texas Senate on the passage of Senate Bill 29. It is notable that in the same week that the NCAA threatened states that don't open women's sports to men, the Texas Senate took a principled stand in support of women and girls' high school and middle school sports.
"Senate Bill 29 ensures that biologically born men and boys will not be allowed to compete against women and girls in individual and team sports or for sports scholarships.
"Women and girls have been fighting for equity in sports for decades and their achievements have been great. Senate Bill 29 will ensure that in the Lone Star State, women and girls' sports will continue to thrive because those athletes will not be forced to compete against men and boys who have an unfair advantage. I commend Sen. Perry for his leadership and courage in bringing this important issue forward."
Statement on the Passage of Senate Bill 13 "If Wall Street turns their back on Texas and our thriving oil and gas industry, then Texas will not do business with Wall Street."
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement April 15th following the passage of Senate Bill 13, the Oil & Gas Investment Protection Act, by Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury:
"The oil and gas industry is one of the cornerstones of the Texas economy, providing millions of jobs for hardworking Texans. In passing Senate Bill 13 today, the Texas Senate made it clear that we stand by both our oil and gas industry workers and these job creating companies. If Wall Street turns their back on Texas and our thriving oil and gas industry, then Texas will not do business with Wall Street. I congratulate Sen. Birdwell for passing this important legislation."
Senate Bill 13 is authored by Sens. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, Bob Hall, R-Edgewood, Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, and Drew Springer, R-Muenster.
Statement on the Passage of Senate Bill 28
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement April 15th following the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 28, the Charter School Equity Act, by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston:
"I commend Sen. Bettencourt and the Texas Senate for their leadership on this critical issue. Charter schools have become a vital education option for Texas parents and students and Senate Bill 28 will ensure that they can continue to advance and prosper without being hampered by unreasonable restrictions that other public schools do not face. Texans overwhelmingly support charter schools and Senate Bill 28 will make sure that parents can continue to choose a charter school if it best fits their child's needs."
Senate Bill 28 is authored by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, Dawn Buckingham, R-Lakeway, Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, and multiple other Representatives.