Past legislative sessions
No Abortions Funded by Taxpayers: Support HB 1173
My name is Shannon Jaquette and I am the Policy Analyst at the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops testifying in support of HB 1173. Last session the legislature had the wisdom and foresight to pass legislation to protect taxpayers from subsidizing abortion through preferential contracts and property deals. Despite the fact that time and time…
Read MorePromote Criminal Justice Reform: Support HB 1340
My name is Rachana Chhin, and I am the Legislative Counsel of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops testifying in support of HB 1340. The TCCB support criminal justice reform that provides for compassionate treatment of prisoners, responds to the needs of victims of crime, and encourages rehabilitation and forgiveness for those re-entering society. HB…
Read MoreChemical Abortion Safety Protocol: Support HB 2337
My name is Shannon Jaquette and I am the Policy Analyst at the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops testifying in support of HB 2337, the Chemical Abortion Safety Protocol. I want to be clear from the outset that no abortion is safe; every abortion is the intentional killing of an innocent human person. Until the…
Read MoreSupport Life: HB 1280
My name is Shannon Jaquette and I am the Policy Analyst at the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops testifying in support of HB 1280. Supporting pro-life laws is part of our history and heritage as Texans. The state of Texas has repeatedly passed legislation to recognize and respect the dignity of unborn human life. Our…
Read MoreReform the Texas Advance Directives Act: Support SB 1944
My name is Bishop Michael Olson and I am testifying on behalf of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops in support of SB 1944. The Texas Advance Directives Act dispute resolution process protects patients and physicians by providing a fair and reasonable process to resolve disagreements regarding end of life care decisions. While this law…
Read MoreOppose SB 917: No Unlimited Intervention
My name is Bishop Michael Olson and I am testifying on behalf of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops in opposition to SB 917. The Catholic voice behind the pro-life movement does not view death as the ultimate enemy. We view it through a lens of the inherent sanctity of human life, including life in…
Read MoreFamily Educational Relief Program SB 1968 (Bettencourt) | HB 4537 (Middleton)
The establishment of the Family Educational Relief Program, and an insurance premium tax credit for contributions made for purposes of that program, empowers parents and guardians to choose from public, private, charter or homeschool options for their children’s education. Catholic and other nonpublic school parents often make difficult sacrifices to pay tuition and fees while…
Read MoreDo not weaken consumer protection ordinances: oppose HB610
My name is Jennifer Allmon, and I am the Executive Director of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops testifying in opposition to HB 610. The Texas bishops support prioritizing the poor and vulnerable when addressing social and economic needs through public policy, including by opposing usurious loans, payday, and auto title lending, as well as…
Read MorePrioritize the poor and vulnerable: Support HB 1916
My name is Jennifer Allmon, and I am the Executive Director of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops testifying in support of HB 1916. The Texas bishops support prioritizing the poor and vulnerable when addressing social and economic needs through public policy. We seek to assist those who are in the greatest need through various…
Read MoreHomeowners’ rights: Support SB 581
My name is Jennifer Allmon, and I am the Executive Director of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops testifying in support of SB 581. The Texas bishops support religious liberty especially as it pertains to human life, marriage, and the family, as well as supporting conscience protection for individuals and organizations. SB 581 seeks to…
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