Social Concerns
Testimony: SB 504 transparency good but current text too broad in scope
Jennifer Allmon Executive Director of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops I am testifying on SB 504. We thank Senator Kolkhorst for her commitment to transparency for tax funds distributed to non-profit entities in Texas. We believe that there should be transparency and accountability for the stewardship of tax dollars whether these dollars are spent…
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…
Read MoreReview Sentencing of Juveniles: Testimony in Support of HB 686
My name is Rachana Chhin, and I am the Legislative Counsel of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops testifying in support of HB 686. The Texas bishops 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.…
Read MoreCapital Jury Instructions HB 252 (Moody) | SB 189 (Lucio)
Capital Jury instructions should be truthful The current criminal justice system has both the tools for life imprisonment without execution and has significant flaws in sentencing practices that undermine the ability for the public to trust that every convicted person on death row in Texas is actually guilty. A capitol jury has a tremendous burden…
Read MoreHow you can help: Immigrants & Refugees
Upon request from Catholics across the state, the TCCB created a new resource page where you can find links to helpful ministry resources in Texas. The first item that we have created a page for is “Immigrants and Refugees.” You can find that link here or under “Pastoral Resources” –> “How You Can Help” in…
Read MoreSine Die Report for the 86th Legislature
Sine Die Report on Priority Bills in the 86th Legislative Session Educate: Throughout the 2019 session, we educated and mobilized the laity to take an active role in supporting the bishops’ agenda. Specifically, we have published online briefs—available here—of the topics on our legislative agenda to explain Church teaching and how to improve state law.…
Read MoreHB 874: Don’t criminalize those who default on usurious loans
Testimony by Rachana Chhin The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops support HB 874. This bill prevents criminal changes or threats of criminal charges for payday or auto-title loan defaults. The TCCB supports this bill to ensure that consumers who default on usurious loans are not faced with criminal charges. St. Vincent de Paul and Catholic…
Read MoreHB 190: Ensure payday and auto-title lenders verify ability to repay before issuing a loan
Testimony by Rachana Chhin Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops are in support of HB 190. The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops have regularly advocated for payday lending reform in the last few sessions. This is rooted in both scripture’s exhortation not to lend at usurious interest and Catholic Social Teaching’s preferential option for the poor…
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