Expanding Public Oversight of Governmental Bodies
HB 2520 makes meaningful improvements to the Texas Open Meetings Act by expanding the definition of “governmental body” to include state-appointed boards such as those overseeing state-managed school districts, and by requiring meeting agendas to clearly and specifically disclose matters of public interest. These reforms strengthen transparency and public oversight—core principles supported by the Libertarian Party of Texas (LPTexas).

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Undermining Local Autonomy
SB 1870 would prohibit cities and counties from enacting or maintaining policies that limit the enforcement of state or federal drug laws. It would also impose harsh civil penalties and allow the Texas Attorney General to override local decisions—even those backed by local voters. This bill is a direct assault on local governance, self-determination, and the principle of decentralized government.

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Streamlining Justice and Upholding Privacy
SB 1667 updates Texas expunction procedures by reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies, expanding the use of electronic notifications, capping paper delivery costs, and allowing indefinite retention of expunction orders to aid individuals in safeguarding their rights. These reforms make it easier for people to clear their records after satisfying legal conditions, reinforcing the principle that individuals should not be permanently burdened by past accusations or dismissed charges.

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A Misguided Use of State Resources

SB 1410/HB 3634, SB 1717 & SJR 63 would mandate that all references to the “Gulf of Mexico” in Texas law and government documents be changed to the “Gulf of America.” While largely symbolic, this measure imposes a massive administrative burden on state agencies and invites unnecessary expenditures of taxpayer dollars for a change that offers no practical benefit to Texans.

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HB 1232 strengthens the Texas Whistleblower Act by extending protections to public employees who report violations of law committed by elected officials of their employing government entity. Currently, whistleblower protections only cover reports against agencies or fellow employees. This bill closes a critical gap, ensuring that public employees can safely expose misconduct by those in power without fear of retaliation.

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HB 755 restricts the use of public funds by certain government entities to hire registered lobbyists. It requires that any lobbying contracts be approved transparently in a public meeting, posted online, and excludes reimbursement for entertainment or lobbying expenses. These reforms are critical to preventing the misuse of taxpayer dollars for political advocacy that may not reflect the will of the public.

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Restoring Property Owner Autonomy
HB 2013 prohibits homeowners’ associations (HOAs) from enforcing deed restrictions that ban the keeping of chickens on private property—so long as the practice is allowed by municipal ordinance. This bill reinforces the principle that property owners, not unelected HOA boards, should have the final say in how their land is used.

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Empowering Local Control Over Sunday Liquor Sales
HB 679 allows communities to hold local option elections to determine whether liquor may be sold for off-premise consumption on Sundays. This bill would modernize outdated restrictions in Texas law and restore local autonomy, giving voters—not the state—the power to decide what commerce is permissible in their own communities.

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