84th Texas Legislative Session
2015 Texas Legislature Bill Tracker
The following are bills in the 84th Texas Legislature that are relevant to research taking place at the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living and the expertise of our faculty. The bills are sorted into 4 general categories, listed on the menu to the right. This webpage will be updated regularly with new bills as they are filed, accompanying resources, and the status of each bill as the session progresses.
If there are any bills not included on this list that you feel the Center should be following, please feel free to let us know by contacting our Center Coordinator, Heather Atteberry.
Latest News
Cooper and Staubach: Keeping Texas' youth healthy is a priority
Amarillo Globe-News – May 18, 2015
Being overweight can negatively impact a child’s self-esteem, behavior, friendships and even academic achievement. No child dreams of being unhealthy and overweight when they grow up. No state envisions a future of rising health care costs and lower worker productivity due to the consequences of life-long obesity. Continue reading…
To Some, Miller's School Food Plan is Half-Baked
Texas Tribune – May 12, 2015
The reintroduction of deep fat fryers and soda machines into public schools may top the agenda of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. But some teachers, nurses and parents don't appear to share his appetite for sugary drinks and french fries. Continue reading...
House Advances E-Cigarette Ban for Minors
Texas Tribune – May 11, 2015
Texas moved a step closer to banning the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors after the state House gave early approval Monday night to a measure that lawmakers say would prevent young Texans from purchasing dangerous nicotine products.” Continue reading...
Want to take action? Here are some ways our bill tracker can help:
- Use the resources at the bottom of each sub-topic to get informed.
- Click on a bill author's name to get the names and contact information for their staff--these are your best contact points for questions or concerns.
- Click on the name of a committee; each committee Chair has ultimate authority on whether or not a bill will be heard.
- See if you can meet with committee staff to talk about your issue prior to any hearings.
- Contact the legislators who represent you to see how they feel about the issue and whether or not they are willing to help.
- Be vocal on social media. Use the hashtag #txlege to see what is happening at the Texas capitol, and add your voice.
- Attend committee hearings to voice your opinion and listen to the opinions of others.
- Check out the General Tools & Resources at the bottom of this page.
- Questions? Contact us.
General Tools & Resources
1. Texas Legislature Online: this website enables the public to view the status of legislation and provides the ability to search bill text, amendment text, and bill information.
2. Guide to Texas Legislative Information: this document provides explanations of each of the steps in the Texas legislative process including diagrams of how a bill becomes law.
3. Texas Tribune Elected Officials Directory: read bios of and get current personal data for the 242 occupants of the state’s highest offices. Get their contact information (including social media), staffer information, and electoral histories.
4. Who Represents Me: find out who represents you in the Texas Senate, Texas House of Representatives, the Texas delegation to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and the State Board of Education.
5. Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living blog: our Center experts discuss the latest news and research in public health. You can also view the archive of child health bills filed in the previous legislative session.
