Much has been happening in Austin as the 85th Legislative session is in full swing. We currently have three bills that we would like for you to assist us in by both praying and taking action.
Dismemberment Abortion Ban
Senate Bill 415, “Relating to a prohibition on the performance of dismemberment abortions; providing penalties; creating a criminal offense.”
Tomorrow, February 15, there will be a hearing on this key pro-life bill, the Dismemberment Abortion Ban. This ban would end the gruesome practice of dismemberment abortions and make it a criminal offense when committed. We all became aware of how this horrific abortion practice was being widely performed in the recent undercover Planned Parenthood videos. CWA of Texas will be present at this hearing and will be testifying to the need for this strong pro-life legislation. Click here for more information on this bill.
Texas Privacy Act
Senate Bill 6, “Relating to regulations and policies for entering or using a bathroom or changing facility; authorizing a civil penalty; increasing criminal penalties.”
We have been working with Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-District 18) and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick to garner support for SB 6, the Texas Privacy Act. As your CWA State Director, I personally met with Lt. Governor Dan Patrick to express the desire of the CWA of Texas members to see the Texas Privacy Act passed in order to provide protection for women and girls in public restrooms and changing facilities. I was invited to testify on behalf of this bill and will convey the pressing need to protect women from predators in public facilities. Click here for more information on this bill.
Church Security Protection Act
House Bill 421, “Relating to the exemption from application of the Private Security Act of certain persons who provide security services on a volunteer basis at a place of religious worship.”
Another bill that CWA of Texas is placing a great deal of focus on and support for is HB 421, authored by Rep. Matt Rinaldi (R-District 115). This bill is called the Church Security Protection Act and would allow church parishioners to provide volunteer security services for their congregation without obtaining a professional security guard commission or letter of authority from the Texas Private Security Board. Under current state statute, if parishioners organize to provide security services and they have not jumped through the necessary hoops, they stand in violation of the law. With the current societal push toward targeting places of worship, we need to stand strong for this bill in order for churches to be able to protect their congregations without burdensome government regulations and interference. Click here for more information on this bill.
Action Items:
- Contact your State Senator and ask them to please support and co-sponsor SB 415 (Dismemberment Abortion Ban) and SB 6 (Texas Privacy Act).
- Contact your State Representative and ask them to please support and co-sponsor HB 421 (Church Security Protection Act).
- Forward this e-alert to friends and family and ask them to pray and take action.
It is vital that you both call and email your legislators concerning these bills as they need to hear a loud and definite stance from us on this. Click here to find out who your senator or representative is and how to contact them. Put in your address under “Who Represents Me?”
Prayer Items:
- Pray for SB 415 to be passed out of committee and sent to the Senate floor for a vote. Pray for the success of this bill all the way to the Governor’s desk for signing.
- Pray that SB 6 and HB 421 will get assigned to a committee and be given a hearing so our voices can be heard on these issues.
In His service,
Dana Hodges
State Director
CWA of Texas
director@texas.cwfa.org
tx.cwfa.org