Ask your Texas Senator to vote against SB 287, which could lead to prosecution of citizens who speak out in local government meetings
March 6, 2023 | Austin, TX
On Tuesday, March 7th, at 8:30 am, the Texas Senate Criminal Justice Committee will hold hearings on a bill that could be used to arrest, jail, and prosecute citizens who speak out in local government meetings, if they are believed to be a threat.
The issue is a sensitive one after the events in Loudon County, VA, surrounding the arrest of an angry father, complaining about the rape of his daughter and the subsequent DOJ attempts to label such concerned parents as “domestic terrorists.”
SB 287 is sponsored by Senator Joan Huffman, a Houston Republican. Co-authors are Senators Paul Bettencourt (R), Donna Campbell (R), Sarah Eckhart (D), Pete Flores (R), Juan Hinojosa (D), Phil King (R) and Judith Zaffirini (D).
SB 287 amends Penal code Section 22.07(a) and (f), regarding terrorist threats made at public meetings or public facilities. As written, the bill could embolden local governments (especially school boards) to use the code to arrest, jail, and prosecute citizens who speak out against policies of local governments.
Please ask your Texas senator to vote against this legislation. If anyone is available to attend the hearing, you are encouraged to join Texas True Project members who intend to be there.
We have contacted Senator Bettencourt’s office, asking that he address our concerns. We will update this alert when we receive a response.
Take Action
Ask your Texas senator to vote against this legislation - click the button below for contact information. If you’re able to attend the hearing, we encourage you to join with Texas True Project members who intend to be there.
True Texas Project at the Capitol - Tues., March 7
Senate Criminal Justice Committee, starting at 8:30 am in E1.016. We need people to register and testify if possible about SB 287.
Meet up in front of room E1.016. Registration is being done with a card in the committee room - not on the Senate kiosks.
We need people to testify in opposition to this bill, and if you can't testify, but are present in the building, register “opposed” but not testifying for this bill on the registration cards.