Texas Scorecard by Sydnie Henry February 23, 2023
“I’m trying to figure out whether or not it was a joke.”Forty-five days into the 140-day legislative session, Texas’ Republican House Speaker Dade Phelan of Beaumont has announced his first slate of legislative priorities.
Phelan’s priorities, which he says will be part of a “broader legislative package,” include maternal health and online security.
• House Bill 4 by State Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R–Southlake) would provide recourse for citizens regarding how businesses collect, process, and profit from consumers’ data.
• House Bill 12 by State Rep. Toni Rose (D–Dallas) would extend Medicaid coverage for new mothers to a full year following the child’s birth.
• House Bill 18 by State Rep. Shelby Slawson (R–Stephenville) would help protect minors from private data collection and algorithm manipulation online.
• House Bill 300 by State Rep. Donna Howard (D–Austin) would exempt certain baby items such as diapers and wipes as well as feminine hygiene products from the state sales tax.
Phelan says these issues “reflect some of the most pressing issues on the minds of Texans today.”
Texas GOP Chairman Matt Rinaldi told Texas Scorecard, “I have no comment, because I’m trying to figure out whether or not it was a joke.”
More:
https://texasscorecard.com/state/texas-house-speaker-announces-his-first-priorities-no-gop-priorities-included/