Texas Moratorium Network Lobby Day
Held at the University of Texas, School of Education (how appropriate), started with a presentation by Carmen Llanes and her colleague Erica speaking for and of People Organized in Defense of the Earth and her Resources, speaking on legislation that can prevent youth from getting into trouble in the criminal justice system, in the first place, and therefore potentially off death row. The legislation to weigh in on is
HB 171 by Olivo, Relating to consideration of mitigating factors in determining appropriate disciplinary action to be taken against a public school student. SB 2270 Gallegos, Identical.
HB 172 by Olivo, Relating to the right of a parent of a public school student to prompt notice of certain disciplinary action taken against the student.
HB 943 by Dutton, Relating to disciplinary actions imposed on public school students who disrupt the conduct of class or other school activities.
and HB 850 by Isler, Relating to repeal on a periodic basis of the provisions of Titles 1 and 2 of the Education Code to provide for legislative review of the primary state statutes governing public education.
The Texas Moratorium Network was focusing their Lobby Day principally on two pieces of legislation; though not against lobbying for abolition, they are committed to a moratorium of the Death Penalty as a first step towards abolition, like those started in Illinois and New Jersey. Two bills filed offering immediate change opportunities of focus are,
HB 2267 Hodge - "Law of Parties" - left pending in sub-cmte 3.19.09
Relating to the joint or separate prosecution of a capital felony charged against two or more defendants and the extent of a defendant's criminal responsibility for the conduct of a coconspirator in capital felony cases.
HB 304 Dutton - "Law of Parties" - left pending in sub-cmte 3.19.09
Relating to the extent of a defendant's criminal responsibility for the conduct of a co-conspirator in certain felony cases.
Additional legislation witnessed in favor by the Green Party:
Culture, Recreation and Tourism Cmte.
HB 1739 by Donna Howard, Relating to a recognition day to celebrate Texas native plants.
Native plants are in many cases disappearing rapidly under the stresses of development and the dominance of non-native invasive species, many of which are allowed to be sold at nuseries. Two of my favorite "local living legends", Pat and Dale Bulla are dedicated native plant protectors, proponents and gardeners, along with coordinating many community awareness projects including bringing some community organizing to work with developers who are rapidly bulldozing and concreting our urban forest for office space and automobile-only accessible shopping.
HB 2088 by Donna Howard, Relating to increasing public awareness of the benefits of native plant species.
Ditto my explaination above - Texas Parks and Wildlife has created a list of the most invasive and aggressive non-native plant species including Johnson Grass, Lugustrum, Nandina and china berry, but does not have regulatory authority to restrict these plants, in large part because of the nursery trade, which is only interested in sales (Note: There are several nurseries that focus on the sale of Natives and do not push non-natives).
SB 126 by Ellis - Relating to a temporary moratorium on authorizations for certain coal-fired electric generating facilities.
I am sure many of you are aware that coal fired power plants produce huge quantities of carbon monoxide but in addition volatile organic compounds, sulfides and mercury - none of which is beneficial to our lungs or the development of children.
"Solar Day" - Reagan Bldg.
HB 977 by Burnam, Relating to use of the money from the Texas enterprise fund to promote renewable energy technology. Identical bill by Wendy Davis, SB 878
HB 1243 by Gallego | Farabee | Solomons | Swinford | Coleman, Relating to net metering for retail electric service customers and compensation for excess electricity generated by a retail electric customer's on-site generator.
HB 1643 by Farabee Relating to net metering for retail electric service customers and compensation for excess electricity generated by certain renewable energy technology generators.
HB 1866 by Solomons Relating to distributed renewable generation of electric power.
Human Services Cmte.
HB 165 by Naishtat | King, Susan | Howard, Charlie | Bohac Relating to a career ladder for interveners who provide services under the deaf-blind with multiple disabilities waiver program.
The Green Party and Gray Panthers have been avid supporters of Rep. Naishtat's legislation to improve public health.
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