The 2013 Texas Legislative Session
What You Need to Know about the 83rd Texas Legislative Session:
First, make sure you know who represents you in the House and Senate. This is very important as it means more to the representatives when a constituent calls/emails/writes/tweets/etc. to them about an issue. You can use the form below to determine your districts, who represents you and how to contact them.
Important Committees:
Senate Committee on Business & Commerce:
Chair: John Carona; District 16
Vice-Chair: Larry Taylor; District 11
Members:
Kevin Eltife; District 1
Craig Estes; District 30
Kelly Hancock; District 9
Eddie Lucio, Jr.; District 27
Leticia Van de Putte; District 26
Kirk Watson; District 14
John Whitmire; District 15
House Committee on Licensing & Administrative Procedures:
Chair: Wayne Smith; District 128
Vice-Chair: John Kuempel; District 44
Members:
Charlie Geren; District 99
Lance Gooden; District 4
Ryan Guillen; District 31
Roland Guiterrez; District 119
Borris Miles; District 146
Four Price; District 87
Senfronia Thompson; District 141
Timeline of the 83rd Texas Legislature
Tuesday, January 8, 2013 (1st day)
83rd Legislature convenes at noon
[Government Code, Sec. 301.001]
Friday, March 8, 2013 (60th day)
Deadline for filing bills and joint resolutions other than local bills,
emergency appropriations, and bills that have been declared an
emergency by the governor
[House Rule 8, Sec. 8; Senate Rules 7.07(b) and 10.01]
Monday, May 27, 2013 (140th day)
Last day of 83rd Regular Session; corrections only in house and senate
[Sec. 24(b), Art. III, Texas Constitution]
[Session Ends]
Sunday, June 16, 2013 (20th day following final adjournment)
Last day governor can sign or veto bills passed during the regular legislative session
[Sec. 14, Art. IV, Texas Constitution]
Monday, August 26, 2013 (91st day following final adjournment)
Date that bills without specific effective dates (that could not be effective
immediately) become law
[Sec. 39, Art. III, Texas Constitution]
Timeline provided by Texas Legislature online
Are You Registered to Vote?
Just because 2013 isn't a "major" election year, it is imperative that you are registered to vote for two main reasons:
1. Our House and Senate representatives care about hearing from registered constituents!
2. In case of an emergency election due to retirement, death, or other unusual circumstances, it is a good idea to be prepared!
If you are unsure of your voter registration status, head over to the Secretary of State's website to confirm: Check Here!
If you want to regsister, click here!
Contact Open The Taps
For questions, comments, or to submit information please email us!