Texans cannot collect signatures to place an issue on the ballot for a vote to change state law. Additionally, Texas requires all drug laws be enforced and changed at the state rather than local level. Because of these limitations, Texans must rely on our state elected officials, specifically our state representatives and state senators, to change our laws. The Texas Legislature kicks off on January 12th, 2021. Under normal circumstances, the process is intense and implications from the pandemic may complicate this more. Since we do not yet know fully what kind of restrictions or protocols will be in place due to the pandemic, we must be extra prepared.
To that end, we want to work with our fellow Texans to make sure their voices are heard by legislators. We want to collect testimonies for hearing binders again this session, as well as targeted actions and any other opportunities that may arise. Submitting personal testimony on an issue which affects you is an effective way to communicate with lawmakers, and helps them to understand how policy impacts Texans in their everyday lives.
Please submit your testimony here!
Before submitting, you may want to review the tips from our Testimony Crafting Workshop and some of the helpful resources in our Activist Training Guide.
Join us for a statewide conference call on Saturday December 12th at noon. We will highlight this important policy in a time when our actions are limited to virtually advocacy, a recap of the bills that have been filed, our chances of reform this year, and what you can do to help pass meaningful legislation.
After the first day of session, join us for the Texas Marijuana Policy Legislative Workshop on Tuesday, January 12th, 2021 at 7pm. We will cover the new rules for the session as well as the legislative process and timeline, policy priorities, pre-filed bills, preparing for hearings and more!
Stay up to date on the progress of cannabis legislation and take action by subscribing to our newsletter!
Please choose Texas NORML and legalization while you are shopping this holiday season. Learn how to become a member of our organization. Make a donation towards our important work during the 2021 Legislative Session.