Interim Charges

When not in session, the work of the Texas Legislature continues. Though they convene at the capitol in Austin to pass laws for only five months in odd numbered years, interim charges help committees to continue their work. Each committee in both the House and Senate are assigned a set of questions to study prior to the next session. The questions are assigned by the Speaker of the House and the Lieutenant Governor and are often read as a good indication of what issues they feel are most important and should be addressed the following session. The committees convene, often outside of Austin, hear testimony from experts and the public, then publish reports of their findings.

The current interim charges for the House were released by Speaker Straus.  Several charges address issues of interest for the CLC, a few of which are set out below. The CLC staff will use this opportunity to interact with lawmakers and their staff and educate them about our policy positions. The entire list of charges can be found here.(PDF)

Hunger and Food-Related Poilcy

House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock & House Committee on Urban Affairs

• Evaluate the role of community gardens and urban farming efforts that increase access to healthy foods and examine the possible impact that state and local policies have on the success of programs of this type. Determine the feasibility of policies to support these efforts, especially in high-population areas.

House Committee on Human Services & House Committee on Public Health

• Identify policies to alleviate food insecurity, increase access to healthy foods, and incent good nutrition within existing food assistance programs. Consider initiatives in Texas and other states to eliminate food deserts and grocery gaps, encourage urban agriculture and farmers’ markets, and increase participation in the Summer Food Program. Evaluate the desirability and feasibility of incorporating nutritional standards in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Monitor congressional activity on the 2012 Farm Bill and consider its impact on Texas.

Predatory Lending

House Committee on Pensions, Investments and Financial Services

• Monitor the implementation of HB 2592 (82R) and HB 2594 (82R), regarding pay day lending.

Education and Literacy

House Committee on Appropriations & House Committee on Higher Education

• Evaluate the funding, performance, and administration of the state’s adult basic education programs.

Though Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst has not released the Senate charges in full, a select interim charge on human trafficking has been issued, which includes the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, along with a separate joint committee study. Watch upcoming newsletters for a link to the full Senate charges when they are released.

Human Trafficking

Joint Interim Committee

• Study the services available for victims of human trafficking provided by federal, state, and local agencies and non-governmental organizations, including the long-range need for safe houses and shelters and the best practices for public/private partnerships providing services to victims.  Review procedures and services available for youth that have been identified as sex trafficking victims, including analysis of the appropriate criminal penalties associated with prostitution.

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

• Monitor the implementation of legislation relating to human trafficking in coordination with the Joint Interim Committee to Study Human Trafficking.

Two Recent Reports on Domestic Human Trafficking Policy

Houston Rescue and Restore published its Report on Domestic Minor Trafficking in Houston

The report focuses on the three main pillars of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) prevention, protection and prosecution in Harris and Galveston County.  Researchers conducted field assessments in these two counties to have a better understanding on the scope of domestic minor child trafficking in the area.  According to the assessment, misidentification of victims continues to be a barrier to providing appropriate services to this population of victims.  The report provides a basic foundation for the formation of a comprehensive strategy in both counties in order to better serve the youth at risk of becoming trafficking victims.

A recent report published by Shared Hope International titled, The Protected Innocence Challenge: State Report Cards on the Legal Framework of Protection for the Nation’s Children (PDF), scores each state’s policy efforts to address the issue of domestic minor sex trafficking.  Based on their assessment, each state was assigned a letter grade in correspondence with its earned points.  The points were given in 6 categories for addressing:

1. Criminalization of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking,
2. Criminal Provisions Addressing Demand,
3. Criminal Provisions for Traffickers,
4. Criminal Provisions for Facilitators,
5. Protective Provisions for Child Victims,
6. Tools for Investigation and Prosecution.

Because of the legislature’s commitment to the fight against human trafficking during the 82^nd legislative session, Texas is now the leader in its anti-trafficking policy efforts for domestic minors.

SUNSET REVIEW of the TEXAS LOTTERY COMMISSION

The Texas Lottery Commission is currently being reviewed by the Texas Sunset Commission.  The Sunset Commission is a state agency that is composed of legislators and public members.   Over the next several months the Sunset Commission will determine if the Texas Lottery Commission is still needed, and if so what changes are needed to ensure that state funds are well spent.   This review of the Texas Lottery Commission includes an opportunity for public input and a review process that recently began and will end in mid-year 2012. Based on public input and the Sunset staff report, the Sunset Commission will adopt recommendations for the full Legislature to consider in January 2013.

Please read the attached investigative stories by reporter Eric Dexheimer of the Austin American Statesman about the failures of the Texas Lottery:

1. Texas Lottery: A different game than State was sold two decades ago;
2. Texas Lottery relies increasingly on the poor and less educated, studies show;
3. Scratch-off beats Lotto as dominant gamble in Texas

If you feel like the citizens of this State were lied to when the Lottery was sold as the savior for education, please join me in requesting that the Sunset Commission fully investigate and report on  how the Texas Lottery Commission has failed the citizens in funding education for our State and how it should be abolished.

Please write to the following address:

Sunset Advisory Commission- Attn: Amy Trost
P.O. Box 13066
Austin, Texas 78711

You may also send your opinions/comments via email Attn: Amy Trost

Email: sunset@sunset.state.tx.us

No Kid Hungry in Texas

The Texas Hunger Initiative, a partner organization with the CLC in the fight against hunger in Texas, has launched a new campaign in conjunction with the national organization Share Our Strength. The No Kid Hungry Campaign officially launched on October 12, 2011 on the South Steps of the Capitol.

Over 150 elementary and middle school students from Austin and Waco met on the steps of the Capitol alongside Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell and a diverse group of corporate, education, nonprofit and government leaders. Speakers affirmed a commitment to the new partnership, aimed to end childhood hunger by utilizing existing nutritional programs and launching a breakfast pilot program in 10 districts across the state.

The Campaign’s focus during its first year is to connect more eligible low-income children to federally funded school breakfasts and summer meals, a project that the CLC has been committed to at both the policy and the community-implementation level.

North Texas Leaders to Tackle Childhood Hunger

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson hosted the Texas No Kid Hungry Campaign’s Dallas Summit on November 9, 2011, which brought together local and national child hunger thought leaders, as well as key stakeholders in Dallas and surrounding communities.

The summit was held at the Dallas Farmers Market, and it touched on a wide range of topics related to childhood hunger in North Texas including new statistics, Dallas-area “food deserts,” the importance of fighting hunger in the faith community, and solutions currently being put in place through the Texas No Kid Hungry Campaign.

Suzii Paynter, Christian Life Commission Director, spoke to the group specifically about the action faith-based communities are taking to end childhood hunger. Other presenters included elected officials and agency leaders such as Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlngs, Chief Administrator for Food and Nutrition at the Texas Department of Agriculture Angela Olige, and Bill Ludwig, Regional Administrator for USDA’s Food and Nutrition Division. They spoke alongside community leaders like Holly Hirshberg, the Executive Director of DinnerGarden, a non-profit that seeks to end hunger through home and community garden programs.

An important announcement made during the hunger summit was the creation of a Dallas-Area Food Planning Association, which is currently underway as part of the Texas No Kid Hungry Campaign. This group will consist of educators, elected officials, corporations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, community leaders and local residents who will take a close look at where child hunger needs are greatest in the area, and will then work to implement programs there.

Can Texas create better payday loan laws through “crowdsourcing?”

That’s the question being asked at the capitol in this interim period between legislative sessions. Sen. John Carona, chairman of the Senate Business and Commerce committee and one of the leading advocates for payday lending reform, is hoping that more input from the public can better inform lawmakers and create better laws. Chairman Carona made it known at the end of last session that the bills passed were not strong enough, and that the reform effort suffered because of the influence of high paid lobbyists. The Senator and his Business and Commerce Committee staff members are hoping to open up that process and allow for more direct public input via the web, including through social media. This unique effort was recently highlighted by a story and video from the Texas Tribune.

While the CLC continues to work directly with agency staff on the implementation of bills passed last session, we’re also preparing for next session by keeping in contact with key legislators during the interim. As plans for “crowdsourcing” become finalized, we’ll let you know when and how you can share stories of predatory lending in your community and church.

Environment and Energy E-News

The electricity market in Texas is complex and varied, but churches across the state are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of their utility bills on their budget. Currently, Austin Energy is going through a rate case, and Stephen Reeves testified in front of Austin Energy staff and the Electric Utility Council about the increases in electricity prices for houses of worship.  He highlighted the recent example of El Paso Electric instating a safety net for charitable organizations that met certain qualifications, which insured that their bills would not rise over a certain percentage as the calculation method of their bills changed.  The Christian Life Commission is encouraging Austin Energy to take a similar approach to protect charitable organizations that will experience large percentage increases as a result of the new rates. Because churches do not fit neatly into residential or commercial categories, as utilities in Texas change their pricing structure, we need to pay close attention as churches can be particularly vulnerable.

As churches struggle with extreme weather conditions and high energy bills, there are behavioral and technology changes that can be made to help mitigate against these higher bills.  One of the most costly expenditures for churches on their electric bills are related to the “demand charges” that are based on the most energy used a one specific time, often in a 15 minute interval.  Many congregations experience high demand charges due to the fact that their facilities go from OFF mode to ON mode all at one time, therefore needing an immense amount of power at one time.  One of the most practical and inexpensive tools to manage demand is a programmable thermostat, which allows your church to start the cooling or heating process at 2:00 am on Sunday, to be temperate for Sunday School, rather than when the staff arrives that morning. This way when the staff begins to arrive all of the lights, the air conditioning, etc isn’t being turned on right at the same time. Utilities are often willing to advise customers on electricity management if you reach out to them, and please contact mccall.johnson@texasbaptists.org if the CLC can be of any assistance to your congregation.

Contents:

• Churches, Politics and the IRS Rules
• IRS Rules: Churches Can
• IRS Rules: Churches Cannot
• Environmental Stewardship
• CLC’s Austin Office Welcomes Bianca Dueñas, Public Policy Intern

Churches, Politics and the IRS Rules

The 2012 presidential election is still well over a year away. Yet with the Republican primary elections scheduled for earlier than ever, and since Governor Rick Perry is a leading candidate, it seems like now is an appropriate time to be reminded of the rules regarding churches and political campaigns.

Churches in the U.S. are granted the extraordinary benefit of tax-exempt status. This is in part due to the astonishing amount of religious liberty we enjoy in the United States. Religious organizations are free from taxation in order to avoid “excessive entanglement” between government and religion and to foster religious liberty by allowing religious organizations to flourish without the burden of paying taxes.

Many other types of charitable organizations also enjoy the benefit of 501(c)3 tax exempt status under the IRS code. By giving folks a tax deduction, the government encourages support of organizations that promote charity and good works that benefit all of society. However, in exchange for their tax exempt status, these organizations must meet a few conditions. One such condition is that churches and other 501(c)(3)  nonprofit corporations are strictly prohibited from intervening in any campaign for, or in opposition to, any candidate for office. Of course this bar does not apply to individual Christians and fortunately there are still many things churches can do to promote faithful citizenship.  While the CLC encourages churches to let their voices be heard concerning public policy issues, intervening in partisan political races can get churches into plenty of hot water.

The CLC has compiled helpful guidance from the IRS about just what kind of activities can churches conduct, and what is prohibited. The complete publication can be found HERE. (Churches, Politics and the IRS Rules Book.pdf) Since the rules are not always black and white, and because the IRS will look at all the facts and circumstances surrounding the church activity, most of the guidance comes in the form of example scenarios. In order to simplify the issue as much as possible, the CLC has also produced a very simple can and can’t do guide. The checklist below is intended to help churches and ministers understand their legal boundaries when it comes to campaigns and politics.  If a church chooses not to follow the IRS guidelines, the church can lose its exemption from federal taxes, and donors can lose the tax deductible status of their gifts and offerings.

Texas Baptist churches need not run afoul of the law in order to practice faithful citizenship. Churches, pastors and lay members have many avenues in which to participate in the political process. Should you have a question about what your church can do, please call the CLC Austin office.

IRS Rules: CHURCHES CAN (.pdf)

• Sponsor debates on issues.
• Sponsor forums on issues and amendments.
• Invite candidates to speak if all candidates are invited.
• Teach the importance of involvement in politics.
• Encourage people to vote.
• Register people to vote.
• Select member(s) to become “deputized voter registrars”.*
• Distribute non-partisan information on issues.
• Distribute non-partisan information on candidates’ voting records.
• Have staff and members who support any candidate or issue they choose, outside of their staff role.

IRS Rules: CHURCHES CANNOT (.pdf)

• Endorse candidates.
• Make donations to candidates’ campaigns.
• Engage in fundraising on behalf of a candidate.
• Distribute statements supporting a political candidate.
• Distribute statements opposing a political candidate.
• Participate in any other activities that may be beneficial or detrimental to any candidate.
• Issue partisan statements from the pulpit.
• Issue partisan statements on church stationary.
• Issue partisan statements on official church publications or communications.

Guidance on this topic from the IRS can be found on their website.

Environmental Stewardship

The Christian Life Commission has been working on various initiatives that connect churches directly with programs that save them money through energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades. Oncor, the transmission and distribution utility company that covers Dallas/ Fort Worth, Midland/ Odessa, and Tyler among other areas has a Matching Grant Program for Houses of Worship. This grant program pays for up to 50% of the cost for energy efficiency or renewable energy upgrades. (The grant cannot exceed $100,000.) CLC staff has met with Oncor representatives and is looking to assist churches that are interested in applying for a grant to make improvements to their church facilities.

In the last legislative session, the CLC worked to pass a bill which creates an exciting new pilot program for houses of worship and community based organizations. The LoanStar program, long available for government buildings, makes low-interest loans for energy efficiency and renewable projects and will now be available to churches.

The CLC will be engaged in the implementation and rule making process for the bill and has already met with the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) at the Office of the Comptroller which administers the program. The CLC has also enlisted the guidance of the BGCT Church Architecture Department so that their knowledge and years of experience working with churches undergoing renovation can aid in the implementation process.  The new pilot program will be established by March 2012 and the CLC will help congregations that wish to participate in this low-interest loan program navigate the process.

For information about either of these opportunities please contact CLC consultant McCall Johnson at 512-473-2288 or email her at mccall.johnson@texasbaptists.org

CLC’s Austin Office Welcomes Bianca Dueñas, Public Policy Intern

I am the new intern at the Austin office, and I am very excited for the opportunity to be working alongside great people, who are passionate about the issues that affect our society.  I am originally from Mexico City but grew up most of my life in Laredo, TX.  I attended LeTourneu University for my first two years of college.  I was able to grow in my knowledge of the Word during that time and had the opportunity to serve as the Mexico Coordinator for the school’s spring break mission trips. I finished off my degree at UTSA in Political Science with a minor in Spanish.

God has slowly been shaping and guiding each step that I take.  He has kept my heart passionate about the same things but led me to take a different path.  He has redirected my steps from missionary work towards the legal field, where I can serve him just as well but could make a larger impact on society.  Two years ago God led me to what I call my life verse; Proverbs 31:8-9 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. ⁹ Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

When God put Mrs. Suzii in my path and I heard of the work being accomplished through CLC, I was moved to seek an internship position here before attending law school.  I have a long history of having a heart for justice as well as spreading God’s grace and kindness.  Some of the issues closest to me are the fight against human trafficking, poverty, and for higher-education.  We were called to be the active hands and feet of Jesus and I believe we must represent Christ as best as we can.  We carry His name.  My prayer is that in all I do He may be glorified.  I am blessed to be able to learn, grow, and be sharpened by CLC in order to best serve others.  May we one day have the pleasure of meeting.  

Contents:

• Predatory Lending Developments
• Rulemaking Process
• Local Ordinances
• Interim Changes
• Litigation
• Stay Engaged
• Hunger and Poverty
• Children at Risk Holds 82nd Session Wrap-Up
• TFPR Quarterly Meeting
• Environment and Energy
• LoanSTAR Program
• Oncor Matching Grant Program

Predatory Lending Developments

During the interim period between legislative sessions the CLC will continue our efforts to reign-in abusive lending practices in Texas. As reported in our legislative wrap-up two bills passed this session and were signed into law by Governor Perry in June. While the bills fell short of our reform goals, they represent a positive first step toward more just small-dollar lending practices.

Rulemaking Process

In order for the new measure to be put in place, the regulations will go through a public rulemaking process within the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner as overseen by the Texas Finance Commission. The commission plans to propose the first rule in response to the new laws on Friday, August 19^th. The CLC has already taken an active role in this process and will continue to engage these administrative bodies to ensure that the legislative intent behind the bills is met and that new data collection requirements capture the type of information that will help lawmakers enact further reform. Should there be a proper time for public input and participation by pastors or church members, the CLC will keep you informed.

Local Ordinances

On June 22^nd the Dallas city council passed a new ordinance regarding payday lending in their city. The new rules would put tighter restrictions on payday and auto title lending in Dallas including the terms of the loans and where businesses can be located. The response from the industry was swift. A lawsuit was filed on July 15^th seeking to block the new regulations from taking effect. The CLC will watch the litigation closely. Meanwhile, the City of Austin is looking at enacting similar new regulations here. If you’d like more information about these efforts, how you can participate, or how to pass similar rules in your city, please contact the CLC Austin office.

Interim Charges

During the legislative interim, committees in both the Texas House and Senate study issues of importance to the state in order to better prepare for the next session. Based upon interest, momentum and assurances from Senator John Carona, it is quite likely that there will be an interim charge examining payday lending in this state. The charges will likely be released in the fall. The CLC will certainly be involved and will keep you informed of opportunities for public input.

Litigation

Finally, the CLC recently noted the filing of two class action lawsuits on behalf of borrowers against CSO payday and auto title lenders in Texas. The CLC will watch with interest as the cases make their way through the legal system.

Stay Engaged

The CLC is so thankful for the active participation of many pastors and Texas Baptist church members in the debate last legislative session. We will commit to keeping you informed and our work will benefit from your engagement. Please continue to call our Austin office and let us know if you’re passionate about this issue or have personal experience with victims of this type of financial abuse.

Hunger and Poverty

Children at Risk Holds 82^nd Session Wrap-Up

In late July, the Christian Life Commission was invited to present a summary of food policy bills, including new laws that will affect the children of Texas, at the Children at Risk’s 82^nd session wrap-up in Dallas. The event was designed for advocates to learn about policies that will affect their work with at-risk children. The Dallas area has some unique opportunities for agriculture grants through school programs as well as participation in summer nutrition programs for children. Other presentation topics included education, child healthcare and juvenile justice.

TFPR Quarterly Meeting

On September 1, 2011, the Texas Food Policy Roundtable will meet in Austin for an 82^nd session wrap-up, and to discuss federal food-related legislation. It is an open meeting, and all are invited to attend. Please email anne.olson@texasbaptists.org if you would like to attend or if you would like more information about the meeting.

Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force Meets in Houston

The Christian Life Commission participated in the July meeting of the Office of the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force at Rice University in July. Here, officials continued to discuss how law enforcement, advocates, and lawmakers can collaborate to end human trafficking in Texas post-session. The OAG’s office presented a summary of the legislation that passed this session and optimistic because 32 of the 35 recommendations the Task Force made to the legislature was put into law. As the Task Force continues to meet, we will keep you updated on the ways in which you can fight human trafficking in your community.

Environment and Energy

LoanSTAR Program

The Christian Life Commission supported HB 2077 in the 82^nd Legislative Session, a bill to establish a pilot program for houses of worship and community based organizations in the LoanSTAR program at the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO).  The LoanSTAR program provides low-interest loans for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.  CLC staff has met with SECO and will be participating in the stakeholder process as SECO creates the pilot program which will be established by March 1, 2012.

Oncor Matching Grant Program

The Christian Life Commission also recently met with Oncor, the utility covering DFW, Midland/Odessa, Waco, and the Tyler area among others, about their matching grant program for houses of worship for renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades.  This program can help a church with up to half of the costs of the project, not to exceed $100,000.  If you are interested in learning more about energy efficiency resources for your church, please email mccall.johnson@texasbaptists.org.

The 82^nd Regular Session of the Texas Legislature concluded on May 30, 2011. Governor Perry immediately called a special session to begin the next day in order to address several critical issues that were left incomplete. The initial issues were “fiscal matters” bills related to health care and public education funding that were essential to create a balanced budget and a bill to reform the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. The special session concluded on Wednesday, June 29^th.

In spite of severe state budget constraints and cuts to many critical programs, the CLC managed to find success this session in several of our issue areas. The following is an abbreviated list of the bills that the CLC worked to pass this session as well as a few we worked to defeat. The list is by no means exhaustive.  The CLC will soon publish a more complete summary of the session which details how we go about making a difference at the state Capitol. Our success would not have been possible without the hard work of our staff in Austin, or the support of the many, many Texas Baptist pastors and lay leaders who came to Austin to testify in hearings or make office visits, and those who called and emailed elected officials to make their voice heard.

The issues covered are: (Click to navigate to issue)

• Gambling Expansion
• Predatory Lending
• Hunger, Nutrition & Poverty
• Environment
• Human Trafficking
• Immigration
• Alcohol & Addiction
• Criminal Justice
• Prison Chaplaincy
• Church & State
• Life Issues

Gambling Expansion

The CLC continues to lead the way in opposing gambling expansion in Texas. Casino gambling is an unproven and instable revenue source with a high cost for the families of those who become addicted. There were 54 bills filed relating to gambling this legislative session. Despite what many thought was the best chance for casino style gambling expansion legislation in our state, not a single bill passed. The expansion efforts and our engagement can be broken down into the following three main categories.

Resort Casinos
HJR 147 by Tuffy Hamilton (Mauriceville) would have allowed several land-based casinos in our state, as well as slot machines at horse and dog tracks and at the three Indian tribes in our state. Coined “the whole enchilada bill,” this effort would have allowed for the most wide-spread expansion imaginable, including slot machines in local bingo halls. It was supported by the Texas Gaming Association. Though a strong attempt was made to bring this bill to the House floor it ultimately failed due to lack of proven votes in favor. No similar Senate bill had a hearing.

Slots at the Tracks
HJR 111 by Beverly Wooley (Houston) would have allowed slot machines at horse and dog tracks and at the three Indian tribes in our state.  There were several pieces of legislation that would allow a constitutional amendment and enacting legislation to accomplish this.  The proponents argued that this proposal would not expand the “footprint” of gambling in Texas because it would be at locations where pari-mutuel wagering was already allowed. This argument was primarily supported by the horse industry.  Constitutional amendment HJR 111 by Wooley was voted out of the House Licensing and Administration Committee late in the session, but it was never scheduled for floor debate.  Again, no similar Senate bill had a hearing.

Grey Area Expansion
HB 2728 by Senfronia Thompson (Houston) was supported by the bingo industry, who again tried to pass legislation that would allow casino style “slot machine” wagering without a constitutional amendment.   HB 2728 by Thompson would have allowed card-minding devices to operate account wagering that, when combined with existing rules adopted by the Lottery Commission regarding instant pull-tab bingo tickets, would have resulted in bingo halls operating same electronic pull-tab bingo that Attorney General Abbott opined in GA-0541 would require a constitutional amendment.   This bill got through the House but eventually failed in the Senate State Affairs Committee.

HB 1955 by Senfronia Thompson (Houston) would have given GTECH, the lottery operator, a lottery sales license that among other things would have opened the door for the sale of lottery tickets over the internet. This bill passed the House but once again failed in the Senate State Affairs Committee.

Predatory Lending

The CLC was instrumental in the effort to reign in abusive, predatory lenders that operate outside of any meaningful state oversight or regulation, and take advantage of the most vulnerable among us. Two bills that address this issue passed this session.

HB 2592 by Vicki Truitt (Southlake) and John Carona (Dallas)
HB 2592 provides for notice and disclosures for consumers to enable consumers to make informed choices. This bill is intended to allow easier comparison of the costs of different payday and auto title loan terms by comparing the cost of these loans with other, similar, short-term credit products.

HB 2594 by Vicki Truitt (Southlake) and John Carona (Dallas)
HB 2594 gives, for the first time, licensing, oversight, examination and enforcement authority to the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner for those lenders operating as CSOs.  The bill requires quarterly reporting to OCCC of important data and allows for enforcement of fair debt collections practices as well as federal military lending laws.

Though these bills are a first step, neither of them address the “cycle of debt” which traps many borrowers in a pattern of only paying fees, never reducing the amount owed. HB 2593, which was intended to attack this problem, died in the House. Sen. Carona has agreed to conduct an interim study and return next session with legislation to work on consumer advocate concerns.

None of the bills would have put a limit on the outrageous, usurious rates these lenders charge, frequently well over 500% APR.

Hunger, Nutrition and Poverty

This session, the Christian Life Commission convened a new coalition of organizations to address problems related to hunger and nutrition called the Texas Food Policy Roundtable. The TFPR supported bills that fit into one of four issue areas: improving access to the SNAP program (formerly known as food stamps), reducing obesity, increasing participation in summer nutrition programs, and creating a local and sustainable food system. In its very first session, the TFPR was successful in helping to pass legislation in each of these issue areas, and will continue to work during the interim to ensure all Texans are able to lead healthy lives.

Increasing Participation in Summer Nutrition Program
SB 89 by Eddie Lucio, Jr. (Brownsville) and Eddie Rodriguez (Austin) was the hallmark legislation in the arena of hunger and food policy for the CLC and Food Policy Roundtable this session.  This bill increases the number of children from low-income families that can be certain of getting regular nutritious meals during the summer break, thereby ensuring that they are nourished and ready to learn when school begins.  Requires a school district with 50% eligible student to provide or arrange for a Summer Nutrition program for at least 30 weekdays during the summer.  Federal funds through the USDA make these programs in “severe need” schools mostly cost neutral and the bills make provisions for waivers for school districts that would face insurmountable problems in participating in the program.

Improving Access to SNAP (historically called food stamps)
HB 710 by Armando Walle (Houston) and Robert Deuell (Greenville) eliminates the requirement for electronic finger imaging used when an eligible Texan applies for SNAP benefits. Our goal this session was to improve and streamline the application and eligibility processes, extend the eligibility to a 12-month period, and discontinue and eliminate costly electronic fingerprint or photo-imaging of applicants where there are other ways to verify eligibility. Making SNAP more accessible helps families afford a nutritious diet.

Increasing Nutrition and Reduce Obesity
SB 796 by Jane Nelson (Flower Mound) and Susan King (Abilene) requires a one-time report on the costs of preventing and treating diabetes in Texas and mandates a biennial report on the HHSC Commissioner’s priorities addressing the diabetes issue.  It also requires an assessment of programs to prevent and treat diabetes to better understand the impact of the disease in our state. Our goal was to support legislation that would promote policy solutions that increase nutrition and reduce obesity.

Creating a Local, Sustainable and Accessible Food System
SB 199 by Royce West (Dallas) and Ana Hernandez Luna (Houston) allows non-profit organizations (such as Future Farmers of America and Sustainable Food Centers) that partner with schools for agriculture projects to apply for grant funding, as an avenue to expand children’s knowledge of the value of fresh food. This bill specifically applies to large, urban school districts.

Many Texans live in areas that lack convenient access to a supermarket. These areas, known as “food deserts,” lack grocery stores but often have fast-food restaurants and convenience stores that sell soda, snacks and few healthy options.  Texas has one of the highest number food deserts in the country, an issue that adversely affects both rural and urban communities.

We tracked several pieces of legislation increasing the availability of nutritious, affordable food for rural and urban Texans through a variety of avenues.

HB 2994 by Borris Miles (Houston) and Craig Estes (Wichita Falls) promotes urban agriculture business development and increases the availability of fresh food in underserved neighborhoods, specifically in heavily populated areas of the state.

HB 2084 by Lois Kolkhorst (Brenham) focused on the cottage food industry, including a provision allowing for SNAP benefits to be used at farmer’s markets. Policies like these create jobs, increase economic investment in urban and rural low-income areas, and revitalize neighborhoods. This bill passed when it was attached to another food safety bill, SB 81 by Jane Nelson (Flower Mound) and Lois Kolkhorst (Brenham).

Environment

In the last several sessions the Christian Life Commission has increased our work regarding environmental and energy issues that affect our churches and communities. This is in large part due to a BGCT resolution passed in 2006 to advocate for sound environmental policies in the public square. Working in partnership with bill sponsors and coalition members we made great strides this session, especially with regard to polices specifically affecting churches and other non-profits. Our priority bills that will be implemented are described below.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Churches and Non-Profits
HB 2077 by Eddie Rodriguez (Austin) and Robert Deuell (Greenville)
HB 2077 creates a pilot program and authorizes the State Energy Conservation Office to use money within its LoanSTAR revolving low-interest loan program to promote energy efficiency and the use of renewable technology for houses of worship and other community-based organizations (CBOs). LoanSTAR funds energy projects that provide a long-term reduction in utility bills. The pilot program should be established no later than March 1, 2012.

SB 981 by John Carona (Dallas) and Rafael Anchia (Dallas)
SB 981 redefines “distributed renewable generation owner” to include a retail electric customer on whose side of the meter distributed renewable generation is installed and operated, regardless of whether the customer takes ownership of the distributed renewable generation. This clarification will dissolve barriers of upfront costs for those wanting to install solar panels and other onsite renewable generation. This third party ownership arrangement is especially valuable to churches and non-profits, as the owner of the system can take advantage of all the available incentives, including tax credits.

Electronic Waste
SB 329 by Kirk Watson (Austin) and Warren Chisum (Pampa)
SB 329 creates a comprehensive, convenient, and environmentally sound program for television recycling. This bill keeps toxic materials from hurting Texans and our neighbors worldwide and uses market principles to encourage manufactures to produce products that are more easily recycled.  The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will have information available to the public about collection sites and registered manufacturers recycling programs.

Electricity Pricing for Churches
HB 1064 by Jim Pitts (Waxahachie) and Kevin Eltife (Tyler)
HB 1064 exempts certain customers from demand ratchet charges by utilities. If a non-residential customer has a load factor (the ratio of average load to peak load) equal to or below a factor set by commission rule then certain distribution charges can be waived. Churches have electricity usage patterns that vary from your average non-profit, they use quite a bit of electricity on Sunday mornings and in order to guarantee the delivery of that electricity they are currently charged “demand ratchet fees.” However, churches, just like little league fields do not need this power at all times, but are charged demand fees based on the highest usage in a 15 minute period.

Additional Bill of Interest: Fracking
HB 3328 by Jim Keffer (Eastland) and Troy Fraser (Horseshoe Bay) requires a person performing hydraulic fracturing treatments to disclose to the Railroad Commission information concerning the total volume of water used in the hydraulic fracturing treatment and each chemical ingredient that is used in the process; and requires the commission to maintain an updated master list of all base fluids, additives, and chemical constituents used in any hydraulic fracturing treatment.

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking legislation was a priority for Governor Perry and enjoyed bipartisan legislative support. Numerous Texas Baptist groups—including the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas and Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas—visited with Texas lawmakers to reiterate the need for such legislation.  During the interim the Human Trafficking Task Force lead by the Office of the Attorney General gathered information from a wide range of stakeholders and laid the ground work for legislation to address the most pressing issues with regard to trafficking in Texas.  Suzii Paynter served on one of the working groups established under the taskforce.

SB 24 by Leticia Van de Putte (San Antonio) and Senfronia Thompson (Houston)
SB 24 mandates urgent recommendations from the Attorney General’s 2011 Report that have consensus and can move forward quickly. Human trafficking is added to many lists of crimes in the penal code, government code, and family code, code of criminal procedure, and civil practice and remedies code. The bill also addresses important victim protections.

HB 289 by Jim Jackson (Carrollton) and Jane Nelson (Flower Mound)
HB 289 adds human trafficking to the list of activities that cause a common nuisance in a community, allowing another avenue for law enforcement crack down on human trafficking operations in Texas.

HB 1994 by Randy Weber (Pearland) and Leticia Van de Putte (San Antonio)
HB 1994 makes it permissible for local communities to hold a mandatory, day-long session for first-time “johns” (offenders who seek a prostitute), otherwise known as a “John School.” These sessions educate johns on the risks of having sex with a prostitute, including the reality of human trafficking, health risks, and other harms that come to their personal life and the community.

HB 2015 by Senfronia Thompson (Houston) and Leticia Van de Putte (San Antonio)
HB 2015 adds minor prostitution to the list offenses eligible for “child in need of supervision.”

Immigration

The immigration system in the U.S. is clearly in need of reform. The CLC is supportive of comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level. The state of Texas is limited in what it can do to address the problem. While we support efforts to secure the border and fight crime, legislation must not do so at the cost of the safety of our communities.

During the regular session no major piece of legislation related to immigration passed.

The effort to pass “sanctuary cities” legislation was revived in the special session. The CLC worked to oppose these efforts as we heard from many of our Hispanic pastors that such reforms would only create distrust of law enforcement resulting in communities that are less safe. SB 9 and HB 9 were also opposed by several major police departments in the state. Ultimately these bills failed in the special session as well.

Alcohol and Addiction

The CLC supports legislative efforts aimed at addressing the devastating problems that come with alcohol and substance abuse in this state. This includes laws designed to prevent minors from accessing alcohol as well as policies that support drug treatment programs. This session we continued our efforts to support bills which seek to reduce smoking in Texas.

Smoke-Free Texas
SB 355 by Ellis (Houston) and HB 670 by Crownover (Lake Dallas) addressed the dangers of secondhand smoke. Both of these bills sought to eliminate smoking in all indoor workplaces in Texas. Representative Crownover pulled the smoke-free bill from the floor of the House and attached it as an amendment to SB 1811, where it ultimately failed to pass.

During the special session, SB 28 and HB 46 address the same problem by eliminating smoking in indoor restaurants and bars. In a time of severe budget constraints, the benefits of smoke-free restaurants and bars in Texas could save employers, and the state, millions in health related costs. Currently, food service employees have a 50 percent higher risk of getting lung cancer than the general public. Because the service industry is such a vital part of Texas’ workforce, it is important that we make a conscious effort to pass legislation that protects the industry’s employees from exposure. These bills failed to pass during the 82^nd Special Session.

Criminal Justice

The CLC supports criminal justice reform efforts that keep our communities safe, protect innocence throughout the criminal justice process, improve the juvenile justice system, support drug treatment programs and development and expand re-entry programs for those who have served their time. This session the following two bills passed addressing these concerns.

SB 122 by Rodney Ellis (Houston) and Pete Gallego (Alpine)
SB 122 improves availability and creates more opportunities to identify those who have been wrongfully convicted. The bill also requires that upon completion of DNA testing, the convicting court shall order any unidentified DNA profile to be compared with the DNA profiles in the CODIS DNA database established by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the DNA database maintained by Texas’ Department of Public Safety.

SB 653 by John Whitmire (Houston) and Jerry Madden (Plano) reforms Texas juvenile justice system by merging the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC) into a single, newly created Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD).  SB 653 requires the TJJD to balance “the interests of rehabilitative needs with public safety.”

Prison Chaplaincy

The funding for chaplains in all Texas Prisons is contained in the state budget under a strategy called Treatment Services. In the original proposed budget by the House Appropriations Committee, funding for chaplains was eliminated entirely – 100%. Thanks to the hard work of many Texas Baptist chaplains from across the state, in the final 2012-2013 budget chaplaincy was fully restored to current levels.

Church and State

The CLC upholds the traditional Baptist understanding of a strict institutional separation between government entities and the church along with a strong support of religious free exercise rights under the constitution. The following bills that passed this session allow for government and church cooperation in addressing social issues while maintaining an important layer of separation and protection.

HB 2610 by Ryan Guillen (Rio Grande City) and Robert Deuell (Greenville)
HB 2610, known as the “navigator bill,” facilitates access to certain public assistance benefits programs and health care providers and services through a community-based navigator program. With the TIERS public web portal coming online in early 2012, many community-based nonprofit organizations, including food banks and churches, will be assisting individuals access the system. This program will train the volunteers to make sure that they understand the system properly and can help those in need of benefits to the greatest of their ability.

HB 1965 by Lois Kolkhorst (Brenham) and Robert Deuell (Greenville)
HB 1965, renewing our communities, expands on the Interagency Coordinating Group (ICG), established in the 81^st Session, to improve the collaboration and communication between state agencies and faith and community based non-profits.  The bill expands the ICG and establishes a stakeholder task force.  The task force and the ICG are charged with specific missions, including examining the roles of faith and community based non-profits and state agencies interaction, collaboration, overlap, gaps, and opportunities for contracting between the two.

Life Issues

The CLC continues to support a Biblical, moral and ethical respect for life, advocating for legislation concerned with the ethical issues faced at both the beginning and end of life.

HB 15 by Sid Miller (Stephenville) and Dan Patrick (Houston)
HB 15 provides women considering an abortion with a sonogram, an explanation of the sonogram, and a 24 hour advance meeting with the doctor who would be performing the procedure.  The passage of HB 15 will give women more information from which to make wise decisions. Knowledge of the critical facts and information gained from a sonogram will be included as an essential step before considering an abortion.

SB 257 by John Carona (Dallas) and Larry Phillips (Sherman)
“Choose Life” license plates will become available in September and are intended generate funds that would support infant adoption as an alternative to abortion.

Issue
Divisive sanctuary cities legislation that would erode trust of the police in our communities and endanger public safety.

Bills (.pdf)
HB 9 – Sanctuary Cities Bill
HB 10 – Relating to procedures for determining immigration status after arrest
HB 11 – Secure Communities Program
SB 9 – Sanctuary Cities Bill (Senate Version)

Hearing
Monday, June 20, 2011 the House State Affairs Committee will meet upon adjournment of the House in room 140 of the John H. Reagan building which is located at 105 W. 15th St., Austin, TX, 78701. The hearing will include HB 9, HB 10 & HB 11 as well as SB 9. We have been told there are some changes to HB 9 but will not know until closer to the hearing.

The House convenes at 2:00pm on Monday, June 20th and the hearing will not begin prior to 2:00. At this time it is difficult to determine how long the entire house will be in session and when the hearing will actually start. Please be prepared for a long evening.

Briefing
There will be a briefing hosted by fellow advocacy organizations at 11:00am in room E1.020 of the Capitol in order to update pastors and other advocates with the latest information about the bills. Please plan to attend this briefing if at all possible.

Contact
Immediately following the briefing, there will be time to make office visits to speak directly to House members and their staff. If you cannot come in person, you can still make your voice heard by calling your elected officials and the Governors office.

Monday will be the most critical moment in this debate during the special session and it has become clear that the voices of Hispanic evangelicals are having a major impact. The CLC is ready to host and help anyone who comes to Austin on Monday. Thanks to each one of you for your dedication to your communities and our state.

With just under a month left before its end, the 82^nd Legislative Session is still in full swing. Many of the Christian Life Commission’s priority bills have made progress in both the House and the Senate, and the Austin office staff is working hard to ensure that the legislation we find ethical and meaningful gets to the Governor’s desk for a signature.

Food Policy

The Texas Food Policy Roundtable held an extremely successful “Farm to Capitol” advocacy day, where advocates, legislators and legislative staff were briefed about food-related issues around the state. The purpose of this special day is to brief legislators, legislative staff and other advocates at the Capitol about food-related issues around the state.Senator Lucio (D- Brownsville), Rep. Hughes (R- Marshall), Rep. Veasey (D-Fort Worth) and Rep. Rodriguez (D- Austin), spoke on food bills they have filed, as well as Health and Human Services Commissioner Tom Suehs and Assistant Commissioner of Food and Nutrition for the Texas Department of Agriculture Angela Olige. View an inspiring news clip from the day, including an interview with our director Suzii Paynter.

Of the roughly 18 food policy bills filed, some are making great progress in the legislative process.

• SB 89 by Lucio (D-Brownsville), a bill that would expand USDA summer nutrition programs in the state, has passed through the Senate and is expected to be passed out of the House Agriculture and Livestock committee in the next couple of days.
• SB 199 by West (D-Dallas), a bill that allows nonprofit organizations that partner urban school districts to apply for Texas Department of Agriculture grants, has passed through the Senate, through the House Agriculture and Livestock committee, and is now recommended for the House Local and Consent calendar.
• SB 226 by Nelson (R-Flower Mound), a bill that would allow the Texas Education Agency to better analyze fitness data gathered by individual school districts to address childhood obesity, has passed through the Senate and has been referred to the House Public Education committee.
• SB 796 by Nelson (R-Flower Mound), a bill that creates a statewide diabetes registry to measure costs of prevention vs. treatment, has been placed on the House Local and Consent calendar.

Human Trafficking

Bills to fight human trafficking in Texas have been extremely successful this session, with Governor Perry, the Attorney General, and Republican and Democrat legislators making this battle a priority.

• SB 24 by Van de Putte (D-San Antonio) has already been signed by Governor Perry, which is indeed a blessing for law enforcement and victim’s services units fighting human trafficking. This bill addresses a majority of the attorney general taskforce’s recommendations on prosecution of human trafficking, and it tightens up the by clarifying definitions and separating adult from child victims.
• HB 1994 by Weber (R-Pearland), a bill that allows municipalities and counties to hold a first-offender prostitution program – better known as a “john’s school” – has been placed on the House Calendar for debate on the floor.
• HB 2015 by Thompson (D-Houston), a bill that would place the offense of minor prostitution under the category of “Child in Need of Supervision,” has been voted favorably from the Senate Criminal Justice committee.

Environmental Stewardship

CLC priority environmental stewardship legislation, specifically energy policy that directly affects our congregations and non-profits, made great strides this session with bi-partisan support. Additionally, the CLC has historically supported the recycling and reuse of electronic waste and has been glad to work on the television recycling bill this session, building on past work on e-waste such as computer recycling. All three bills passed both chambers.

• HB 2077 by Rodriguez (D-Austin) and Deuell (R-Greenville) creates a LoanSTAR Pilot Program for Houses of Worship and Community Based Organizations. This bill authored by Rep. Rodriguez, Austin will create a pilot program within the existing LoanSTAR program. The LoanSTAR program has been successful at giving low-interest loans to government entities through the State Energy Conservation Office since 1989.

• HB 1064 by Pitts (R-Waxahachie) and Senator Eltife (R-Tyler), known as the ratchet bill, exempts certain customers from demand ratchet charges by utilities, and charges them based on their actual peak for a month rather than on a rolling peak which includes the last 11 months. This means that if your church has a low load factor your congregation will realize he benefits of energy efficiency and behavioral changes that month rather than waiting up to 10 or 11 months.
• SB 329/ HB 1966 by Senator Watson (D-Austin) and Representative Chisum (R-Pampa), provides the infrastructure for a TV Recycling program in Texas. TV manufacturers create a recovery plan for collecting, reusing, and recycling televisions.

Just Ten Cents a Drink…

By Judy Bergfield, Consultant for the Christian Life Commission

What is the meaning of the two following images – one carton of cigarettes and 22 grocery carts each filled with six- packs of beer?  The excise tax received by the state of Texas on 22 grocery carts of beer is equal to the tax received from one carton of cigarettes! Quite a disparity!

If the legislature were to increase the tax to TEN cents per drink, that would generate approximately ONE BILLION dollars per year in tax revenues. Given the budget shortfall, any increase in revenues would be welcome but what’s particularly great about this scenario is that when the cost of a can of beer is increased, under-aged drinkers will drink less. It is shown that they are price sensitive while adults will tend to drink about the same amount:  thus a double win of reduced under-aged and younger aged drinking coupled with increased revenue from adult consumption.

Contact your legislators and ask them to support a measure increasing the tax on beer to ten cents a can?  Now that’s something to picture… a win all around!

Texas Makes Progress in Dealing with Electronic Waste – TV Recycling Passes the Senate

Electronic Waste is an ever-growing problem in modern society as people update their electronics regularly, especially their televisions. Flat screen TVs contain mercury and many electronic products contain PCB-like brominated flame-retardants that are dangerous to the health of Texans.  Senator Kirk Watson of Austin and Representative Warren Chisum of Pampa have identical bills that require take-back and recycling of televisions by manufacturers, helping reduce chemical leaks into our landfills and allowing manufacturers to reuse old parts from these products.  SB 329, Senator Watson’s version passed the Senate on March 23rd, signaling progress with regard to electronic waste in Texas.

Upcoming Policy Days at the Capitol… Join us!

One of every five human trafficking victims in the United States is trafficked through Texas. The 82nd Legislature is building on the Office Attorney General’s interim Task Force.  The Senate unanimously passed Senator Van de Putte’s SB 24, which takes many of the Human Trafficking Task Force recommendations and puts them in to statute.  Join us on April 27, 2011 on the South Steps of the Capitol for a rally to combat human trafficking, this horrific form of modern-day slavery. The rally begins at noon. If you are interested in more information about the event, please contact McCall Johnson at mccall.johnson@texasbaptists.org.

This month, we want to share our public policy issue areas. You will find a synopsis of each of our issue-areas. At the end of each synopsis, you will find a link to the CLC’s website to read more about each area, including what bills have been filed this session.

PayDay Lending

Currently, almost all payday and auto title lenders operate in a loophole in state law that sets no limits on the rates and fees they can charge Texans on small dollar, short term loans. These high cost loans are hurting Texas families. They are immoral, unethical and in direct contradiction of the religious values that most Texans hold.

Read more about this issue and how we can close the loophole…(.pdf)

Gambling Expansion

Our state faces a daunting budget shortfall that has many Texans looking for new sources of revenue this session. In considering our options, policy makers should look for revenue that enhances our healthy business climate, supports families, prepares our state for the future, grows along with demand for services, and does not undermine citizen’s efforts to save for the future like gambling does.

Read more about why we oppose the expansion of gambling in the state of Texas…(.pdf)

Food Policy

Severe malnutrition rarely occurs in this state thanks to programs designed to prevent low-income families from going hungry. However, food insecurity, or the struggle to afford adequately nutritious food on a regular basis, plagues 17.4% of Texas households.

Read about how we can help make Texas food secure…(.pdf)

Environmental Stewardship

Scripture affirms the beauty of creation and God’s love for all creation—both human and non-human. Being stewards of God’s resources means careful consideration of how our actions impact the planet and all its inhabitants, including not only how much energy we consume but also how our energy in produced.

Read about ways Texas seeks to become energy efficient…(.pdf)

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is the second largest criminal industry in the world after drug dealing, and it is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world. Between 14,500 and 17,500 individuals are trafficked into the U.S. every year, and nearly 20 percent of human trafficking victims in the U.S. have been identified in Texas.

Read about ways the Texas legislature is addressing human trafficking in our state…(.pdf)
Read about the Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force…(.pdf)

Prison Chaplaincy

There are many essential services required by TDCJ in the protection of the public and security- secure buildings, guards and personnel, basic needs. In addition to these essential services, prison chaplaincy is also an essential service as it is the most judicious and proven application to guarantee the First Amendment exercise of religious liberty.

Read more details about the importance of retaining professional chaplaincy in our prison system…(.pdf)

Alcohol Excise Taxes

It has been 27 years since alcohol excise taxes were increased in the state of Texas. Bringing Texas beer and wine taxes in line with the current liquor or cigarette taxes could raise $768 million to $1.4 billion in revenue for our state during this budget crisis.

Read more details on the revenue impact of raising alcohol excise taxes…(.pdf)

Smoke-Free Texas

In Texas, 34 cities are currently covered by comprehensive smoke-free indoor workplace ordinances. As the nation’s second largest state, a statewide smoke-free workplace ban in Texas would provide clean indoor air to 5.6 percent of the U.S. population.

Read more about making Texas workplaces smoke-free on page 2 of this informational sheet…(.pdf)

New Texas Census and Re-Districting by Jason Embry, Austin American-Statesman

Congress
Texas will gain four additional seats — the most of any state — in the U.S. House, bringing its total to 36. It is not yet clear where those seats will be, but the suburbs around Dallas and Houston, the Interstate 35 corridor from Austin to San Antonio and some South Texas counties experienced the most population growth, so they could be in line for the new seats.

Texas House
The total number of House seats, 150, will remain the same. Census figures appear to indicate that there will continue to be six Travis County seats in the Texas House. Williamson County now has two House seats, but rapid growth in the county could push that number to three. Growth could also give Hays County its own state House seat. It now shares the District 45 seat with Caldwell and Blanco counties.

Texas Senate
Travis County is likely to continue to have two state senators because the county is too large to fit into one district. The number of Senate seats also remains the same at 31.

What if the Legislature can’t agree on new boundaries?
If lawmakers fail to agree on plans, the redrawing of state legislative districts will go to a the Legislative Redistricting Board, an all-Republican panel made up of four statewide elected officials and the state House speaker. The plans will inevitably face court challenges.

The drawing of new congressional districts would go straight to the courts if lawmakers don’t come up with a plan.

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