Every two years, Texas lawmakers convene for 140 days during the Legislative Session to make crucial budget decisions and update laws that affect all Texans. During this time, bills go through a series of steps, including being filed, discussed in committees, debated, amended, and voted on in both chambers of the Legislature. If a bill passes both the House and Senate, it is sent to the governor, who can sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. While the process may seem complex, it offers multiple opportunities for public involvement and influence.
Click here to view a graphic outlining each step.
Everyone is an advocate, and your voice matters in shaping the decisions that impact your community. Lawmakers represent the people in their districts and rely on hearing from constituents to understand challenges and explore possible solutions. Voices of those with lived experience and providers working directly with families carry powerful stories that can guide policymakers toward better outcomes. Building relationships with your lawmakers, sharing your experiences, and participating in the legislative process—whether through testimony, advocacy campaigns, or direct communication—can create meaningful change for children and families. By engaging in this process, you become a vital part of ensuring Texas laws and budgets reflect the needs and priorities of its people.
Watch to learn more: TexProtects’ Director of Policy and Advocacy shares with the Texas Prevention Network how lawmakers create bills and how to become involved in Texas’ 89th Legislative Session.
