A Platform Built for Texans

Raise the Wage Floor

Minimum Wage to $25: Texas workers are some of the most underpaid in the country, with many unable to afford rent or food despite full-time hours. The statewide minimum wage will rise to $25 over three years, starting with $15, then $20, and reaching $25. This structure supports gradual payroll planning while giving working families a path out of poverty. According to the Economic Policy Institute, increasing the wage floor boosts household income, reduces turnover, and supports local economies.

End Tip Credit System: Tipped workers in Texas often earn less than the legal minimum, facing inconsistent income and workplace harassment. Over two years, we will phase out the tip credit so all workers are paid directly by employers. In year one, employers must pay at least $5 per hour in wages, and by year two, they must pay the full legal minimum. Per the National Employment Law Project, eliminating tip credits improves worker stability and reduces exploitation.

Youth Wage and Labor Limits: Teen workers are often paid below fair rates and face unsafe hours that interfere with education. We will establish a youth wage tier of $15 per hour for workers aged 16 to 17, while limiting work to before 9 p.m. on school nights and after noon on Sundays. This balances early job experience with the need for protection and learning. The U.S. Department of Labor recommends strict guidelines for youth labor to reduce exploitation and risk.

Tie Wages to Inflation: Wages lose value over time if they are not adjusted for cost of living. We will establish an annual wage adjustment formula based on inflation, ensuring that the $25 minimum does not become outdated. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, automatic indexing helps stabilize income and avoid political gridlock over future wage increases.

Criminalize Wage Theft: Wage theft, misclassification, and stolen tips affect hundreds of thousands of Texans each year. We will enforce $50,000 fines for violations, with repeat offenders facing business license revocation and public wage audits. The Texas Workforce Commission will conduct proactive inspections and publish audit outcomes. The Economic Policy Institute reports that low-wage workers lose more than $50 billion annually to wage theft nationwide.

Protect Worker Rights and Income

Regulate Tipping Apps: Digital tipping screens often mislead customers with high default percentages and vague wording. New rules will require all screens to default to 0% and list that option first. Tips must remain optional and clearly labeled without manipulation. Consumer Reports has warned that digital tipping systems pressure users in ways that are not transparent or fair. These regulations will protect customers while preserving voluntary tips for workers.

Protect Remote Work: Many Texans with remote-capable jobs are being forced back to offices without operational need. Workers will gain the right to request remote work, and employers will be required to provide a written justification for denial. A state review board will be available for appeals. Employers will not have to pay for internet service but must supply any required hardware or software. Gallup polling shows that remote work improves productivity, satisfaction, and retention.

Reclassify Gig Workers: Companies that control worker pay, set schedules, or punish task refusal must classify those workers as employees. This change will apply to app-based drivers, delivery workers, and other on-demand labor. Employees working over 30 hours per week will earn benefits, including health coverage and time-off protections. The National Employment Law Project estimates that misclassification of gig workers costs billions annually in lost income and legal protections.

Enforce Freelancer Pay Rules: Many independent workers are paid late, underpaid, or given no written terms. We will require all freelance agreements to be in writing before work begins, with payment due within 14 days of completion. Late payments will accrue 10% monthly interest until resolved. This will protect legitimate independent contractors while holding bad actors accountable. According to the Freelancers Union, more than 70% of freelancers report trouble getting paid on time.

Add Job Contract Safeguards: Job seekers and gig workers are often misled by vague or exaggerated claims in job ads or contracts. Every job offer will require a written agreement that includes responsibilities, pay ranges, and work conditions. Workers will have legal remedies if companies fail to meet these terms. These protections will apply across sectors and benefit both entry-level and specialized workers.

Ensure Transparency and Worker Power

Honest Job Ads: Many job ads in Texas list no pay range and provide unclear job descriptions, wasting time for applicants and hiding wage discrimination. New rules will require all job listings to include three pay levels: base pay for partially qualified applicants, target pay for those fully qualified, and advanced pay for those with extra skills. Listings must also indicate whether remote work is allowed and provide a short justification if not. According to the Center for American Progress, wage transparency strengthens worker bargaining power and narrows gender and racial pay gaps.

Ban Ghost Listings: Ghost listings are job ads that remain posted even after the position is filled or canceled. These mislead applicants and waste their time. We will require companies to remove filled listings within 15 days and take down any unfilled listing after 60 days unless renewed. Companies that violate these rules will face escalating fines based on revenue. This will clean up job boards and promote honest hiring.

Enforce Staffing Agency Rules: Staffing agencies often underpay temporary workers and avoid offering full-time roles. All temp-to-perm placements must convert within 6 months or be reclassified as direct hires. Temps must be paid at least 90% of the hourly rate charged to the client, and after 6 months, they must receive health coverage and paid time off. Before termination or removal, a required exit interview will document any workplace issues. This gives temporary workers more security and fair compensation.

Support Union Recognition: Workers in Texas face significant barriers when trying to form a union. If more than 50% of employees sign union cards, that union will be recognized immediately through a mandatory card-check process. No elections or delay tactics will be allowed. A new state-run Union Resource Office will provide workers with legal guidance and organizing support. The AFL-CIO has found that card-check recognition leads to faster union formation and fewer labor disputes.

Public Labor Violations List: Texas currently lacks a public tool for tracking employer violations of labor law. We will publish an annual Worker Rights Accountability Report listing any business fined for retaliation, wage theft, or union interference. Any employer listed twice within 5 years will be banned from receiving state contracts. This is not a blacklist. It is a transparency tool for consumers, investors, and workers to identify patterns of abuse.

Fix Housing and Mental Health Gaps

Fully Fund Reentry Services: Too many veterans in Texas remain unhoused or unemployed because reentry services are inconsistently funded and unevenly managed across counties. According to the Texas Veterans Commission, more than 1 in 10 veterans experience housing insecurity, and job placement rates vary widely between regions. We will provide full state funding to proven veteran reentry programs and require outcome tracking tied to housing, employment, and treatment results. Programs that fail to deliver results will lose funding in future cycles.

Expand Regional Clinics: Veterans with PTSD, depression, and military-related trauma often cannot access care in a reasonable time or distance. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs confirms that long travel times and waitlists keep many from beginning treatment. We will create five new regional mental health clinics tied to VA satellite facilities and staffed by trauma-informed specialists. These centers will prioritize underserved counties and be required to coordinate with the Community Care Network.

Report Suicide Data Annually: Texas does not consistently report veteran suicide data by region, making it difficult to track or reduce the crisis. According to the VA's Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, transparency in local data improves prevention outcomes. We will require the Texas Veterans Commission to publish annual reports including suicides, suicide attempts, and prevention interventions broken down by county, branch of service, and demographic group. This data will shape funding decisions and prevention goals.

Create Telehealth Access Fund: Many rural veterans cannot access services in person and lack the technology for telehealth. While the VA offers virtual care, basic broadband and equipment gaps still block access. We will launch a telehealth access fund that provides rural veterans with broadband equipment stipends and technical support. This will allow them to connect to care, case management, and job training services without travel barriers.

Add Benchmarks for Women Veterans: State programs often overlook the needs of female veterans, who now make up over 10% of the U.S. veteran population. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, female veterans are one of the fastest-growing homeless groups. We will require all Texas VA partnerships to include clear benchmarks for housing, healthcare, and job access for women veterans and to report progress annually.

Support Rural Veterans and Families

Expand Mobile Outreach Units: Most veteran services in Texas are centered in large cities, leaving rural veterans cut off from housing, mental health, and benefit assistance. According to the Rural Health Information Hub, mobile units increase service access by bringing staff directly to veterans. We will deploy mobile veteran support teams in each of the 11 state health regions to provide housing help, screenings, benefits counseling, and VA referrals on a regular circuit.

Include Families in Case Planning: Families and caregivers provide the bulk of daily support for veterans, especially those with disabilities, but are rarely included in planning. The RAND Corporation found that family involvement improves mental health and housing outcomes for veterans. We will require all state-funded veteran service organizations and VA partners to include family or designated caregivers in case planning and allow them secure access to service coordination tools.

Offer Statewide Caregiver Benefits: Texas provides limited support to veteran caregivers compared to national best practices. The National Alliance for Caregiving reports high rates of financial strain and burnout among veteran family caregivers. We will create a statewide respite care and caregiver stipend program through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to support those who keep veterans stable at home.

Equalize Guard Benefit Eligibility: Texas National Guard members injured or activated under state orders do not receive the same benefits as those activated federally, even when their missions overlap. This unequal treatment discourages retention and leaves service members unsupported. We will expand benefit eligibility to include all Texas Guard members who were injured or deployed on official orders, whether federal or state.

Fund Peer Support Networks: Veterans often trust and respond better to help from fellow veterans. According to the VA, peer support models increase service connection and reduce isolation. We will fund certified peer support networks in each region and offer small stipends and training for veterans who serve as local peer liaisons or support group leaders.

Ensure Justice and Employment Access

Launch Veterans Justice Initiative: Veterans facing arrest or court often deal with judges and prosecutors unfamiliar with military trauma, leading to harsh outcomes for service-connected behaviors. The National Institute of Corrections has found that specialized courts reduce incarceration and improve recovery. We will establish a statewide Veterans Justice Initiative to train prosecutors, judges, and defenders in trauma-informed approaches and provide legal pathways for diversion, treatment, or community resolution when appropriate.

Train Courts in Trauma Care: Most Texas counties do not train legal professionals in how PTSD, TBI, or service-related disorders affect behavior. This lack of awareness can lead to unnecessary jail time or missed rehabilitation. We will create mandatory continuing legal education programs for county and district attorneys, judges, and public defenders focused on trauma, veteran identity, and service-related behavior.

Place Liaisons in Every County: Many counties lack veterans courts or anyone with authority to screen for veteran status or offer tailored options. This creates major disparities in justice outcomes across the state. We will assign trained veterans court liaisons to every county through the Texas Veterans Commission, ensuring that every veteran in the justice system is identified early and assessed for appropriate diversion or advocacy.

Require 30-Day License Review: Veterans returning to civilian life often face long delays in state licensing, which slows job placement and reduces income stability. According to the Texas Workforce Commission, licensing delays are among the top barriers veterans face. We will mandate that all state licensing boards provide a decision within 30 days for veterans who submit DD214 documentation and create a public dashboard to track compliance.

Fast-Track Civilian Equivalency: Many skilled veterans must retake basic certifications or training they already completed in service. This wastes time, taxpayer dollars, and reduces workforce availability. Boards often fail to recognize military experience in civilian terms. We will require licensing agencies to develop fast-track equivalency systems for technical fields, particularly in healthcare, logistics, and skilled trades, and remove duplicative testing requirements wherever possible.

Stop nonresident ownership that inflates prices

Ban foreign single-family home purchases: Foreign investment in Texas homes drives up prices and limits supply for working families. According to the National Association of Realtors, foreign buyers spent over $59 billion on U.S. residential real estate in one year, often using properties as investments rather than residences. Texas will ban all foreign nationals from purchasing single-family homes to ensure those homes remain available for Texas residents and do not become speculative assets.

Ban corporate single-family home purchases: Corporate purchases of single-family homes convert neighborhoods into rental zones and increase local rent prices. Data from the Pew Charitable Trusts shows that corporate landlords own large portions of housing in many metro areas, squeezing families out of ownership. Texas will prohibit corporations, LLCs, and trusts from buying single-family homes to preserve ownership opportunities for residents, not shareholders.

Require heirs to occupy or sell homes: Inherited homes left vacant by out-of-state heirs reduce supply and attract property speculators. Research from the Urban Institute confirms that prolonged vacancies depress neighborhood values and increase crime. Texas will require nonresident heirs to either occupy or sell inherited single-family homes within one year to maintain active housing stock.

Require full ownership disclosure: Hidden ownership behind trusts or shell companies prevents enforcement of tax laws and housing rules. The U.S. Department of the Treasury reports that anonymous ownership structures allow money laundering and price inflation in real estate markets. Texas will require full beneficial ownership disclosure on property records to ensure accountability and track who owns what.

Penalize hidden or false ownership: Fraudulent or hidden ownership undermines tax systems and fair enforcement. The IRS has found that abusive use of shell companies contributes to billions in lost revenue annually. Texas will treat false filings or undisclosed ownership as tax evasion, with civil fines and criminal penalties, and grant audit authority to the Comptroller's Office.

Ensure Accountability, Eligibility, and Results Policy Details

Require 90-Day Texas Residency: To keep the system fair, Texas will require proof of at least 90 days of residency. This is similar to policies in states like Washington, which limit services to residents to prevent out-of-state migration. Acceptable documents will include Texas IDs, school records, employment papers, or benefits enrollment.

Track Outcomes Publicly: Public tracking of outcomes will ensure transparency. Data on length of stay, job placement, exits to housing, and relapse rates will be published statewide. This will show taxpayers how well the program works and will guide ongoing improvements.

Enforce Service Participation: Residents will be required to participate in services. This is not a giveaway program but a structured path toward independence. Texas will make sure every resident is engaged in a personal plan, supported by trained staff, with clear goals and milestones.

Prioritize Texans, Not Outsiders: The focus will be on serving Texans, not attracting people from other states. By enforcing residency requirements, the program will protect local resources and maintain public trust. Texas will balance flexibility in documentation with strict eligibility to prevent misuse.

Prevent Long-Term Dependency: Long-term dependency will be addressed through structured support and expectations. While there is no fixed time limit on housing, residents will be expected to work toward permanent solutions. Texas will offer extra help to those with persistent barriers but will keep independence as the ultimate goal.

Penalize hoarding and protect renters from retaliation

Progressive tax on excess homeownership: When individuals or trusts buy up multiple residential homes, they restrict supply for families who need housing. Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies has linked investor accumulation to tighter markets and higher prices. Texas will implement a progressive property tax: a 100% increase on a third home, 200% on a fourth, and an additional 100% for each beyond that. This tax applies only to residential units, not commercial or undeveloped land.

Exempt inherited homes with Texas occupants: Families living in inherited homes should not face unfair taxes. AARP notes that inherited homes often provide essential housing for multigenerational families. Texas will exempt owner-occupied inherited homes from escalating tax tiers and cap their rate at the third-home level to preserve family housing stability.

Freeze rent increases for 12 months: Landlords may try to pass the cost of tax reform onto tenants. The National Low Income Housing Coalition has warned that unregulated markets often shift policy costs to renters. Texas will freeze all rent increases for 12 months following implementation of the new tax policy to prevent sudden displacement or retaliatory pricing.

Tie future rent caps to inflation: Without regulation, rents often rise faster than wages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index offers a consistent benchmark for inflation. Texas will limit annual rent increases to CPI growth, with any larger increases requiring documentation and state approval.

Require review of eviction filings: Some landlords respond to new tenant protections by evicting tenants under false pretenses. Princeton's Eviction Lab found that retaliatory evictions spike after rent reform. Texas will mandate state review of all evictions filed within one year of the new rent cap rules to prevent illegal removals and penalize abusive actors.

Guarantee fair housing rights and small landlord protections

Pass a Texas Renter's Bill of Rights: Many renters in Texas live without basic protections against unsafe conditions or unreasonable rent increases. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has shown that stronger renter rights reduce eviction, homelessness, and health risks. Texas will pass a Renter's Bill of Rights that includes habitability standards, notice requirements, fair rent limits, and access to mediation.

Fund housing mediation and enforcement offices: Disputes between landlords and tenants often go unresolved or clog civil courts. Local pilot programs in New York and California have shown that mediation reduces conflict and improves compliance. Texas will fund local offices across metro regions to offer housing mediation and code enforcement with timelines under 30 days.

Redefine squatters as trespassers: Some individuals abuse gaps in property law to claim tenancy without a lease or legal right. Homeowner associations and property owners across the state report lengthy, costly battles to remove unauthorized occupants. Texas will define squatters as trespassers and allow fast-track removal through affidavit-based enforcement.

Require photo evidence and review before removal: Without safeguards, affidavit-based removals can be used by landlords to wrongfully evict tenants. The Texas Fair Housing Project has warned that false filings can lead to illegal displacement. Texas will require photographic evidence of vacancy or lease termination and review by a neutral third party before law enforcement acts.

Provide legal help for small landlords: Small landlords are vulnerable to long-term nonpayment, property damage, or harassment. Research from the Urban Institute shows that mom-and-pop landlords are crucial to affordable housing but lack resources. Texas will provide legal counsel and expedited hearings for qualified small landlords facing verified tenant abuse.

Enforce Disability Civil Rights in Texas Law

Mandate disability impact reviews: Texas does not require state bills or agency rules to be reviewed for their effect on disabled residents, which results in harmful oversight. I will require all legislation to include a disability equity impact statement before it can advance, just like current fiscal notes. This review will flag unintended consequences and ensure decisions are informed by real-world access barriers, echoing the recommendation from U&I's December 2024 forum that local disability representatives be present at decision-making tables.

Enforce digital and physical ADA compliance: Many websites, transit systems, and school buildings remain non-compliant with ADA and federal Section 508 requirements. These failures deny access to education, employment, and government services. I will require every state agency and school district to meet a fixed compliance timeline, enforceable through annual audits and public scorecards. Community feedback forums will be held, modeled after REACH's 2025 takeaway urging quiet advocacy and real-time reporting on accessible spaces.

Fund state-level ADA officers: Enforcement only matters when someone is responsible for it. Texas agencies often operate without any ADA-trained personnel. I will require all state departments to employ ADA officers trained in accessibility law and disability culture. These roles will act as the agency's point-of-contact and enforcement officer, directly reporting violations and improvement needs.

End contract awards to non-compliant vendors: State vendors are not currently screened for ADA hiring or access compliance, which allows discrimination to persist through public dollars. I will prohibit contracts with any vendor that does not meet access standards or actively exclude disabled workers. This fulfills the Best Buddies Texas takeaway that employment opportunities should be plentiful and supported, not limited by inaction.

Require accessible state communication: Emergency alerts, public health announcements, and even election guides often exclude disabled Texans. I will require every agency and media contractor to offer captioning, plain language, screen-reader compatibility, and sign language interpretation. This addresses My Possibilities' February 2025 recommendation that we increase representation and communication access in both traditional and digital media spaces.

Fund Inclusive Independent Living and Care

Expand HCBS funding: Texas has some of the longest waiting lists in the country for home-based Medicaid care. This leaves thousands of people institutionalized or uncared for. I will fully fund waiver slots and require HHSC to publish a quarterly waitlist report. Dominique Cares emphasized that families lack clear info on coverage, so I will also simplify the application process and mandate community education partnerships with nonprofits to explain eligibility and services.

Require $27/hour caregiver wage: Low caregiver wages create dangerous turnover and care gaps. I will set the minimum state-funded caregiver wage at $27 per hour, adjusted annually for inflation. This meets national workforce benchmarks and ensures Texas can retain a stable care workforce. My Possibilities recommended AI tools for support, and I support funding pilot programs that pair tech tools with professional caregivers, not in place of them.

Protect group homes from zoning discrimination: Local zoning boards across Texas routinely deny housing for disabled people under vague ordinances. I will ban these discriminatory zoning policies and empower the Texas Office of Disability Rights to investigate local barriers to group housing. This policy follows the REACH March 2025 guidance to "debunk myths" about independent living and ensure accessibility is defined by need, not neighborhood preference.

Launch rural disability service grants: Disabled Texans in rural areas face near-total service deserts. I will create a competitive grant program to fund local nonprofits, clinics, and ride-share co-ops to serve areas without providers. Grants will also fund sensory-friendly community spaces, a direct action step from Altruistic's call in November 2024 to create community partnerships for sensory and inclusion-based programs.

Support family caregivers with paid leave: Family caregivers often sacrifice jobs and retirement to care for loved ones. I will pass a paid family leave program covering disability caregiving, modeled after Washington State's system. Dominique Cares noted families lack access to Medicaid navigation — this policy includes funding for caregiver training and dedicated Medicaid navigators to help families secure and retain benefits.

Guarantee Inclusive Education and Leadership

Enforce ADA and IDEA in all schools: Many Texas schools are still inaccessible or out of compliance with IDEA services. I will require all districts to submit an annual ADA/IDEA certification, with spot audits and financial penalties for failure. This follows the REACH recommendation that school access include utilities, cost, and design considerations — accessibility is not just ramps, it is equity in experience.

Fund inclusive classroom training: Teachers and school staff are often unprepared to support disabled students, leading to exclusion and punishment. I will fund annual training on inclusive practices, universal design, communication with non-verbal students, and sensory regulation. This matches the U&I session emphasis on representing real student experiences in classrooms and decision-making spaces.

Mandate school board disability representation: School boards rarely include disability advocates. I will require districts to appoint at least one non-voting member with lived disability experience. This echoes the My Possibilities call to "build relationships with elected officials" to elevate disability voices in every education decision.

End restraint and seclusion abuse: Restraint and seclusion are disproportionately used against disabled students in Texas, causing trauma and legal violations. I will ban prone restraint, limit all seclusion to documented emergencies, and require rapid parental notice and third-party review. This policy directly supports Best Buddies' recommendation to normalize disability and stop treating neurodivergent behavior as something to punish.

Establish a Disability Policy Council: Texas currently has no formal body to represent disabled voices in executive policymaking. I will establish a Governor's Disability Policy Council, made up of at least 75% disabled Texans, with paid positions and direct legislative authority. Their work will include quarterly community reports, evaluation of state progress, and setting annual access goals. This fulfills the Best Buddies and My Possibilities call for "champions of inclusion" and true partnership.

Teacher Support Policy Details

Raise Salaries Fairly: Texas teacher pay has lagged behind for years, leaving educators struggling with local housing costs and family expenses. The solution is a cost of living adjusted pay scale that raises salaries based on experience, advanced degrees, and high-need certifications. This model keeps excellent teachers in the profession and strengthens local schools, as supported by the Economic Policy Institute.

Fund Supplies Closets: Teachers are spending hundreds of dollars each year on supplies, often sacrificing personal needs. We will solve this by requiring every public school to maintain a publicly inventoried, state-funded supplies closet stocked with classroom and cleaning materials. This ensures teachers never have to choose between personal bills and student needs, relieving financial stress and improving classroom quality.

Guarantee Classroom Safety: Threats against teachers, including verbal and physical incidents, are on the rise across Texas. To solve this, we will enforce a zero-tolerance policy with immediate expulsion for any student making threats, mandatory parent notification, and legal referral if deemed credible by a crisis team. This creates a safer environment and affirms teachers' right to work without fear.

Protect Teacher Rights: Burnout from censorship, harassment, and overwork is pushing teachers to quit. A Teachers' Bill of Rights will guarantee freedom to teach evidence-based materials, protect against political retaliation, and establish due process in disciplinary actions. According to the American Federation of Teachers, these protections are critical to retaining a professional, respected workforce.

Stop Voucher Drain: Voucher programs siphon public funds into private and often unaccountable schools. The solution is to fully defund all voucher schemes and reinvest those dollars into neighborhood public schools. This strengthens the public system and ensures every child benefits, as recommended by the National Education Association.

School Funding Policy Details

Abolish STAAR Testing: The STAAR test has narrowed learning into repetitive test prep, damaging both student growth and teacher morale. The solution is to eliminate STAAR and replace it with teacher-designed assessments like projects, presentations, and written work. These methods measure real skills and student progress, a shift supported by the Texas State Teachers Association.

Add Life Skills Classes: Graduates are leaving high school without basic adult skills, from managing money to understanding civic responsibilities. We will require financial literacy, digital safety, job preparation, and civics courses as part of the regular high school curriculum. The Council for Economic Education confirms these skills are essential for lifelong success.

Provide Free School Meals: Food insecurity affects one in six Texas children, hurting academic performance. We will solve this by providing three free meals daily in every public school, with an optional third meal after school for those who stay late or need extra support. Feeding Texas and other hunger organizations point to school meals as an effective, non-stigmatizing intervention.

Expand After School Programs: Many parents lack affordable after school care, leaving students without supervision or extra help. We will require all public schools to offer free tutoring and enrichment programs until 6pm. According to Afterschool Alliance, expanded programs improve student achievement and give working families peace of mind.

Improve Mental Health Support: Behavioral issues are too often met with punishment rather than support, contributing to suspensions and dropouts. We will staff every campus with licensed mental health professionals and fund intervention teams to address trauma, redirect behavior, and keep students learning.

Career Preparation Policy Details

Replace TEA with Educator-Led Agency: The Texas Education Agency has lost public trust and become too political. We will solve this by creating a Texas Department of Education, led by certified public school educators elected by their peers. This ensures accountability and professionalism in overseeing curriculum, assessment, and funding.

Hold Charters to Public Standards: Charter schools have drifted from public standards, sometimes lacking transparency or teaching religious content. We will require all charters to remain secular, submit to full state oversight, and meet academic standards or lose their charter. This protects families and ensures all students receive a quality education.

Ban Biased Materials: Ideological or religious bias in textbooks corrupts classroom learning. We will ban partisan, doctrinal, or distorted instructional materials and require annual reviews by certified educators. The Texas Freedom Network has documented past violations, underscoring the need for rigorous, fact-based curriculum oversight.

Raise Rural Funding: Rural schools face unique challenges, including underfunding, staff shortages, and limited broadband. We will raise the basic student allotment and create targeted grants to recruit experienced teachers, expand course access, and improve transportation. The Rural School and Community Trust highlights these as critical investments.

Keep Public Education Secular: Public education must serve all students, regardless of faith background. We will uphold secular instruction while respecting student religious expression. This protects constitutional rights and maintains a neutral, inclusive classroom, as affirmed by the American Civil Liberties Union and legal experts.

Expand Access to Coverage

Expand Medicaid to 150% FPL: Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the country, with nearly 5 million people lacking coverage. Expanding Medicaid to cover individuals earning up to 150% of the federal poverty level would provide access for low-wage workers, single parents, and those with unstable employment. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Medicaid expansion leads to improved health outcomes and decreased uncompensated hospital care. Texas will submit a federal waiver and establish a streamlined process to reach full implementation within 12 months.

Create TexCare public option: Many Texans earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. The TexCare public health option will be open to individuals making under $50,000 per year and households under that threshold per adult. TexCare will be funded by reallocating existing state healthcare contracts, eliminating inflated billing arrangements, and reducing middleman administrative costs. There will be no penalties for joining and no new taxes required.

Cover dental, vision, mental health: Private insurance often excludes basic care like dental, vision, and mental health. The National Alliance on Mental Illness and the American Dental Association report that lack of access to these services drives up emergency visits and worsens chronic illness. All state-supported health plans, including TexCare and Medicaid, will be required to provide comprehensive coverage that includes these categories by default.

Target rural, gig, and part-time workers: Texas gig workers, rural residents, and part-time employees face high uninsured rates and lack employer-based benefits. According to the Texas Medical Association, over 60% of rural hospital closures are linked to coverage gaps. The state will prioritize these groups by deploying regional outreach teams, partnering with telehealth providers, and expanding service hours at enrollment sites in high-need zip codes.

Simplify and automate enrollment: Complicated forms and lack of assistance prevent eligible Texans from getting care. Enrollment systems will be redesigned to allow one-click online access, mobile app signups, and data sharing between Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefit programs. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities notes that automation can raise participation rates by over 25% without increasing program costs.

Raise Standards and Accountability

Enforce nurse staffing ratios: Nurses are routinely assigned too many patients, increasing burnout and reducing safety. The American Nurses Association recommends a 5-to-1 ratio on med-surg floors, which Texas will adopt for any hospital receiving public funds. Hospitals will be required to report monthly staffing levels, and those in violation will receive phased compliance orders or face funding suspension.

Tie funding to care outcomes: Hospital budgets are too often tied to branding, not recovery. Going forward, state reimbursements will be based on core treatment outcomes, post-discharge recovery tracking, and patient access to follow-up care. As reported in Health Affairs, performance-based funding models improve survival rates and reduce readmissions. Texas will use verified clinical benchmarks to distribute hospital support fairly.

Require staff climate audits: Toxic work environments harm both providers and patients. Texas will require quarterly anonymous surveys of hospital staff assessing burnout, morale, and leadership practices. The results will be factored into public funding formulas and licensing renewals. Hospitals with poor climate scores will be offered support but must show progress or lose access to discretionary aid.

Audit nonprofit benefit levels: Nonprofit hospitals get tax exemptions in exchange for public good, but many fall short. A 2023 study by the Lown Institute found that 77% of nonprofit hospitals spent less on community benefit than they received in tax breaks. Texas will enforce transparent reporting on uncompensated care, local health investments, and financial activity. Noncompliant hospitals will be placed on probation and required to meet measurable benchmarks.

Prioritize local hiring in contracts: Public funds must support the communities they serve. Hospitals and clinics receiving state support will be required to prioritize local hiring and workforce development, especially in underserved or high-unemployment areas. Texas will offer matching grants for staff training and create hiring bonuses for rural healthcare professionals to reduce turnover and maintain continuity of care.

Guarantee Emergency Care and Fund Without Tax Hikes

Guarantee emergency care for all: No Texan should be turned away from lifesaving care due to immigration status or lack of insurance. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act already mandates emergency access, but enforcement is inconsistent. Texas will create a statewide hotline and complaint system to monitor ER compliance and escalate violations to the Attorney General's office for immediate action.

Enforce no denials in ERs: Some hospitals delay or reroute patients without clear documentation. Texas will make it illegal to deny or delay emergency services for any person in critical need. Compliance officers will be placed at high-volume hospitals, and data on patient discharge times and care denial complaints will be published publicly each quarter.

Use unspent federal healthcare funds: Texas has left billions in federal healthcare funding on the table by rejecting Medicaid expansion and underutilizing waiver programs. The Legislative Budget Board will be directed to identify unspent and underclaimed federal matching dollars and apply them to Medicaid and TexCare implementation. This will allow coverage expansion without increasing the burden on Texas taxpayers.

Eliminate inflated billing contracts: Middlemen in healthcare billing extract massive fees for basic administrative services. The Government Accountability Office reports that administrative costs in U.S. healthcare are among the highest in the world. Texas will review all state contracts for third-party administrators and renegotiate or cancel those with rates exceeding federal benchmarks.

Cut administrative waste across agencies: Fragmented health services across agencies lead to duplication, confusion, and wasted funds. The state will consolidate overlapping programs and adopt shared data systems to reduce spending. This will allow Texas to redirect over $1 billion annually into direct care services without raising taxes, according to analysis by the Texas Comptroller's Office.

Restore Medical Authority in Texas

End criminal penalties for providers: Texas abortion laws expose doctors and patients to prosecution, fines, and surveillance. This prevents providers from delivering timely care. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists warns that criminalizing abortion harms patients and undermines clinical decision-making. Repealing these penalties will restore professional judgment to the exam room and protect access to care.

Repeal laws based on false science: Laws claiming to detect a fetal heartbeat at six weeks mislead the public and distort medical facts. According to both ACOG and the Texas Medical Association, there is no functional heart at that stage, only electrical activity in tissue. These laws must be repealed and replaced with science-based standards tied to anatomical development, not slogans.

Protect emergency care decisions: Doctors in Texas have delayed or denied abortion-related treatment during miscarriages and emergencies due to legal confusion. The Texas Medical Association documented this fear-based delay across multiple hospitals. We will establish clear protections for licensed providers to act immediately in emergencies, without needing legal clearance or risking arrest.

Guarantee survivor-centered access: Rape and incest survivors often face retraumatizing barriers, including mandatory reporting, delays, and loss of privacy. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, trauma-informed care improves recovery and trust. We will guarantee timely, private access to abortion care with no law enforcement involvement unless the survivor explicitly requests it.

Expand rural reproductive care: Over half of Texas counties have no hospital offering maternal services. March of Dimes identifies these as maternity care deserts. Abortion bans intensify the crisis by pushing out providers. We will fund OB-GYN staffing, telehealth systems, and clinic infrastructure across underserved regions to close the rural access gap.

Protect Contraception and Privacy

Guarantee access to birth control: Birth control access is under threat in schools, clinics, and some pharmacies. The Guttmacher Institute confirms that full contraceptive access reduces unintended pregnancies and improves health outcomes. We will protect legal access to pills, IUDs, emergency contraception, and long-acting methods at all licensed providers.

Respect religious freedom without blocking care: Personal beliefs must never be used to deny public health services. The American Bar Association affirms that while religious freedom protects individual choices, it does not permit discrimination in public systems. We will ensure no public-facing pharmacy, clinic, or hospital can refuse contraception based on personal belief.

Protect patient confidentiality: Surveillance laws and reporting mandates have made reproductive health less private in Texas. The Center for Democracy and Technology has warned that tracking abortion-related data undermines medical confidentiality. We will repeal all monitoring laws and restore full privacy for patients and providers.

Share accurate timing data: Opponents often claim abortions happen late in pregnancy without context. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 93% of abortions in the U.S. occur at or before 13 weeks, and fewer than 1% occur after 21 weeks. We will use this verified data to inform policy and public education.

Clarify adoption is not medical care: Adoption is sometimes promoted as an alternative to abortion, but it does not treat trauma, nonviable pregnancies, or health emergencies. The American Psychological Association states clearly that adoption and abortion serve different functions and must not be substituted for one another in law. We will keep this distinction clear in all state policy.

Build a Science-Based and Trustworthy System

Protect healthcare rights: Restricting abortion delays care, increases costs, and endangers lives. The Kaiser Family Foundation found that bans cause treatment disruptions and worsen health outcomes, especially for low-income patients. We will protect the right to access safe, timely care through licensed providers.

Keep providers in Texas: Legal risk is driving doctors and nurses out of Texas. The Texas Hospital Association warns of worsening workforce shortages linked to criminal liability laws. We will remove threats to providers so they can serve their communities without fear or hesitation.

Fund clinics and telehealth: Texas has too few clinics offering full reproductive services, especially outside major cities. The Texas Primary Care Consortium supports investment in telehealth and rural clinic expansion as key strategies. We will increase public funding to expand these services statewide.

Base law on verified science: Many current Texas laws on abortion are not based on evidence or standard medical practice. Research institutions like Johns Hopkins and the Guttmacher Institute stress the importance of science-based legislation in public health. We will ensure that every law tied to reproductive care meets medical standards and uses expert data.

Repeal laws that cause harm: Extreme abortion laws cause fear, delay care, and break trust between patients and providers. The American Public Health Association links these laws to worse maternal outcomes and rising care disparities. We will repeal harmful laws and replace them with a system grounded in clinical expertise and patient dignity.

Secure the Border with Smart Tools

Fund radar, drones, motion sensors: Texas border towns are often left to handle dangerous cartel activity without the tools to track it. We will provide state-funded technology including radar systems, aerial drones, and motion sensors to improve detection and reduce strain on small departments. These resources will be managed locally but funded and supported by the state. According to the Department of Homeland Security, aerial surveillance significantly improves interdiction outcomes in remote areas.

Limit surveillance to legal use: Unchecked surveillance has led to unlawful data collection, especially near the border. We will require that any surveillance system used by the state undergo civil liberties audits and strict access control. All use of collected footage must be documented, and data must be deleted unless it directly supports a criminal investigation. The Electronic Frontier Foundation advises that local review and transparency requirements prevent abuse and improve outcomes.

Ban unmarked or masked officers: Currently, some enforcement officers detain or question civilians while wearing masks and refusing to identify themselves. We will prohibit any officer from conducting stops, detentions, or arrests unless they clearly display their badge, name, and agency. Any department that violates this rule will be banned from state-funded operations. According to the Police Executive Research Forum, public identification by officers is essential for trust and constitutional enforcement.

Prioritize cartel and smuggler tracking: Resources are often wasted on low-risk border crossers while smuggling operations go unmonitored. We will prioritize enforcement tools, surveillance, and personnel toward detecting and dismantling organized trafficking networks. FBI crime data confirms that targeted disruption of trafficking routes is more effective and efficient than random or mass sweeps.

End political stunts and busing: Programs that bus migrants to other states do nothing to improve border safety and cost taxpayers millions. We will immediately end these transfers and redirect those funds to town-based enforcement tools, emergency shelters, and trained civilian response teams. The Texas Tribune has reported that these busing operations are ineffective and financially wasteful.

End Unlawful Detentions and Restore Due Process

Require warrants for detention: People in Texas are being detained on immigration suspicions without a valid court order. We will ban all immigration holds or detentions unless a judge has issued a signed warrant based on probable cause. This policy protects due process rights and prevents unlawful imprisonment. The American Bar Association confirms that detention without a warrant violates constitutional standards.

Guarantee access to legal counsel: Many detained migrants in Texas are denied contact with lawyers for days or longer. We will require all state-funded facilities to guarantee access to immigration-trained legal counsel within 24 hours of detention. The Vera Institute of Justice has shown that representation lowers wrongful detentions and improves court efficiency.

Prohibit state-ICE partnerships: Local police are being used by ICE to conduct civil immigration enforcement. This undermines community trust and diverts officers from public safety work. We will ban any cooperation with ICE unless a court warrant is provided for a violent felony. The American Immigration Council reports that restricting ICE partnerships increases public reporting of crimes and improves safety.

Treat visa issues as civil: Overstaying a visa or filing paperwork late is not a crime, but people in Texas are still being jailed for it. We will treat these issues as civil matters and create legal navigation centers to help residents fix and update their documents with federal agencies. The Migration Policy Institute supports this model and finds it lowers enforcement costs while helping people comply with the law.

Separate criminal from civil enforcement: People fleeing danger or seeking work are being treated the same as traffickers or violent criminals. We will separate these systems. Violent offenders will face prosecution and deportation after due process. Peaceful migrants and families will be referred to legal pathways instead. Cato Institute data confirms immigrants are less likely than U.S.-born citizens to commit violent crimes.

Build Fair and Functional Immigration Systems

Protect Dreamers and DACA recipients: More than 100,000 Texans with DACA status live and work in our state but remain legally vulnerable. We will defend their right to stay, offer state-funded legal services for residency applications, and prohibit discrimination in housing, education, or hiring. The Center for American Progress reports DACA recipients add over $6 billion to Texas's economy.

Ban separation of families: Children in Texas are still being held in state or private custody without a parent or guardian. We will ban any state or contracted agency from detaining minors separately unless child welfare services find abuse or immediate danger. Family reunification will be treated as an emergency service priority. The American Academy of Pediatrics has warned that separation harms children's mental and physical health.

Create legal guest worker programs: Texas employers depend on labor in agriculture, construction, and tourism but have no reliable path to hire legally. We will create a state-verified guest worker program limited to industries with documented shortages. All workers will be registered, protected, and able to apply for temporary residence. The Texas Workforce Commission has identified recurring labor gaps across seasonal sectors.

Vet employers and enforce standards: Guest worker programs fail when employers violate housing, wage, or safety rules. We will require all employers in the program to undergo certification and submit to inspections. Employers who violate the rules will be suspended. The Economic Policy Institute has found that employer oversight prevents wage theft and improves worker safety.

Publish transparent labor shortage data: Some employers exaggerate shortages to avoid hiring locally. We will require all labor shortage claims to be backed by verified state data and reviewed annually. These figures will be published publicly to ensure accountability. The U.S. Department of Labor recommends independent review to confirm job need and prevent worker exploitation.

Empower Real Small Businesses

Close corporate loopholes: Large corporations exploit small business tax codes to pose as local operations and capture aid. According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, disguised corporate structures drain programs meant for community-based businesses. Texas will restrict tax benefits to companies with two or fewer locations, and require verification through annual accountant-certified reports. A dedicated review unit within the Texas Comptroller's Office will audit claims and disqualify violators, restoring the original intent of local business aid.

Launch no-interest startup loans: Startup costs stop most small businesses before they scale. The U.S. Small Business Administration identifies lack of affordable capital as a leading cause of failure. Texas will offer no-interest loans to verified businesses, capped at 10% of net profits, with no payments until the business turns profitable. We will pair these loans with free business planning support from certified community partners to ensure sustainable use and repayment.

Create veteran fast track: Veterans possess discipline and experience but face more red tape than resources. The Texas Veterans Commission reports that veteran-owned startups lack streamlined access to capital and mentorship. We will create a veteran business fast track within the state loan program, including priority processing, mentorship from established owners, and early-stage technical assistance. Veterans will also have access to free legal and licensing support through partner organizations.

Limit franchise eligibility: National chains often label outlets as independent to win local aid. The Federal Trade Commission has warned of this misclassification. Texas will limit franchise eligibility to independently owned, single-location operations with full local control. These businesses must demonstrate operational autonomy and meet local labor compliance standards. A statewide public database will list approved franchise recipients to improve transparency.

Ban shell companies: Shell corporations allow bad actors to skirt program limits and avoid oversight. IRS audits and state financial reviews have documented widespread abuse. Texas will prohibit any business from receiving small business benefits if it uses layered ownership structures to conceal control or profit. A cross-agency data team will coordinate between the Texas Secretary of State, Comptroller, and Workforce Commission to identify and reject shell company applicants.

Enforce Labor Fairness and Honest Hiring

Stop worker misclassification: Misclassifying full-time workers as contractors deprives them of benefits, job security, and legal protections. The Economic Policy Institute reports billions in unpaid taxes and denied wages due to this practice. Texas will define full-time employment based on control of schedule, tools, and supervision, not titles. The Texas Workforce Commission will enforce classification standards, and a whistleblower portal will allow workers to report violations anonymously.

Tie incentives to fair labor: Texas gives millions in tax breaks and state contracts to businesses that underpay workers. The Center for American Progress finds that such subsidies fail to lift local economies. We will require all companies receiving public money to pay at least $20 an hour, provide consistent schedules, and submit annual labor reports. A transition grant program will support small businesses in adjusting to these new standards.

Regulate job listings: Fake, expired, or vague job ads waste time and mislead Texans. LinkedIn and academic research confirm the erosion of public trust in hiring systems. Texas will fine companies for ghost postings, require listings to include pay range and remote eligibility, and remove listings within 15 days of being filled. Businesses may earn a "Verified Job Listings" badge for full compliance, which will improve applicant trust and employer branding.

Protect freelancers: Independent workers often go unpaid, receive late payments, or are misclassified. The Freelancers Union estimates over 70% of freelancers face at least one of these issues. Texas will mandate written contracts, require payment within 14 days, and add a 10% interest penalty for delays. If a business controls the freelancer's tools, hours, or direction, they must be reclassified as an employee with full rights and protections.

Reform staffing agency practices: Staffing agencies often leave workers in temp roles indefinitely. According to the National Employment Law Project, this practice denies equal pay and benefits. Texas will limit temporary placement to 6 months, after which the worker must be hired directly or receive equivalent pay and health coverage. Agencies must report temp-to-hire rates and will lose access to state contracts for violating worker rights.

Modernize Oversight and Accountability

Expand Workforce Commission enforcement: The Texas Workforce Commission is under-resourced and lacks enforcement staff. The Texas Tribune has documented how this slows investigations and weakens worker protections. Texas will create a lean but specialized enforcement team focused on wage theft, misclassification, and benefit fraud. This team will operate separately from general staff and respond to verified complaints, audit high-risk businesses, and follow up on violations.

Use digital compliance tools: Manual audits miss violations spread across job platforms and state applications. Harvard Business Review research shows digital tools catch repeated patterns faster. Texas will partner with state universities to create smart audit systems that scan job boards for outdated listings, ghost ads, or suspicious posting behaviors. These tools will also track employer behavior tied to public subsidies and flag noncompliance in real time.

Protect whistleblowers: Many workers and contractors fear retaliation for reporting violations. The National Whistleblower Center finds these fears are well-founded in low-wage sectors. Texas will offer legal protection, anonymity, and optional cash rewards to whistleblowers who report confirmed violations that result in penalties or recovered funds. A dedicated portal will make the process accessible and secure.

Allow class action enforcement: Individual workers rarely have the means to pursue legal action against abusive employers. According to the National Employment Lawyers Association, class actions are essential to holding large violators accountable. Texas will allow class action claims in cases of labor fraud, wage theft, and repeated misclassification, empowering victims to pool evidence and seek fair compensation.

Prioritize high-risk industries: Abuse is concentrated in sectors like construction, hospitality, and gig labor. The U.S. Department of Labor confirms that strategic enforcement by industry is more effective than blanket audits. Texas will publish an annual High-Risk Labor Report and concentrate investigations, outreach, and enforcement resources on sectors with the most complaints and violations.

Smart Legalization With Local Control

Allow casinos only in big cities: Texans already gamble, but the state gets none of the benefit. By limiting casinos to cities with populations over 300,000, Texas ensures developments occur where infrastructure can handle the increased traffic, tourism, and law enforcement demands. This solution prevents overburdening small towns and allows for stronger regulation and compliance.

Require small-town public votes: Casino developers often target rural areas without community input. Requiring a binding public vote before any license can be considered gives residents the final say. This protects local character and prevents outsiders from imposing projects on unwilling communities.

Ban near schools and neighborhoods: Gambling venues near schools, churches, or neighborhoods raise youth exposure and disrupt family life. Texas will prohibit casino zoning in these areas to prevent harm. This solution draws clear lines that keep casinos away from vulnerable populations and preserves residential stability.

Independent license board: States with political control over casino licensing often face scandals and favoritism. Texas will create an independent licensing board with no current or former elected officials. This solution removes political pressure, improves public trust, and ensures a fair, merit-based process.

Permanent bans for corruption: Operators who commit bribery, hide ownership, or abuse the system often return under new names. Texas will require full financial disclosures and background checks. Any applicant caught in fraud or influence-peddling will be permanently banned, closing loopholes and protecting the public.

Safeguards for Public Health and Safety

Fund addiction counseling statewide: Gambling addiction leads to financial ruin, relationship breakdown, and depression. Texas will require every licensed casino to fund real-time mental health services, including on-site counselors, a 24/7 hotline, and recovery resources. This ensures that those struggling have immediate, free access to help.

Enforce real self-exclusion programs: Self-exclusion programs often fail when managed by the casinos themselves. Texas will create an independent body to manage and enforce self-exclusion lists. This ensures that individuals who choose to opt out cannot be lured back and that violations carry consequences for operators.

Support DUI prevention at local level: Casino areas see increased drunk driving unless proactive steps are taken. Texas will require licensees to fund DUI prevention, including transit options, law enforcement support, and local awareness efforts. This protects both patrons and nearby communities from avoidable tragedies.

Limit marketing near youth audiences: Young people are more susceptible to gambling risks when exposed early. Texas will prohibit casino advertising near schools, during family programming, and in child-centered media. This solution helps prevent addiction by blocking early exposure to targeted marketing.

Create independent ad review panel: Many states let the industry regulate its own messaging, leading to misleading and aggressive ads. Texas will form a Casino Marketing Oversight Panel to investigate complaints and fine violators. This ensures accountability and protects vulnerable audiences from manipulative advertising.

Revenue Locks and Tribal Inclusion

Lock casino taxes into specific uses: In other states, casino tax revenue often disappears into the general fund. Texas will legally restrict revenue to voter-prioritized uses. This includes education, infrastructure, mental health, and property tax relief, with annual audits and public reporting to guarantee transparency.

Fund education, health, and tax relief: Casino taxes will be split: 60% to schools, emergency services, and roads; 20% to mental health and addiction care; and 20% to direct property tax relief. This balanced formula ensures benefits go directly to the people and provide real value instead of padding state bureaucracy.

Respect full tribal sovereignty: Tribes in Texas have independent rights under federal law and cannot be forced into state systems. This policy guarantees that no state license or oversight will apply to tribal operations. Texas will honor tribal autonomy and avoid conflicts seen in other states.

Require tribal planning participation: Too often, tribal governments are left out of regional planning. Texas will give tribes a formal seat at the table for regional casino development. This ensures mutual economic benefit and avoids market displacement that can damage tribal economies.

Ensure fairness in future expansion: Expansion without guardrails leads to monopolies or over-saturation. Texas will require fairness agreements to balance tribal, local, and state interests for any future licenses. This prevents dominant players from controlling the market and protects smaller or community-based operators.

Raise and protect the teaching profession

Raise salaries by cost of living and credentials: Teacher pay in Texas ranks among the bottom third nationally, and nearly 1 in 3 teachers work a second job to afford housing or care for their families. Per the Economic Policy Institute, Texas teachers earn nearly 23% less than similarly educated workers. We will raise salaries based on regional cost of living, years of experience, subject area, and advanced certification. This will stabilize retention and treat educators as professionals, not expendable labor.

Fully fund classroom supply closets: Texas teachers spend an average of $500 per year from their own paychecks on basic classroom needs. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, this out-of-pocket burden affects nearly 94% of teachers nationwide. We will require each public school to maintain a transparent, state-funded supply closet stocked with age-appropriate tools, instructional materials, and hygiene items. Teachers will be able to request what they need without spending personal funds.

Guarantee teacher rights and protections: Texas teachers face political retaliation, forced silence on curriculum, and unfair disciplinary action with no due process. We will pass a statewide Teachers' Bill of Rights protecting classroom freedom, guaranteeing legal recourse for harassment or censorship, and creating a grievance system for unfair termination. The American Federation of Teachers emphasizes that professional autonomy is essential to recruitment and long-term retention.

Ban threats with immediate consequences: Threats against teachers, verbal, written, or physical, have risen dramatically and are not always taken seriously. We will require schools to expel any student who issues a credible threat and notify parents within 24 hours. A campus-based crisis team must review each case and refer to law enforcement if safety is at risk. The U.S. Secret Service's National Threat Assessment Center recommends swift intervention to prevent school violence and protect personnel.

End all voucher programs permanently: Texas voucher programs redirect public funds to private schools that lack transparency and do not serve all students. According to the National Education Association, vouchers increase segregation, weaken accountability, and drain needed funds from public schools. We will end all voucher programs immediately and prohibit the use of public money for private tuition, religious education, or unaccredited institutions.

Focus classrooms on real learning, not politics or testing

Abolish STAAR and high-stakes testing: The STAAR exam has turned Texas classrooms into year-round test prep, with little academic value. Multiple studies, including from the Texas State Teachers Association, show STAAR narrows instruction and mislabels student progress. We will end STAAR and develop new assessments designed by certified Texas teachers that reflect real work, including essays, presentations, portfolios, and skill mastery over time.

Require life skills and financial literacy: Many graduates cannot manage a paycheck, protect personal data, or understand civic responsibilities. According to the Council for Economic Education, only 21 states require personal finance classes and Texas standards remain uneven. We will require instruction in personal finance, job preparation, digital safety, and basic legal rights as part of every high school curriculum. These courses will be taught during the school day and count toward graduation.

Provide three free meals to all students: Child hunger hurts academic performance and long-term health. Feeding Texas reports that over 1 in 5 Texas children live in food-insecure households. We will provide breakfast, lunch, and an optional after-school meal free of charge in every public school. No child should have to learn on an empty stomach, and no parent should have to choose between gas money and lunch for their child.

Expand free after school programs: Families working full-time need safe, enriching care after 3pm, but most schools offer little to nothing. Per Afterschool Alliance, nearly 800,000 Texas children would participate in after school programs if access were available. Every public school will offer free tutoring and enrichment programs until 6pm, with transportation provided where needed. This reduces absenteeism, improves grades, and helps working parents stay employed.

Replace punishment with trained intervention teams: Punitive discipline like suspension and arrest does not solve the root causes of student behavior. The American Psychological Association finds that trauma-informed intervention is more effective and less disruptive. We will fund licensed mental health professionals and school-based intervention teams to support struggling students, redirect behavior, and reduce discipline gaps across race and disability status.

Restore professional oversight and academic neutrality

Replace TEA with educator-led agency: The Texas Education Agency has become politically compromised and disconnected from classroom realities. We will abolish the TEA and create a Texas Department of Education governed by certified educators elected by their peers. This agency will oversee curriculum, standards, and assessments through professional leadership, not political appointments. Transparency, audits, and public input will be built into its operations.

Hold charters to public accountability: Charter schools receiving public money must meet the same standards as traditional schools. The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools supports accountability frameworks that include transparency, academic performance, and equitable access. All charters will be required to remain secular, submit to state audits, and meet curriculum and staffing standards or lose their charter.

Ban biased or ideological textbooks: Several Texas textbooks have been exposed for promoting religious doctrine, political ideology, or historical inaccuracies. The Texas Freedom Network has documented repeated cases of this issue. We will require annual review of instructional materials by certified educators and remove any book or resource that promotes partisan, religious, or ideologically slanted content.

Increase funding for rural schools: Rural schools in Texas struggle with teacher shortages, outdated curriculum access, and lack of broadband. According to the Rural School and Community Trust, these disparities widen educational inequality. We will raise the per-student funding formula and create rural-specific grants for teacher recruitment, transportation, digital infrastructure, and college-credit courses.

Keep instruction secular and constitutional: Public schools are not churches and should not impose religious content. The First Amendment protects both freedom of religion and freedom from state-sponsored belief. We will enforce strict neutrality in instruction, assessments, and materials. Students may express personal faith, but no doctrine will be taught or endorsed by state-funded programs.

End Gerrymandering and Strengthen Representation

Create citizens redistricting commission: Gerrymandering allows politicians to pick their voters instead of voters picking their leaders. A citizens redistricting commission will end this by replacing lawmakers with a nine-member panel selected from a public applicant pool and screened for balance and independence. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, commissions that exclude recent political insiders and hold open meetings result in fairer maps and higher public trust.

Ban political and incumbent map data: Many Texas districts are drawn using party affiliation and incumbent residence to rig outcomes. Banning this data ensures maps reflect communities, not careers. The League of Women Voters supports neutral criteria like compactness and shared interests over partisan advantage to protect democracy and competition.

Require public hearings and map software: Texas map-drawing sessions often exclude public input and use hidden data. This plan requires open-source software, public hearings across regions, and posted drafts in multiple languages. The National Conference of State Legislatures recommends public transparency to ensure fairness and reduce legal challenges.

Use ranked choice voting statewide: Runoff elections cost taxpayers millions and discourage turnout. Ranked choice voting allows voters to rank candidates, eliminates runoffs, and produces majority-supported winners. FairVote reports that ranked systems increase participation, reduce attack ads, and better reflect voter will.

Submit maps for voter approval: Texas currently allows redistricting plans to take effect without public input. Submitting all maps to voters for final approval ensures fairness and prevents abuse. This reform gives Texans the ultimate check against gerrymandering and restores confidence in representation.

Expand Access and Upgrade Voting Systems

Implement automatic registration with opt-out: Texas voter rolls are incomplete and often inaccurate. Automatic registration through state agencies like DPS, Medicaid, and public colleges will fix this while allowing opt-out. The National Voter Registration Act supports proactive registration systems to reduce errors and increase participation.

Allow same-day registration at early voting: Many eligible Texans are turned away due to outdated or missing registration. Same-day registration during early voting ensures they can vote while confirming identity. The American Economic Association found that same-day policies increase turnout by up to 10% in eligible groups.

Expand accepted voter ID types: Current Texas law excludes veteran ID cards, tribal IDs, and student badges from public universities. Accepting secure, government-issued photo IDs across the board increases access without compromising integrity. The Brennan Center confirms these IDs are as verifiable as existing accepted forms.

Audit machines with paper verification: Texas uses machines that leave no paper trail in many counties. Requiring all voting machines to produce a verifiable paper record and undergo post-election audits will secure elections. Verified Voting and the Center for Democracy and Technology endorse paper backups as the national standard for election integrity.

Track and confirm mail ballots: Many voters worry that mail ballots go uncounted. This policy adds tracking numbers, return confirmations, and secure drop boxes to give voters peace of mind. The Election Assistance Commission found that ballot tracking improves turnout and reduces rejections.

Protect Voter Rights and Civic Participation

Guarantee ADA-compliant polling locations: Disabled Texans still face barriers getting into polling places. All sites must meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards or be replaced. The National Disability Rights Network confirms that full ADA compliance is both a legal requirement and a civil rights guarantee.

Provide curbside and assisted voting: Some Texans cannot leave their vehicles or complete a ballot without help, but counties often deny access or require medical paperwork. This plan mandates curbside and assisted voting at every site, without documentation barriers. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission supports these options as essential for equitable voting.

Restore voting rights after sentence completion: Texans who finish their sentence, parole, or probation often do not know their rights have changed or are blocked by unclear rules. This policy restores rights automatically and provides written notice with registration forms. The Sentencing Project shows that restoring rights supports public safety and reintegration.

Guarantee paid voting leave: Many Texans cannot afford to vote because their jobs prevent it. A Texas Election Leave Law will grant one paid day off to vote, with flexibility for small employers and tax credits for private companies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, paid time off significantly increases voter turnout in hourly workers.

Enforce penalties for intimidation: Some voters report harassment, surveillance, or misinformation at polling places. This plan enforces standardized training, bipartisan poll staffing, and felony penalties for intimidation or obstruction. The Carter Center endorses uniform poll worker training and legal protections to defend electoral integrity.

Expand Access and Visibility

Career Advisors by 10th Grade: Too many Texas students reach graduation without hearing about skilled trades as a viable path. Requiring every public high school to provide access to a career and technical education advisor by 10th grade ensures students can learn about careers in construction, welding, HVAC, and more before postsecondary plans are finalized. According to the Association for Career and Technical Education, early exposure to vocational pathways increases graduation rates and leads to better job alignment.

Trade Schools at Every Career Fair: Career fairs often exclude trade schools, apprenticeships, and military service while overemphasizing four-year college options. Texas will mandate that all public school career events include equal representation from trade institutions and alternative pathways. This ensures all students can compare opportunities side by side and choose the option that fits their interests and financial goals. The Texas Workforce Commission reports that many of the state's fastest-growing jobs require credentials rather than degrees.

Skilled Trades Media Campaign: The state will launch a Skilled Trades Equals Skilled Success campaign using real Texans and real career outcomes to elevate public perception of trade careers. Too often, students and parents see trades as a fallback rather than a first-choice path. A statewide media effort, supported by the Texas Education Agency, will highlight the dignity, stability, and wages of trade careers in every region of Texas.

Military and Apprenticeship Options: Military service and paid apprenticeships are often overlooked in career counseling. Texas schools will now be required to present these paths alongside academic and trade school routes. This gives students additional structured, cost-free options that lead directly to job training and income. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, apprentices earn wages while learning and have a 93% employment rate upon completion.

Curriculum Includes All Career Paths: Students cannot choose what they do not know exists. Texas will require that all high school curricula, counseling sessions, and materials include information about skilled trades, military service, and apprenticeships in addition to traditional college pathways. Per the U.S. Department of Education, inclusive career awareness boosts postsecondary participation across income levels.

Invest in Critical Training and Affordability

Increase Trade School Funding by 30%: Trade and technical colleges receive less per-student funding than universities in Texas. Over the next four years, the state will increase funding by 30% to expand capacity, hire instructors, modernize equipment, and improve outcomes. According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, increased funding improves credential attainment and supports regional labor needs.

State Grants for High-Demand Fields: Many Texans want to pursue skilled careers but cannot afford the upfront costs of tuition and licensing. Texas will offer grants for students entering high-demand sectors including energy, health care, cybersecurity, and automotive technology. These grants will reduce reliance on debt while building the workforce needed to grow the Texas economy.

Rural Trade School Expansion Funds: Rural Texans are often left out of new program expansions. The state will reserve a portion of new funding for trade school growth in rural counties. Incentives will support new training programs, mobile labs, and satellite campuses that allow rural students to learn and work close to home. This approach prevents population loss and supports local economies.

Tax Credits for Apprenticeships: Businesses need trained workers and students need real experience. Companies that host state-approved apprenticeships will receive targeted tax credits that cover a portion of training costs. These partnerships will be reviewed annually for compliance and outcomes. Per the U.S. Department of Labor, apprenticeships reduce turnover and raise retention rates.

Public-Private Training Centers: Texas will create regional workforce training centers through public-private partnerships. These centers will serve students and adults, offer flexible class times, and align programs with local industry needs. Oversight will remain public to ensure quality, but employers will help shape curriculum. This gives workers relevant skills and employers a more dependable labor pool.

Remove Barriers and Raise Accountability

Fast-Track Licensing for Key Trades: Delays in licensing keep qualified Texans from entering the workforce. Texas will create fast-track programs in fields like plumbing, HVAC, and welding that preserve quality but remove unnecessary wait times. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation supports streamlining that keeps safety intact while speeding up access.

Veterans to Trades Program: Veterans often have experience that mirrors civilian trades but face barriers to certification. Texas will create a Veterans to Trades program that converts military skills into state-recognized credentials. This effort, supported by the Texas Veterans Commission, will reduce duplication, honor service, and speed up employment transitions.

Second Career Scholarships: Many Texans over 30 want to change careers but cannot afford the cost. The state will launch Second Career Scholarships that cover tuition, licensing fees, and job placement assistance for adults entering trade programs. This program will address midlife job loss and help Texans rebuild financial security.

Tie Funding to Job Placement: Texas will only fund trade schools that prove their graduates get jobs. Programs must meet clear benchmarks for placement rates and wage outcomes to continue receiving public dollars. This approach cuts off funds to diploma mills while protecting high-performing programs from overregulation.

Use Wage Growth, Not Tests: Standardized tests do not reflect the real-world value of trade education. Texas will shift to performance-based accountability by tracking graduate employment and earnings over time. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, these are stronger measures of program quality and labor market success.

Full Transparency for State-Funded Media

Disclose Outlet Ownership: Texans often do not know who owns or funds the media they read or watch, which makes it difficult to identify conflicts of interest or political influence. Requiring full disclosure of media ownership for any outlet that receives state funds will allow Texans to evaluate content sources clearly. The Knight Foundation has found that transparency significantly improves media trust.

List Political Contributors: Media outlets may be funded by political donors whose influence is not disclosed to the public. Requiring these outlets to report their top political contributors as a condition of state funding will prevent state dollars from subsidizing hidden agendas. This measure increases accountability and aligns spending with the public interest.

Publish Editorial Leadership: Editorial boards shape content, yet their members are often unknown to the public. Outlets receiving state funds will be required to publish the names and roles of their editorial decision-makers. This helps Texans understand who is behind the stories that influence public opinion.

Centralize Data Publicly: Even when information is available, it is scattered and hard to find. A publicly managed media disclosure portal maintained by the Texas Comptroller will allow easy access to ownership, contributor, and editorial data for any outlet receiving state advertising or partnership dollars.

Ban Noncompliant Contracts: Some media outlets will refuse to disclose this information, and that is their choice. However, they will not receive public money. State agencies will be banned from signing contracts with any media outlet that fails to meet transparency rules. This ensures that all taxpayer-funded media activity meets a clear, fair standard.

Invest in Independent and Local News

Create Local News Fund: News deserts have spread across Texas as local outlets shut down or consolidate. According to the University of North Carolina's Hussman School, more than 200 counties in the U.S. now lack a daily newspaper. We will create a Texas Local News Fund to support independent, nonprofit, and startup newsrooms through competitive grants focused on civic coverage.

Support Rural Coverage: Small towns and rural areas are disproportionately affected by media consolidation and closures. Grants will prioritize underserved regions, especially counties with no local newspaper or radio news. This ensures all Texans, not just urban residents, receive community-specific reporting.

Expand College Newsrooms: Texas has strong public university journalism programs, but many lack funding to operate full-time newsrooms. We will invest in these programs to expand reporting capacity and encourage coverage of local and statewide issues. Student reporting will be treated as a public good.

Fund Student Internships: Access to journalism careers is often limited by unpaid internships and lack of opportunity. We will fund paid internships at independent news outlets and university papers. These will prioritize Texas-based students and increase long-term capacity in the state's media ecosystem.

Archive Public Stories: Publicly funded journalism must be available to the public. We will require all state-funded stories to be archived in a searchable database hosted by the University of Texas System. This will allow long-term access to government-funded reporting and promote research, transparency, and civic literacy.

Ethical Media Spending and Emergency Communication

Require Agency Reports: State agencies spend millions on media annually, but most Texans never see where the money goes. Every agency will be required to submit an annual media spending report that itemizes vendors, amounts, and campaign goals. These will be reviewed publicly to prevent favoritism and waste.

Standardize Contract Rules: Agencies currently award media contracts without consistent standards. We will implement a statewide rule requiring that all media vendors disclose ownership, funding, and editorial leadership before receiving any contract. This ensures equal treatment and strengthens ethics in procurement.

End Reliance on Platforms: Emergency alerts and public information should not depend on private platforms like Facebook or X, which can suppress or distort content. Texas will stop relying on these companies and instead focus on direct communication through public systems.

Build Public Alert System: A statewide emergency information platform will be built on a secure public website. It will deliver local and statewide alerts, updates, and verified disaster guidance without requiring Texans to use social media. This approach strengthens preparedness and equity in crisis communication.

Limit Spending to Public Interest: Public funds must serve the public. No state dollars will be spent on media outlets that do not meet transparency, access, and nonpartisan standards. Every taxpayer-funded media campaign will be held to a public interest test overseen by the Comptroller's office.

Guarantee Affordable Childcare for All Families

Care begins at 6 months of age: Infant care in Texas costs more than $10,000 annually, more than average rent in most counties. According to the Economic Policy Institute, Texas ranks among the least affordable states for childcare. Starting care at 6 months allows families to stay employed and gives children access to early brain development and learning opportunities when it matters most.

Family payments capped at 7% of income: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines affordable childcare as costing no more than 7% of a family's income. Most Texas families pay far more. This plan caps payments at 7%, relieving financial pressure and keeping parents in the workforce without sacrificing quality of care.

Middle-income families receive tax credits: Many families earn too much to qualify for assistance but not enough to afford private childcare. The National Women's Law Center confirms that refundable tax credits help fill this affordability gap. Families earning up to $125,000 will receive a refundable tax credit of up to $6,000 per child until universal coverage is reached.

Residency rules with hardship waivers: Most public benefit programs require proof of residence to maintain fairness and prevent abuse. Families must live in Texas for 180 consecutive days to qualify. A hardship waiver is available for newly arrived workers who provide verified employment, similar to policies used in Oregon and Massachusetts for workforce retention.

Military and foster families automatically qualify: Military and foster families are often delayed or denied care due to frequent moves and paperwork delays. The U.S. Department of Defense has documented access gaps for service members. Texas will waive the residency test and grant automatic eligibility to these families to ensure continuity of care and stability for the children most affected by transitions.

Strengthen and Professionalize the Care Workforce

Caregivers paid minimum $27 per hour: The median childcare worker wage in Texas is about $11 per hour, which leads to burnout and high turnover. The Center for the Study of Child Care Employment at UC Berkeley recommends wage floors above $25 to ensure retention and professionalism. This policy sets a $27 per hour minimum by 2027 to build a stable and respected workforce.

Tuition and certification fully funded: Many aspiring caregivers cannot afford the cost of certification, which limits entry into the field. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, covering tuition and licensing improves the quality and diversity of the care workforce. Texas will fund these costs to expand access and improve standards.

Fast-track programs for military spouses and bilingual staff: Military spouses face unemployment rates near 22%, and bilingual workers are underrepresented in early childhood care despite rising demand. Per the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, fast-track licensing can reduce barriers and meet family needs across cultures and languages. Texas will offer expedited pathways and training support for both groups.

Grants and reimbursements for extended hours: Only 8% of licensed childcare providers offer care outside traditional hours, leaving many working parents without coverage. Child Care Aware of America recommends financial incentives for extended care models. Texas will fund evening and weekend providers with targeted grants and higher reimbursements to increase flexibility for families.

Licensing, wage audits, and inspections enforced: Quality assurance is essential to public trust. The National Institute for Early Education Research supports state-run inspection systems with licensing, wage standards, and child-to-staff ratios. Texas will adopt these safeguards across all participating providers to ensure safety, compliance, and fairness.

Expand Access through Community Infrastructure

New sites built in rural and low-income areas: More than 50% of Texans live in childcare deserts, especially in rural towns and low-income communities. The Center for American Progress links this shortage to lower employment and school readiness. Texas will prioritize funding new care sites in underserved areas to close geographic gaps and expand economic opportunity.

Programs co-located in schools, churches, and hospitals: Shared infrastructure reduces cost and improves access. The Bipartisan Policy Center finds that co-locating care in existing community buildings increases enrollment and trust. Texas will support programs based in schools, faith centers, and healthcare facilities where families already go for daily needs.

No new taxes on businesses: Raising business taxes during program expansion risks backlash and budget instability. Other states like Washington and Vermont have successfully funded care without taxing employers. Texas will use existing workforce and education funds to support this program and will not impose new business taxes.

Employer-based centers may opt in: Some employers already offer onsite childcare or want to. The Society for Human Resource Management reports higher worker retention when care is provided. Texas will allow these centers to voluntarily join the public system and receive reimbursements, training support, and infrastructure grants.

Four-year phased rollout with oversight: Overexpansion without capacity leads to failure. Texas will phase in this program over four years. In year one, eligibility will include families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level. In year three, eligibility expands to families earning up to 125% of the state median income. By year four, all Texas families will qualify. Oversight will include audits, scorecards, and transparent public reporting.

Restore land and natural protections

Statewide climate resilience plan: Texas is already seeing longer droughts, deadlier floods, and extreme heat that disrupt families and local economies. The Office of the Texas State Climatologist has reported that climate impacts in Texas are accelerating, particularly in rural counties. We will establish a state-led resilience strategy with publicly tracked benchmarks, region-by-region risk maps, and coordinated support for infrastructure, emergency response, and land use. This strategy will be backed by a dedicated climate infrastructure fund that prioritizes the most vulnerable areas.

Tree, prairie, and habitat recovery: Ecosystems across Texas are collapsing as native grasslands disappear, tree cover shrinks, and wetlands dry out. According to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, restoring native ecosystems improves soil health, stores carbon, supports biodiversity, and reduces disaster risk. We will fund large-scale native tree planting, grassland recovery, and wetland restoration in areas identified by state conservation maps. These efforts will employ local workers and offer direct payments to landowners meeting conservation benchmarks.

Verified conservation tax credits: Current policy penalizes landowners who conserve open space while rewarding overdevelopment and extraction. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension both support conservation practices that improve water recharge, reduce erosion, and protect wildlife corridors. We will flip the tax code by offering credits to landowners who preserve or improve land through verified practices. Only projects reviewed by certified state staff will qualify, ensuring public money delivers public benefit.

Wildfire prevention and fire response: Wildfires in Texas are growing in both scale and cost due to unmanaged fuel loads and hotter summers. The Texas A&M Forest Service recommends strategic use of controlled burns, fuel reduction, and rural firefighting capacity. We will fully fund firebreak construction, prescribe burns in at-risk zones, and provide rural departments with equipment, vehicles, and seasonal staffing grants. This will help communities contain wildfires before they become statewide emergencies.

Water security and infrastructure: Texas counties are running out of water while contamination cases rise. The Texas Water Development Board has identified urgent needs for aquifer protection, drought resilience, and wastewater infrastructure. We will criminalize illegal dumping, groundwater theft, and unreported spills. We will also fund rainwater capture, rural pipe repairs, and climate-resilient water systems using public works contracts with wage standards and local hiring.

Power the clean energy transition

Redirect fossil fuel subsidies: Texas gives billions in subsidies and tax breaks to fossil fuel companies while renewable industries struggle to connect to the grid. According to the International Energy Agency and U.S. Treasury reports, redirecting subsidies is one of the most efficient ways to grow clean energy. We will sunset existing fossil expansion subsidies and shift those dollars to qualified wind, solar, and battery storage projects. This ensures Texas leads the future energy market rather than falling behind.

Modernize transmission and storage: Our current grid cannot keep up with demand or support renewable generation. ERCOT has warned that system constraints and congestion are limiting reliability. We will modernize Texas grid infrastructure by expanding long-range transmission, local storage, and distribution capacity. These upgrades will be eligible for federal infrastructure dollars and designed to meet increased demand from both rural and urban growth.

Guaranteed job placement for energy workers: Workers in oil and gas deserve security and options, not uncertainty. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that wind turbine and solar installer jobs are among the fastest-growing in the country. We will guarantee job placement and wage protections for fossil fuel workers transitioning to clean energy roles. Retraining programs will be publicly funded and operated in partnership with Texas community colleges and union apprenticeship programs.

Accelerate wind, solar, and battery projects: Clean energy developers in Texas face delays and limited access to grid interconnection. According to the Department of Energy's 2024 grid study, Texas is losing billions in potential renewable investment due to administrative bottlenecks. We will fast-track projects that meet environmental and labor standards and prioritize projects in counties with job losses or energy shortages. Grid access will be treated as a statewide economic priority.

Protect county royalty income: Many rural counties rely on oil and gas royalties to fund schools, roads, and hospitals. This policy does not cut off existing royalty payments or halt extraction. Instead, it builds a second revenue base by expanding clean energy without threatening current funding. Counties that host renewable infrastructure will also receive a share of new project revenue under revised siting and permitting agreements.

Enforce accountability and restore local control

Mandatory cleanup at polluter expense: Texas communities are paying for environmental damage caused by private companies. From pipeline leaks to toxic runoff, the cleanup costs are often passed to local governments. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has documented ongoing contamination cases with no clear enforcement. We will require polluters to clean up their own damage and pay scaled fines tied to impact. Funds will go to community recovery, not general revenue.

Increased fines and criminal penalties: Many companies treat fines as a cost of doing business because penalties are low and rarely enforced. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends higher fines and criminal liability for repeat violators. We will increase the minimum fines for air, land, and water violations, remove exemptions, and apply criminal charges when patterns of abuse are proven. Companies with repeated violations will be barred from new state contracts.

Expand air and water quality monitoring: Texans cannot fight pollution they cannot see. The American Lung Association and Texas Public Health Coalition report that air pollution contributes to asthma, cancer, and early death, especially in communities near industry and highways. We will expand monitoring stations across all counties and require real-time public reporting. Water monitoring will include wells, rivers, and stormwater runoff, with alerts triggered by chemical spikes or bacterial growth.

Restore local environmental authority: Local governments are currently banned from taking action on many environmental issues. Plastic bag bans, green building codes, and water use limits have all been blocked by the legislature. We will restore the right of cities and counties to address pollution, overdevelopment, and land use in ways that reflect local needs. State oversight will ensure consistency with constitutional protections and public health goals.

Annual public results and audits: Texans deserve to see whether policies are working. We will publish annual progress reports showing land restored, emissions reduced, jobs created, and fines collected. All funds will be subject to annual audits and reviewed by a citizen oversight board appointed by the legislature. Transparency is not optional. It is the foundation of accountability and public trust.

End unsafe placements

Ban hotel and office housing: Foster youth in Texas are still being placed in unlicensed offices and hotels due to bed shortages, exposing them to unstable and unsafe conditions. This practice leads to increased trauma and sometimes physical harm. We will ban the use of government offices, hotels, or motels as foster placements. According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, over 400 children were housed in unlicensed locations in a recent 12-month period, and many experienced abuse or neglect in those settings.

Build trauma-informed shelters: Emergency shelters must be redesigned with mental health in mind. We will fund transitional housing staffed by trauma-trained professionals who understand behavioral and emotional needs. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network reports that trauma-informed shelter design lowers stress, improves behavioral outcomes, and increases long-term stability for youth in crisis.

Keep siblings together: Sibling separation is common in Texas foster care and creates long-term emotional harm. We will require sibling placements to remain intact except in cases involving documented safety concerns. The Annie E. Casey Foundation found that keeping siblings together improves permanency rates and helps children adjust more quickly to new environments.

Raise foster parent stipends: Foster parents often receive less than the actual cost of care, especially when supporting teens or children with disabilities. We will raise base stipends and create tiered support for high-needs placements. The National Foster Parent Association has shown that low stipends are the leading cause of placement breakdowns and foster parent burnout.

Provide housing and tax help: Long-term caregivers face financial stress that leads to disruptions in care. We will expand access to housing vouchers, offer caregiver tax credits, and provide direct cash assistance for kinship placements. A report by the Urban Institute confirms that housing stability for foster families is directly linked to better outcomes for children.

Strengthen youth rights and agency oversight

Enforce audits and scorecards: Texas agencies that contract with the state often lack regular performance review. We will require quarterly audits and publish statewide scorecards showing safety violations, licensing actions, and placement outcomes. According to the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, consistent audits and public transparency reduce agency-level abuse and improve care quality.

End discriminatory contracts: Some providers receiving public funds discriminate against children or families based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. We will end contracts with any agency that fails to serve all eligible Texans equally. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services mandates that any provider receiving Title IV-E funding must follow nondiscrimination rules.

Guarantee continuous therapy: Foster youth often lose access to mental health care when they move placements. We will guarantee trauma-informed therapy that follows the child regardless of changes in residence. The National Institute of Mental Health confirms that consistent access to therapy significantly reduces anxiety, aggression, and long-term system involvement.

Pass Youth Bill of Rights: Children in care are often unaware of their basic rights. We will pass a legal Youth Bill of Rights guaranteeing privacy, education, safety, and access to outside support. The National Foster Youth Institute reports that youth in states with formal rights laws are more likely to report abuse and succeed in school.

Establish paid Youth Council: Foster youth must be part of shaping the system that governs them. We will create a paid Youth Foster Council with members from all regions of Texas, including rural and LGBTQ representation. Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago found that youth advisory bodies with decision-making power lead to stronger policies and better trust in institutions.

Prevent removals and rebuild the workforce

Deploy Family Restoration Teams: Too many children enter care due to poverty, addiction, or homelessness rather than abuse. We will create Family Restoration Teams to stabilize at-risk families before removal occurs. According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, these teams reduce entry into foster care by up to 40% when used appropriately.

Provide in-home crisis support: We will offer families wraparound services such as rent assistance, job coaching, addiction treatment, and parenting help to prevent unnecessary separations. The National Center for Children in Poverty has documented that these supports reduce state costs while keeping children safe in their homes.

Cap caseworker caseloads: Texas caseworkers are handling caseloads well above the national best practice limit. We will cap caseloads to no more than 15 children per caseworker to reduce burnout and improve safety. The American Public Human Services Association recommends this cap based on national child welfare performance benchmarks.

Raise base salaries: Caseworker turnover is high due to low pay and high stress. We will raise base salaries and offer longevity bonuses for caseworkers who stay beyond 3 years. The Texas Legislative Budget Board has identified compensation as one of the most urgent issues affecting workforce retention and child safety.

Fund pipeline and tuition relief: We will create a tuition forgiveness program for students entering the child welfare field and fund paid internships through university partnerships. The University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work supports this strategy and has found that early investment in training increases long-term staffing and reduces emergency hiring costs.

Enforce firearm restrictions to prevent violence

Report disqualifying court records: Many Texans legally barred from owning firearms still have them because local courts fail to report protective orders and felony convictions. According to the Texas Council on Family Violence, more than 70% of domestic violence homicide victims in Texas were killed with a firearm. We will require all counties to report qualifying court orders and rulings to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System within 48 hours of issuance to close these deadly enforcement gaps.

Enforce firearm surrender laws: Although federal and Texas laws require abusers with restraining orders or felony convictions to surrender their firearms, there is no consistent enforcement. Victims often live in fear because weapons are never actually collected. We will mandate coordinated law enforcement procedures to ensure surrender of firearms and file proof of compliance with the court that issued the order.

Penalize failure to report: When a court or clerk fails to submit disqualifying records, it can lead directly to preventable deaths. These are not clerical errors, they are failures of justice. We will authorize the Texas Attorney General to impose administrative penalties on noncompliant jurisdictions and publish quarterly compliance reports for public review.

Build statewide data connection: Texas does not have a centralized, real-time firearm disqualification system. As a result, buyers can pass background checks in one county even if they were disqualified in another. We will connect all court reporting to a state-run data system that feeds directly into the federal background check network, updated within 48 hours of any new ruling.

Protect survivors from inaction: Survivors of domestic violence should not have to track down whether law enforcement followed through. We will require every protective order issued to trigger an automatic firearm status review, and we will create a victim notification system to confirm weapons have been removed when required by law.

Preserve rural firearm rights for property defense

Protect access to semi-automatic rifles: In rural Texas, semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines are tools of daily life, not symbols. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service reports that feral hogs cause over $50 million in agricultural damage each year. We will ensure that ranchers, landowners, and farmers retain full legal access to the tools they use to defend their property and livestock.

Defend landowner safety needs: When dangerous predators or intruders threaten remote homes, landowners cannot wait for sheriffs to arrive. Texas rural communities need the ability to defend themselves. We will protect that right by maintaining access to effective defensive equipment for lawful owners living in areas with delayed emergency response times.

Respond to wildlife and livestock threats: Texas is home to over 2.5 million feral hogs that destroy fences, tear up fields, and kill small livestock. These animals move quickly and often in large numbers. We will preserve the right of landowners to use high-capacity and semi-automatic firearms to manage fast-moving wildlife threats without fear of overregulation.

Allow local safety innovation: Cities like Houston and Austin face different safety issues than towns like Uvalde or Junction. Instead of a one-size-fits-all mandate, we will authorize local governments to create data-driven firearm violence prevention programs that respect statewide rights while addressing local public safety concerns.

Prevent statewide overreach: We will oppose any legislation that imposes blanket restrictions without accounting for regional needs. Texas firearm policy must protect both urban and rural Texans, and our platform defends access for responsible owners across all parts of the state.

Guarantee due process and firearm restoration rights

Reject red flag laws without courts: In other states, some red flag laws have allowed law enforcement to seize weapons without a warrant or notice, leading to misuse and legal confusion. We will oppose any red flag proposal in Texas that lacks full judicial oversight, sworn evidence, and timely hearings for the accused.

Require judicial warrants for seizures: No firearm should be taken from a Texas resident without a signed judicial warrant and clear legal findings. We will require that any emergency firearm seizure involve an open court hearing and include a court order specifying terms, review dates, and rights of appeal.

Create firearm rights restoration process: Many Texans who were disqualified from owning firearms due to past convictions or protective orders later meet all eligibility requirements but have no clear way to regain their rights. We will create a county-level legal process with public representation, eligibility verification, and judicial review to restore those rights in a fair and timely way.

Set court deadlines for review: People who qualify for firearm rights restoration can wait months or even years for a hearing due to court backlogs. We will set strict deadlines requiring county courts to schedule and decide restoration cases within 60 days of application and provide a public explanation of every ruling.

Publish statewide firearm rights guide: Many Texans are unsure about their legal rights, obligations, or eligibility to own firearms. We will publish a free, plain-language firearm ownership and restoration guide through the Office of the Attorney General, covering legal limits, required steps, and individual rights so that all Texans can stay informed and in compliance.

Ban Hostile Architecture, Build Housing Policy Details

Ban Anti-Homeless Design: Cities across Texas are spending millions installing spikes, bars, and dividers to push homeless people away from benches, parks, and bridges. According to the National Homelessness Law Center, this hostile architecture does not reduce homelessness but only hides it. Texas will ban these designs and redirect public space toward inclusive use.

Redirect City Funds to Housing: Redirecting city funds away from punishment and into housing will create real solutions. The Urban Institute reports that supportive housing reduces emergency service use and saves public money. Texas will condition state aid on local investment in housing, not on tactics that punish poverty.

Build Staffed Apartments: Professionally staffed apartment complexes will provide safety and dignity. These are not shelters but apartment-style housing with private rooms, bathrooms, and trained managers. This aligns with best practices from the National Alliance to End Homelessness, which endorses the housing-first model to break the homelessness cycle.

Require Regular Inspections: Regular inspections will protect residents and taxpayers. Without oversight, facilities can become unsafe or mismanaged. Texas will assign state inspectors to monitor health, safety, and program outcomes at each site.

Prioritize Housing Over Removal: The focus will always be on housing, not removal. Arresting or relocating people without addressing root causes increases public costs and harm. Texas will prioritize housing programs that offer long-term exits from homelessness.

Provide Whole-Family, Whole-Life Care Policy Details

Shelter Families and Pets Together: Families often avoid shelters to prevent separation from spouses, children, or pets. According to the National Alliance for Family Homelessness, family unity reduces trauma and improves recovery. Texas will mandate family-centered housing, including accommodations for pets, to remove these barriers.

Offer On-Site Services: On-site services will address key barriers to recovery. Scattered resources create gaps in care, but centralized services including therapy, job training, hygiene, meals, and medical care will make real recovery possible. Texas will coordinate this through state agencies and nonprofit partners.

Require Case Management: Case management will be a core requirement. Research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that individualized plans with active support improve long-term housing success. Every resident will have a dedicated caseworker to guide their progress.

Evaluate Every Six Months: Evaluating residents every six months will ensure accountability and timely help. This timeline gives residents the stability they need while keeping momentum toward permanent housing. It also helps identify those needing specialized support like mental health or addiction services.

Ban Mandatory Religious Programs: Religious groups may provide services, but participation must be optional. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, religious freedom includes freedom from coercion. Texas will enforce a strict ban on mandatory religious activity, while allowing voluntary chaplaincy services on request.

Clean Water and Storm Safety

Guarantee Basic Water Access: Many Texans, especially in rural and low-income areas, still experience foul-tasting or unsafe tap water due to aging systems and inconsistent oversight. The state will establish a minimum monthly water baseline per resident, subsidized to ensure every Texan has enough for hygiene, cooking, and drinking. The Texas Water Development Board has identified water insecurity as a rising threat to public health and economic stability.

Replace Fines With Aid: Cities with failing water systems often face state fines they cannot afford, creating a cycle of punishment without solutions. Texas will eliminate these fines for qualifying municipalities and instead offer technical assistance and capital improvement funding to resolve root causes. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, targeted investment is more effective than penalties in restoring infrastructure performance.

Upgrade Failing Systems First: Stormwater, sewage, and water infrastructure in many Texas regions is decades old and vulnerable to extreme weather. The state will prioritize upgrades in areas with documented system failures, drought risk, and flood damage. Each project will be designed for future conditions and audited for cost efficiency, consistent with best practices from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Support Voluntary Flood Buyouts: Homes in flood-prone areas are often rebuilt after every disaster, costing families and taxpayers. Texas will offer voluntary buyouts, relocation support, and floodplain remapping using updated data to prevent future loss. FEMA supports buyouts as a cost-saving, life-saving alternative to repeated rebuilding in high-risk zones.

Publish Water Inspection Results: Texans deserve to know what is in their water. The state will publish water quality inspections and violations in plain language on a public website. This helps residents hold utilities accountable and push for improvements, as recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Affordable Energy and Housing Protections

Require Verified Utility Savings: Many energy subsidies fail to reach those who need them most. Texas will only award state utility subsidies when companies prove rate reductions for low-income areas through independent audits. This ensures accountability and maximizes impact. The Texas Public Utility Commission supports verification systems to prevent waste and abuse.

Weatherproof Rental Homes: Renters are locked out of energy efficiency upgrades, even when they pay high utility bills. The state will fund insulation, HVAC upgrades, and storm-safe windows for rental units based on need. This approach follows guidance from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, which emphasizes the importance of renter access to energy programs.

Freeze Rent After Upgrades: Landlords receiving public funds for energy upgrades often pass costs onto tenants. Texas will require a two-year rent freeze for properties improved with state dollars. This prevents displacement and ensures public investments benefit residents, not just property owners.

Modernize the Power Grid: Texas power failures during extreme weather have proven deadly. The state will require weatherization of all power generation facilities and invest in high-capacity battery storage and transmission line upgrades. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recommends these changes to prevent future outages and protect public safety.

Diversify Energy Sources: Over-reliance on single-source power creates blackout risk. Texas will require utilities to use a mix of solar, wind, thermal, natural gas, and storage to protect grid stability. ERCOT and energy security experts confirm that diverse energy portfolios reduce system vulnerability and increase long-term cost stability.

Grid Security and Consumer Relief

Tax High-Consumption Crypto Farms: Crypto mining farms consume large amounts of electricity with limited community benefit. Texas will tax operations exceeding a megawatt threshold to account for their grid impact. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts has warned that unregulated energy-intensive operations contribute to statewide reliability issues.

Lower Residential Bills With Revenue: Funds from the crypto tax will be used to stabilize the energy grid and reduce electricity rates for households. This ensures that high-demand users contribute to the cost of maintaining reliable service. The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners supports demand-based surcharges to protect consumers from excessive grid strain.

Consolidate Energy Assistance: Many Texans struggle to navigate fragmented energy aid programs. Texas will create a unified application portal for all public energy support programs, streamlining access and reducing administrative waste. This mirrors successful consolidation models implemented by Texas Health and Human Services.

Ban Shutoffs During Crises: Power shutoffs during extreme heat or cold can be fatal. Texas will prohibit all disconnections during officially declared weather emergencies to protect elderly Texans, children, and medically vulnerable residents. The CDC has identified energy access as a critical factor in preventing heat-related and cold-related illness.

Auto-Enroll Eligible Households: Many eligible households miss out on energy assistance due to red tape. Texans enrolled in Medicaid, SNAP, or similar programs will be automatically enrolled in energy relief to reduce bureaucratic barriers. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities recommends auto-enrollment to close service gaps and reach vulnerable populations efficiently.

Cap Interest Rates Across Loan Types

Credit Cards Capped at 10%: Credit card APRs often exceed 25%, keeping families trapped in long-term debt even when making monthly payments. A 10% cap will limit interest charges and eliminate penalty APRs, teaser rates, and retroactive fees. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has found that high APRs are a primary contributor to consumer debt burdens.

Personal Loans Capped at 20%: Many Texans turn to personal loans during emergencies, only to face unaffordable repayment terms. A 20% APR cap on personal loans with fixed rates and no balloon payments ensures predictable and fair lending. According to the National Consumer Law Center, interest rate caps on installment loans reduce defaults and prevent borrower harm.

Payday Loans Capped at 25%: Payday loans target low-income Texans with triple-digit rates and hidden rollovers. A 25% APR limit, with a full ban on rollovers or loan flipping, prevents dependency and debt traps. Per the Center for Responsible Lending, states with strong rate caps have lower default rates and better consumer outcomes.

Debt Consolidation Capped at 10%: Debt consolidation should help people regain control, not sink them further. Capping these loans at 10% APR and banning fees or hidden costs ensures borrowers actually save money. The Federal Trade Commission warns that many consolidation loans misrepresent costs and result in greater financial stress.

Auto Loans Capped at 15%: Auto loans, especially for used vehicles, are inflated by add-ons and dealer markups. A 15% APR cap that includes all loan elements protects Texans from unaffordable financing. The National Automobile Dealers Association reports that dealer add-ons can increase effective APRs without clear disclosure.

Enforce Honest, Transparent Lending

Ban Teaser Rates and Penalty APRs: Lenders often attract borrowers with artificially low teaser rates, only to raise interest drastically later. Banning teaser and penalty APRs protects borrowers from unpredictable spikes. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, such practices are linked to higher default rates and confusion.

Prohibit Prepayment Penalties: Prepayment penalties punish Texans who try to pay off loans early. Prohibiting them promotes financial responsibility and reduces the overall cost of borrowing. The National Consumer Law Center recommends banning these penalties in all consumer lending.

Define APR to Include All Fees: Lenders frequently use separate charges and bundled services to hide the true cost of loans. Defining APR to include every fee, product, and service makes interest rates accurate and honest. The Truth in Lending Act supports this model to protect consumers from deceptive pricing.

Require Plain-Language Summaries: Many borrowers do not understand the fine print in loan agreements. Requiring a one-page plain-language summary ensures clarity and prevents misunderstandings. The Federal Trade Commission supports simplified disclosures as a tool to reduce fraud and promote informed decision-making.

Establish Civil and Criminal Enforcement: Rules must be enforceable to be effective. Texas will empower the Department of Banking to investigate violations, revoke licenses, and impose fines up to $1 million per offense. The Texas Department of Banking confirms that meaningful enforcement is essential to prevent ongoing abuse.

Build Fair and Accountable Lending Systems

Ban Noncompliant Lenders: Out-of-state and national lenders exploit federal loopholes to bypass state protections. Texas will ban any lender that fails to comply with rate caps and consumer safeguards. According to the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors, state-level oversight is necessary to protect residents.

Register All Online Lenders: Online lending platforms often operate without transparency or state accountability. Texas will require registration and compliance from all digital lenders operating in the state. The Conference of State Bank Supervisors recommends this practice to align online finance with consumer protection laws.

Prioritize Credit Unions and Local Banks: Community banks and credit unions often offer fairer terms but are crowded out by high-interest lenders. These reforms give them a level playing field and room to expand. Per the Credit Union National Association, local institutions reinvest in their communities and improve long-term economic health.

Review Rate Caps Every 5 Years: To stay relevant, interest rate caps must reflect economic conditions. Texas will require a public review every 5 years with input from experts, lenders, and residents. The Brookings Institution supports periodic review of consumer finance rules to ensure fairness and flexibility.

Require Public Input for Changes: Changes to lending policy must be transparent and accountable. Any adjustments to caps or definitions must go through a public comment period and legislative vote. The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission endorses public input as key to state-level reform credibility.

Fair Compensation, Local Service, and Professional Incentives

Standardized Statewide Base Pay: Texas police officers are paid unevenly across jurisdictions, which creates retention issues and allows lower-funded areas to fall behind in safety. By creating a statewide base pay tied to rank and years of service, Texas can ensure stability across rural, suburban, and urban agencies. According to the National Institute of Justice, structured pay improves department retention and reduces corruption.

Incentives for Crisis and Night Duty: Officers with crisis response certifications, advanced de-escalation training, or experience working high-risk shifts are not always compensated fairly. Offering additional pay for these roles encourages professional development and helps departments fill difficult assignments. This ensures skilled officers are available for the most demanding calls.

COLA-Linked Retirement Increases: Retirement benefits often do not keep pace with inflation, leaving long-serving officers in financial uncertainty. Linking retirement pay to cost-of-living adjustments protects economic dignity and keeps experienced officers from being penalized in retirement. This approach mirrors strategies recommended by the U.S. Department of Justice in retirement sustainability planning.

Mandatory Local Residency: Officers who patrol communities they do not live in may struggle to build trust or understand local concerns. Requiring officers to live where they serve improves informal oversight and community engagement. Research from the Police Executive Research Forum confirms that local residency improves accountability and reduces use-of-force incidents.

24-Hour Limit on Outside Patrols: When departments fill gaps with officers from unrelated areas, it can create community disconnect and policing errors. Limiting outside patrols to no more than 24 hours per week ensures officers have real ties to the neighborhoods they serve, while still allowing flexibility for special events or emergencies.

Zero Tolerance for Misconduct and Violence

Suspension on Domestic Violence Charges: Officers accused of domestic violence often remain on duty, which creates public fear and undermines justice. This policy requires immediate suspension with pay during the legal process, balancing due process with public safety. Per the National Center for Women and Policing, officers commit domestic abuse at significantly higher rates than civilians.

Mandatory Prison and Ban if Convicted: If convicted of domestic violence, officers will face a 1-year mandatory prison sentence and be permanently banned from working in Texas as law enforcement or any first responder. This eliminates loopholes and ensures accountability with no exceptions or appeals. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement supports lifetime decertification for serious offenses.

No Law Enforcement Authority Off-Duty: Off-duty officers sometimes assert power inappropriately, causing confusion or escalation. This policy prevents off-duty officers from identifying as law enforcement, except in emergencies where they must contact on-duty personnel. Officers may still provide CPR or mental health help as civilians.

Equal Standards for School Officers: Some school resource officers operate with reduced training or oversight, putting students at risk. This policy ensures all school-based officers meet full patrol qualifications, follow department policies, and receive the same review standards. According to the National Association of School Resource Officers, consistent standards reduce misconduct and improve safety.

Required Mental Health Checks After Shootings: Firearm use by officers is traumatic and can cause long-term psychological harm. This policy requires all officers who discharge a weapon to undergo annual mental health evaluations from independent professionals. The International Association of Chiefs of Police recommends post-critical incident care to reduce future harm and burnout.

Body Camera Integrity and External Oversight

Third-Party Control of Camera Footage: When departments store and manage their own body camera footage, it creates conflicts of interest and erodes trust. This policy moves all camera storage to an independent third party with no ties to law enforcement. The Police Data Initiative and the Urban Institute both recommend third-party oversight to protect evidence integrity.

Strict Legal Access Rules: Body camera footage can be misused or withheld without clear guidelines. This policy limits access to legal discovery, department request, or judge approval under state open records law. Unauthorized release will be treated as a criminal act to protect both privacy and transparency.

Felony for Disabling Cameras: Turning off or disabling a body camera while on duty will result in immediate termination and a mandatory 1-year prison sentence with no parole. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights recommends strong penalties to deter tampering. This eliminates gray areas and ensures accountability.

Peer-Verified Malfunction Reporting: Officers who report malfunctioning cameras must file that report before the end of their shift and have it verified by another officer. This prevents false claims and ensures issues are addressed quickly. The solution ensures honest officers are protected while dishonest conduct is caught early.

Automatic Review of Dual Failures: If two officers' cameras fail at the same time, the equipment will be immediately replaced and both officers will be reviewed for negligence or possible misconduct. Sudden joint failures are a common tactic used in past abuse cases. Automatic replacement and review preserves public trust and internal discipline.

Replace Criminal Response With Medical Care

Fund Mobile Crisis Teams: When police respond to mental health emergencies, outcomes often escalate into arrest, injury, or death. These are medical situations, not criminal ones. We will establish mobile crisis teams in every Texas county, available 24 hours a day and staffed by licensed psychiatric professionals. These teams will provide in-person stabilization and transport to care without law enforcement involvement. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, mobile teams significantly reduce hospital visits and arrests.

Reopen Public Psychiatric Hospitals: Texas ranks near the bottom in psychiatric bed availability, largely because state hospitals were closed without replacements. This gap has left courts, hospitals, and families without treatment options. We will reopen a network of state-run psychiatric hospitals, staffed with licensed professionals, monitored by independent inspection, and legally accountable for care standards. Beds will be available for voluntary and court-ordered care with guaranteed patient rights.

Guarantee Inpatient Care Access: Texans often wait days or weeks in jails or ERs for a psychiatric bed. We will set regional bed-per-capita targets and guarantee access within 72 hours. Construction of new facilities will be phased in over 5 years, starting in highest-need regions. Temporary contracts with qualified providers will serve as surge capacity during rollout. This mirrors best practices identified by the American Psychiatric Association for reducing delays in crisis care.

Redirect Prison Mental Health Budgets: More than 20% of people in Texas jails have a diagnosed mental illness, according to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. This system fails both patients and taxpayers. We will shift $500 million over 4 years from jail and prison budgets to the Department of State Health Services. This money will fund clinical treatment, recovery housing, and local mental health systems.

Build Transitional Housing Programs: Housing is critical for recovery from serious mental illness. Many Texans are discharged from hospitals into homelessness, which leads to rapid relapse. We will fund permanent supportive housing tied to healthcare, peer support, and case management. Local health authorities will operate these programs and be evaluated on long-term stability and hospital use reduction.

Create an Integrated, Rights-Based System

Require Dual-Diagnosis Treatment: Mental health and addiction services are usually separate in Texas, leaving dual-diagnosis patients without proper care. This disconnect leads to poor outcomes and repeat hospitalizations. We will require all state-funded providers to deliver integrated care models that treat both mental illness and substance use. The National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends dual-diagnosis treatment as essential for long-term recovery.

Protect Rights in Court-Ordered Care: Texans placed in psychiatric care by court order often lack legal safeguards. Without due process, these placements can lead to long-term institutionalization and abuse. We will require all court-ordered placements to include legal representation, treatment time limits, judicial review, and the right to appeal. Oversight will be handled by an independent public health board. These protections are consistent with the standards supported by the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law.

Build Youth-Specific Programs: Children and teens need mental health care tailored to their development. Instead, many are placed in adult psychiatric settings or denied care entirely. Every new state hospital will include a youth unit, with trauma-informed therapy, education coordination, and family engagement. We will also place licensed counselors in every public school. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports school-based mental health as a front line of care.

Fund Tribal Mental Health Partnerships: Tribal communities in Texas often lack access to state mental health services or funding. We will create a tribal mental health fund co-managed with tribal governments. This fund will support facility construction, culturally specific care models, and emergency response. Mobile crisis teams serving tribal regions will include trained tribal liaisons. The Indian Health Service emphasizes the importance of tribal self-determination in mental health care.

Open Veterans Treatment Units: Veterans experience PTSD, brain injury, and suicide at higher rates than civilians. Yet most do not receive care from VA or state systems. We will create dedicated veteran treatment units within state hospitals, staffed by clinicians trained in military trauma, deployment effects, and VA coordination. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recommends state-based coordination for crisis and residential care.

Expand the Workforce and Enforce Standards

Offer Tuition-Free Training: Texas has a severe shortage of licensed mental health professionals. We will offer tuition-free certification and degree programs for psychiatric nurses, clinical social workers, school counselors, and addiction specialists. Students must commit to work in high-need or state-run settings. This workforce plan will be managed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The American Psychiatric Nurses Association highlights education access as key to workforce sustainability.

Launch Loan Forgiveness for Service: Professionals who work in rural areas or state hospitals often face burnout and debt. We will forgive student loans for any clinician who works 5 years in underserved areas. Loan relief will be managed at the state level and verified through licensing data. The National Health Service Corps has shown this model improves retention in shortage areas.

Incentivize Rural Provider Expansion: Most rural counties in Texas lack full-time psychiatric care. We will offer tax credits and matching grants to licensed providers that open or expand clinics in rural areas. Clinics must meet state reporting and performance standards to renew funding. This model has been recommended by the Rural Health Information Hub to close provider deserts.

Enforce Insurance Parity: Mental health care is still denied or undercovered by many Texas insurers. We will require full compliance with federal parity law, which mandates equal coverage for mental and physical health services. The Texas Department of Insurance will audit plans annually and publish compliance data. Noncompliance will result in fines or suspension of operating licenses.

Monitor All Facilities Quarterly: State-funded mental health programs lack consistent oversight. Abuse, neglect, and underperformance go unreported. We will require quarterly inspections, confidential reporting systems for patients, and whistleblower protections for staff. Facilities that fail to meet legal or clinical standards will be closed and replaced. The Joint Commission and other accrediting bodies support this level of accountability.

Teacher Support Policy Details

Teachers deserve professional pay starting at $70,000 annually with full healthcare coverage and retirement security. Classroom supply funding will ensure teachers aren't spending their own money on basic materials.

Professional development opportunities will be expanded to help teachers grow in their careers. The teaching profession will be elevated through respect, resources, and competitive compensation.

School Funding Policy Details

Eliminate Voucher Drain: Voucher programs siphon public funds into private and often unaccountable schools. We will fully defund all voucher schemes and reinvest those dollars into neighborhood public schools. This strengthens the public system and ensures every child benefits, as recommended by the National Education Association.

Raise Rural Funding: Rural schools face unique challenges, including underfunding, staff shortages, and limited broadband. We will raise the basic student allotment and create targeted grants to recruit experienced teachers, expand course access, and improve transportation. The Rural School and Community Trust highlights these as critical investments.

Modern Resources: We will provide state-funded supplies closets stocked with classroom and cleaning materials in every public school. This ensures teachers never have to choose between personal bills and student needs, relieving financial stress and improving classroom quality.

Infrastructure Investment: We will ensure every school has safe, updated buildings with modern technology and reliable internet access. This includes funding for arts, music, and sports programs that provide well-rounded education opportunities.

Special Education Support: We will fully fund special education resources and ensure every student with disabilities receives appropriate support. This includes specialized staff, equipment, and facilities designed to meet diverse learning needs.

Transparent Funding: We will create a fair funding formula that provides predictable, adequate resources for all public schools. Every dollar will be tracked publicly to ensure accountability and effectiveness.

Career Preparation Policy Details

Life Skills Education: Graduates are leaving high school without basic adult skills, from managing money to understanding civic responsibilities. We will require financial literacy, digital safety, job preparation, and civics courses as part of the regular high school curriculum. The Council for Economic Education confirms these skills are essential for lifelong success.

Business Partnerships: We will expand partnerships with local businesses to provide internships, apprenticeships, and real-world learning experiences. These partnerships will give students hands-on experience and direct pathways to employment after graduation.

Affordable Community College: We will make community college more affordable through expanded state funding and targeted grants. This includes support for technical certification programs and workforce training that meets local economic needs.

Student Debt Relief: We will create state-funded student debt relief programs for graduates who work in high-need careers like teaching, healthcare, and public service. This helps address workforce shortages while making college more accessible.

Dual Credit Expansion: We will expand dual credit opportunities so students can earn college credits while in high school. This reduces the time and cost of higher education while preparing students for academic success.

Technical Education Programs: We will strengthen technical education programs that prepare students for skilled trades and emerging industries. These programs provide immediate pathways to good-paying jobs without requiring four-year degrees.

Workforce Development: We will align career preparation programs with local economic needs and emerging industries. This ensures students are prepared for jobs that exist and pays well in their communities.

Protect Equal Rights Under Texas Law

Statewide Nondiscrimination Law: Texas has no law that clearly protects LGBT+ residents from discrimination in jobs, housing, education, or public accommodations. This legal gap leaves people vulnerable across the state. We will pass a statewide nondiscrimination law to ensure that no Texan can be legally fired, evicted, or denied service based on gender identity or sexuality. According to the Movement Advancement Project, Texas is one of the few states without such protections.

Full Marriage Equality: While marriage equality is protected under federal law, state-level policies still create barriers in adoption, healthcare benefits, and tax filings for LGBT+ couples. We will ensure that all married couples in Texas receive full and equal recognition in all areas of state law. This includes equal treatment in family courts, health systems, and state programs, in line with legal guidance from the Human Rights Campaign.

Legal Document Updates: Many LGBT+ Texans face difficulties when trying to update identity documents such as driver's licenses or school records. These delays and denials expose people to harm and legal complications. We will guarantee a clear and accessible legal process for all Texans to update names and gender markers on public records. This follows best practices from the National Center for Transgender Equality.

Civil Rights for All Identities: Discrimination can be compounded when someone belongs to multiple marginalized groups, such as being both LGBT+ and disabled, Black, or a veteran. Current laws often fail to protect these overlapping identities. We will explicitly write protections that address layered forms of discrimination so civil rights match real life. Experts from the National LGBTQ Task Force recommend these reforms to make protections effective for all.

End Local Anti-LGBT+ Ordinances: Several Texas cities and counties have passed or attempted to pass ordinances that restrict LGBT+ rights, particularly around education and public facilities. These laws undermine basic freedoms. We will set a single statewide civil rights standard to prevent cities or counties from denying equal treatment. Lambda Legal supports state-level protections that cannot be overridden by local laws.

Ensure Medical Access and Healthcare Equality

Guarantee Gender-Affirming Care: Politicians have targeted trans Texans by banning or limiting access to gender-affirming care, despite medical consensus that this care is necessary. We will guarantee access to this care as a standard part of legal, medically guided healthcare for all Texans. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Endocrine Society both classify this care as essential and evidence-based.

End Insurance Discrimination: Insurance companies sometimes deny coverage to LGBT+ Texans for procedures or services that are routinely covered for others. These denials are harmful and illegal under federal law. We will require all Texas-regulated insurance plans to follow anti-discrimination standards, including those under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, as reinforced by guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Expand Mental Health Services: LGBT+ youth and adults face significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide attempts due to stigma and exclusion. We will expand access to mental health providers trained to offer supportive, identity-affirming care. According to The Trevor Project, having one affirming adult lowers the risk of suicide attempts by more than 40%.

Protect Youth Healthcare Decisions: Families of trans youth are being investigated and threatened for following medical guidance. We will ban state agencies from interfering in medically recommended treatment plans and protect doctors and families from political targeting. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has warned against these attacks and supports access to appropriate care.

Train Inclusive Providers: Many healthcare providers in Texas lack training on LGBT+ health, leading to misdiagnosis and mistreatment. We will fund training programs and continuing education to ensure providers meet basic standards of care for all Texans. The Fenway Institute recommends statewide provider training to reduce healthcare disparities for LGBT+ patients.

Protect Safety, Dignity, and Public Access

Safe Access to Public Facilities: Trans Texans are often criminalized or harassed for using restrooms that match their gender identity. This creates fear and increases violence risk. We will protect the right to use public facilities without discrimination or criminal charges. Research from UCLA's Williams Institute confirms there is no evidence that inclusive bathroom policies pose public safety threats.

Privacy Protections for Students: In Texas schools, students have been outed to families or denied access to records that match their identity. This violates their privacy and safety. We will pass laws to protect student records, ban forced outing, and support inclusive school policies. The American Psychological Association supports these protections as essential for youth wellbeing.

Ban Discriminatory Book Bans: School districts have removed books and curricula that include LGBT+ authors, history, or themes. This censorship erases identity and violates education rights. We will prohibit book bans based on gender identity or sexuality and ensure inclusive materials remain available in schools. The American Library Association has warned that such bans often target marginalized communities.

Block Taxpayer-Funded Targeting: State officials have used public money to investigate LGBT+ families, especially those with trans children. These investigations are politically motivated and legally questionable. We will ban the use of state funds and personnel for identity-based investigations. The ACLU of Texas has documented repeated misuse of power in these cases.

Support Rural and Veteran LGBT+ Texans: Rural and veteran LGBT+ Texans often lack access to safe spaces, healthcare, and legal support. They are frequently overlooked in public policy. We will write specific protections and expand services for these groups, including through the Texas Veterans Commission and rural health networks. Data from the Williams Institute shows that more than 3 in 10 LGBT+ Texans live in rural areas.

Legalization and Regulation

Legalize Personal Use: Texas continues to arrest people for simple marijuana possession while most Americans now live in states with legal access. These arrests create lifelong consequences and distract law enforcement from serious crime. Legalizing personal-use marijuana with a clearly defined possession limit will prevent unnecessary arrests and allow law enforcement to focus on public safety. Per the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, marijuana enforcement costs taxpayers millions each year without improving outcomes.

License and Regulate Dispensaries: Illicit marijuana sales remain the only option in most parts of Texas, creating health and safety risks for consumers. Legal dispensaries will be licensed through a statewide system that includes background checks, financial transparency, and zoning rules. States like Colorado and Washington have shown that proper licensing reduces black market sales and increases compliance with safety standards.

Ensure Product Safety: Black market marijuana is often contaminated with pesticides, mold, or synthetic additives. Regulated sales will require lab testing and clear product labeling to protect health. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, regulation of consumable products significantly lowers the risk of accidental poisoning and respiratory illness.

Set Sustainable Tax Rates: Tax rates that are too high can drive customers back to illegal sellers and shut out small businesses. Texas will set cannabis tax rates at levels that raise public revenue without hurting local growers or entrepreneurs. Per the National Conference of State Legislatures, several states have adjusted taxes downward to keep small legal businesses viable and reduce illegal market demand.

Keep Trafficking Fully Criminal: Legalization will not decriminalize drug trafficking, violence, or possession with intent to distribute. These offenses will remain fully criminal and carry strict penalties. By separating responsible personal use from organized criminal activity, Texas can protect public safety while ending unjust punishment for low-level possession.

Revenue and Public Benefit

Direct All Taxes to Public Services: Black market sales produce no public benefit. Legal cannabis taxes will be directed by law to fund healthcare, housing, education, and mental health care. This will be written into statute to prevent diversion and ensure reliable support for services that benefit all Texans. According to the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, cannabis taxes can become a stable revenue source when managed responsibly.

Fund Housing and Education: Many Texans struggle to afford rent or access quality public education. A portion of all cannabis tax revenue will support affordable housing construction and education funding formulas. Legal sales in states like Illinois have generated over $445 million in a single year for similar investments.

Expand Mental Health Care: Texas ranks among the worst in the country for access to mental health services. Legal marijuana taxes will support community clinics, crisis response teams, and substance use treatment programs. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has identified underfunded mental health systems as a primary driver of homelessness and incarceration.

Require Annual Public Audits: Trust in cannabis revenue spending depends on transparency. This policy will require public-facing annual audits reviewed by the State Auditor's Office. Per the Texas Comptroller's Office, regular audits improve public trust and ensure proper use of state funds.

Guarantee Local Spending Input: Local communities often feel left out of state-led economic policy. Cannabis tax revenue will include a formula for municipal reinvestment and allow cities to propose their own eligible projects. Cities and counties will receive itemized reports and have a formal role in shaping how revenue is spent within their region.

Justice and Expungement

Expunge All Nonviolent Personal-Use Records: Tens of thousands of Texans still carry criminal records for something that is no longer illegal. These records affect employment, housing, and education. This policy guarantees automatic expungement of nonviolent personal-use marijuana convictions without requiring any legal action by the individual. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, automatic expungement is the most effective way to restore civil rights and reduce racial disparities in the justice system.

Release Nonviolent Inmates Immediately: Many Texans are still incarcerated for marijuana possession even though it will no longer be a crime. This policy ensures that all nonviolent marijuana offenders are released immediately. Their convictions will be cleared, and reentry will begin without delay. The American Civil Liberties Union reports that over 80% of marijuana arrests in the United States are for possession alone.

Fund Reentry and Housing Services: Releasing inmates without support leads to homelessness and repeat offenses. Tax revenue from cannabis sales will fund job training, housing assistance, mental health care, and community reintegration for formerly incarcerated individuals. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has documented that structured reentry services reduce recidivism and improve long-term stability.

Seal Records From Background Checks: Expungement alone is not enough if background checks still reveal prior arrests. This policy guarantees that expunged marijuana records will be sealed from employment, housing, and education screenings. Employers, landlords, and schools will no longer be able to penalize someone for an offense that is no longer a crime.

Exclude Violent and Trafficking Cases: Opponents of reform often claim that violent criminals will be released. This policy explicitly excludes anyone with a violent offense, trafficking charge, or weapons-related marijuana case from expungement or early release. Only those convicted of nonviolent, low-level personal use will qualify.

Ban Polygraphs in All Decisions

Prohibit in Law Enforcement: Police departments across Texas still use polygraph results during interrogations and internal reviews, even though these results are inadmissible in Texas courts. This practice creates pressure for false confessions and punishes people for nervousness rather than dishonesty. By banning the use of polygraphs in all law enforcement settings, Texas will prevent unreliable methods from influencing justice outcomes.

Ban in Employment Decisions: Employers frequently use polygraph tests to screen applicants or justify firing workers, even when results are labeled "inconclusive." These tests have a high false positive rate, especially among people with PTSD, anxiety, or heightened emotional responses. This policy prohibits the use of polygraphs in any job-related decision, protecting Texans from discrimination and ensuring that hiring and discipline rely on valid performance measures.

Bar in Licensing and Clearances: State licensing boards and clearance evaluations sometimes use polygraph tests to assess honesty or fitness, despite evidence that these tests cannot detect deception. According to the National Academy of Sciences, polygraphs lack the accuracy required for any high-stakes determination. This policy bars their use in all licensing and clearance decisions to prevent unfair barriers to employment and advancement.

Apply to Public and Private Use: While many assume polygraphs are only used in law enforcement, they are common in private security, energy, and transportation industries. The American Psychological Association confirms that physiological stress responses can be triggered by fear, not lies. This ban covers all public agencies and private employers equally to stop misuse of a method proven to be flawed.

Enforce With State Authority: To make the ban effective, the Texas Workforce Commission and the Office of the Attorney General will have clear authority to investigate violations and impose financial penalties. Consistent enforcement ensures that employers and agencies cannot evade the law or apply pressure through informal or "voluntary" tests. This enforcement structure brings polygraph regulation in line with other banned discriminatory practices.

Replace Polygraphs With Valid Methods

One-Year Transition for Agencies: Agencies that currently rely on polygraphs need a structured process to shift their procedures without disruption. A one-year transition period gives departments time to adopt new tools while ensuring no one's rights are violated during the change. This prevents operational confusion while affirming the ban is not optional or symbolic.

Fund Training in Alternatives: Evidence-based practices such as structured interviews, behavioral pattern analysis, and digital forensics have proven more accurate than polygraph tests. The state will fund mandatory training in these methods so that public agencies and large employers can move to practices that improve outcomes and withstand scrutiny.

Require Structured Investigative Tools: Texas will set clear guidelines for acceptable alternatives, emphasizing methods validated by research and accepted in court. These tools provide reliable ways to gather information without violating rights or using fear-based tactics. Replacing polygraphs with structured methods brings Texas in line with best practices nationwide.

Mandate Agency Exit Plans: Any public agency using polygraphs must submit a written exit plan detailing how they will phase out the practice and what alternatives they will use instead. Plans must be approved by the state and include timelines, personnel training, and compliance mechanisms. This avoids patchwork implementation and holds leadership accountable.

Offer Legal and Mental Health Aid: Texans who were harmed by polygraph misuse will be eligible for legal assistance and counseling services. False positives have led to lost jobs, denied security clearances, and damaged reputations. Offering legal and emotional recovery services acknowledges that past harm was real and deserves redress under state responsibility.

Educate the Public and Rebuild Trust

Launch Statewide Science Campaign: Many Texans still believe polygraphs detect lies because of their portrayal in television and outdated training. A statewide education campaign will inform the public, employers, and law enforcement about what polygraphs actually measure and why they are banned. This campaign ensures the law is not only enforced but understood.

Publicize Expert Consensus: Both the National Academy of Sciences and the American Psychological Association have found that polygraphs do not reliably detect deception and should not be used in high-stakes settings. Sharing this consensus in plain language will build support for the ban and encourage voluntary compliance before penalties are imposed.

Correct False Assumptions: Misconceptions about polygraphs are widespread, especially among employers who believe they provide clarity during hiring or internal conflict. In reality, polygraphs often generate confusion and false confidence. This campaign will replace myths with facts and encourage use of validated, bias-free alternatives.

Promote Accurate Evaluation Tools: There are fairer and more effective ways to evaluate honesty and reliability. Structured behavioral interviews, reference checks, and job performance metrics offer real insight without punishing medical or emotional conditions. Promoting these methods shows that banning polygraphs does not leave a vacuum but upgrades how we evaluate truth and trust.

Protect Medical Privacy: Polygraph tests are often biased against individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, or medical conditions that cause physiological stress. By removing polygraphs, Texas protects the privacy of those with mental health histories from being penalized or forced to disclose diagnoses under pressure.

End Unjust Pretrial Practices

Charge Required Within 24 Hours: People in Texas can still be jailed without being charged, sometimes for days. This practice violates due process and leaves individuals vulnerable to coercion or abuse. Texas will now require prosecutors to file formal charges within 24 hours of any arrest. If charges are not filed in time, the person must be released immediately. Courts will be required to document charge filings and provide real-time data to the public, improving both transparency and legal compliance.

End Cash Bail System: Cash bail allows wealthy people to avoid jail while poor people sit behind bars for the same offenses. This creates unequal justice that punishes poverty instead of crime. Texas will eliminate cash bail and adopt a risk-based pretrial system. Judges will use evidence-based tools to determine public safety risk or flight risk. The Pretrial Justice Institute and multiple pilot programs in other states have found that eliminating cash bail improves court appearance rates without increasing crime.

Limit Detention to 30 Days: People can be held in jail for months or even years without a trial, losing jobs, housing, and custody of children. Texas will cap pretrial detention at 30 days from the date charges are filed. After that period, the person must either be tried, convicted, or released. If the state fails to meet the deadline, the person is eligible for compensation. This enforces timely justice and reduces overcrowding, consistent with due process requirements under the Sixth Amendment.

Compensate Illegal Detention: When the state detains someone beyond the lawful time limit, it creates lasting harm. Texas will provide $100 per day for every day someone was held past 30 days without conviction. This payment will be tax-free, uncapped, and processed through the State Comptroller. The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers supports compensation for pretrial overdetention as a necessary protection of civil rights.

Independent Misconduct Office: Law enforcement agencies currently investigate their own misconduct, which leads to biased outcomes. Texas will create a fully independent office to investigate and prosecute any allegations of abuse by police, guards, or jail staff. This office will have subpoena power, a separate budget, and authority to publish public reports. Similar models in New York and California have led to increased public trust and reduced repeat violations.

Restore Dignity, Health, and Rehabilitation

Require Healthy Food: Prison food in Texas is often low in nutrition and high in processed ingredients, worsening chronic illness and morale. Meals must now meet statewide health standards and be served to both staff and inmates to ensure equality and quality. According to the American Public Health Association, nutritional reform in correctional facilities reduces healthcare costs and improves long-term outcomes.

Pay Wages for Inmate Labor: Texas inmates often work without pay or earn pennies per hour, even when producing goods for state agencies or private contractors. Inmate labor will now be paid at 25% to 50% of the state minimum wage, depending on training level and job duties. Funds will be split between trust savings, restitution, and child support. The Prison Policy Initiative and U.S. Department of Justice agree that fair wages reduce recidivism and improve post-release stability.

Provide Certified Education: Most prison education programs offer outdated content or no credentials. Texas will require that all education lead to a diploma, certification, or degree. Programs will include trades, logistics, culinary arts, and coding. All instruction must be taught by certified educators, and courses must be approved by the Texas Department of Education. RAND Corporation research shows that prisoners who participate in education are 43% less likely to reoffend.

Expand Licensed Medical Care: Many Texas prisons lack full-time medical and mental health professionals, resulting in untreated conditions and unnecessary deaths. Each facility must now have licensed providers available at all times, including for mental health and substance use disorders. Treatment must continue after release to prevent relapse or crisis. The National Commission on Correctional Health Care recommends continuous care as the standard of practice.

Cap Call and Commissary Fees: Families are often forced to pay inflated prices to stay in contact with incarcerated loved ones. Texas will cap the cost of phone calls, video calls, and commissary items at market rates and prohibit add-on deposit fees. Studies by the Urban Institute have shown that strong family contact reduces recidivism and improves reentry success.

Ensure Reentry, Oversight, and Retroactive Fairness

Guarantee Full Reentry Plan: Many people leave prison without ID, housing, or access to healthcare, making reentry nearly impossible. Every person leaving a Texas prison will now receive a full reentry plan that includes state ID, Social Security card, birth certificate, housing plan, job placement, Medicaid enrollment, and a printed legal record. The Vera Institute of Justice emphasizes that coordinated reentry support is essential to reduce homelessness and reoffending.

Assign Personal Caseworker: Reentry is a complex process that requires guidance and accountability. Each person will now be assigned a state-funded caseworker at least 30 days before release. The caseworker will be required to conduct weekly check-ins for 90 days and assist with employment, therapy, housing, and documentation. Performance will be audited and evaluated by the people receiving support to ensure quality.

Limit Employer Bias: Criminal records often block access to jobs, even when unrelated to job duties. Employers in Texas may only ask about convictions relevant to the specific position. Blanket exclusions will be prohibited, and businesses participating in verified reentry programs will receive state tax incentives. The National Employment Law Project supports fair-chance hiring practices to reduce systemic unemployment and improve safety.

Create Oversight Boards: Texas prisons and jails lack meaningful external review. Civilian oversight boards will be created for every facility, with full investigative authority and public reporting obligations. Boards will review use of force, solitary confinement, medical delays, and program participation. Each board will be composed of term-limited public members and will publish quarterly reports. This model aligns with recommendations from the Prison Policy Initiative.

Apply Reforms Retroactively: Many Texans have already suffered under outdated or abusive systems. Where legally possible, Texas will apply all reforms retroactively. Compensation will be available to anyone held beyond 30 days without conviction within the past year. Reentry support will be reopened for those released in the last 12 months. The Innocence Project and American Bar Association both support retroactive justice when new standards are adopted.

Close Gun Access Loopholes

Universal Background Checks: Texas allows many firearm purchases without checks, including those at gun shows, online, or between individuals. According to Everytown for Gun Safety, states with universal background checks have lower rates of gun deaths. This policy requires background checks for every firearm sale in Texas with no exceptions, making the screening system complete and enforceable.

End Private Sale Bypass: Gun shows and online markets create loopholes that let people avoid federal checks. The Giffords Law Center confirms these gaps are commonly used to obtain weapons unlawfully. The new standard closes those paths by making it illegal to sell or trade firearms in Texas without a licensed background check.

Safe Storage Education: Many firearm accidents and youth suicides begin with unsecured guns in the home. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all homes with children secure firearms. This plan launches a public campaign to teach gun safety through schools, clinics, and community spaces, with no criminal penalty and no required registration.

Family-Focused Outreach: Households with guns often lack access to gun safety resources. A statewide program will provide materials in multiple languages, free or low-cost locking devices, and school-led outreach focused on protecting children. Local police, hospitals, and educators will support the program without turning it into a punishment model.

Community Safety Panels: School security decisions often ignore local concerns. Each district will form a safety panel with parents, teachers, and community members who review school policies, give feedback on reforms, and ensure that security changes reflect the realities and values of the local area.

Modernize Campus Safety Systems

Annual Safety Audits: Many Texas schools have never had a professional safety assessment. The Texas School Safety Center found inconsistent standards across the state. This policy mandates yearly audits of every public school campus with findings used to apply for grants and make changes based on expert recommendations.

State-Funded Upgrades: Rural and underfunded districts cannot afford new doors, locks, or alert systems on their own. To solve that, the state will provide direct grants for necessary improvements like secure entryways, camera networks, and locked classroom doors. Schools will be prioritized based on need and risk.

Controlled School Access: Shootings often begin with uncontrolled access. The Sandy Hook Advisory Commission emphasized the importance of secure doors and entry points. This policy supports locking systems, badged entry, and one-door visitor check-in protocols for all campuses statewide.

Emergency Alert Systems: Many schools do not have a way to contact emergency services quickly and silently. Panic buttons and campus-wide alert systems are recommended by the National Association of School Resource Officers. These tools will be installed as part of the upgrade grants and standardized in all public schools.

Trained School Officers: School-based law enforcement can be effective only when trained for that role. Officers must complete certification in youth de-escalation, trauma response, and student rights before working on a campus. Oversight panels will ensure accountability, and rural districts can choose whether to participate.

Fund Mental Health and Early Prevention

Full-Time School Counselors: Texas has one of the highest student-to-counselor ratios in the country. The American School Counselor Association recommends 1 counselor for every 250 students, yet Texas often exceeds 1 per 400. This plan guarantees funding for full-time licensed counselors in every public school.

Staff Crisis Response Training: Teachers and staff are often the first to notice emotional instability or violence risk. With proper training, they can act before problems escalate. Every adult on campus will receive ongoing instruction on how to recognize, report, and respond to mental health and violence concerns without fear of doing harm.

Early Behavior Education: Conflict resolution and emotional control must be taught young. According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, students with early non-violence education are more resilient and less aggressive. Texas schools will introduce standardized, age-appropriate lessons starting in elementary grades.

Anonymous Threat Reporting: Students, staff, and families often spot danger early but are afraid to report it. Anonymous digital platforms allow early warnings without stigma. Like Safe2Tell in Colorado, Texas will implement a system that tracks trends, flags patterns, and triggers school and law enforcement responses within hours, not days.

Mental Health-Safe Drills: Active shooter drills can traumatize students if not designed properly. The National Association of School Psychologists warns against hyper-realistic drills. A statewide drill standard will require expert review, age-appropriate practice, and follow-up support for students who experience anxiety or distress.

Criminalize Digital Sexual Violence

Felony Deepfake Porn: Texas law does not clearly criminalize deepfake pornography, which allows predators to manipulate images and videos to depict sexual content without consent. Creating, sharing, or possessing non-consensual deepfake content will be classified as a felony, and survivors will be allowed to press criminal charges or sue civilly. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has identified deepfake abuse as an urgent and growing threat, making full criminalization essential.

Felony Revenge Porn: Revenge porn in Texas is often treated as a misdemeanor, which fails to reflect the permanent harm caused to victims. This policy elevates non-consensual sharing of intimate images or videos to an automatic felony with mandatory minimum prison time. According to the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, treating these cases seriously is the only way to stop repeat offenders and restore dignity to survivors.

Felony Sextortion Threats: Texas law currently struggles to prosecute sextortion until after images are leaked. This leaves survivors vulnerable and powerless. Under this policy, any threat to expose intimate material becomes a felony, even if nothing is published. The U.S. Department of Justice recommends criminalizing threats themselves to allow earlier intervention and protect victims from ongoing abuse.

No Statute Limitations: Survivors of digital sexual violence may wait years before feeling safe enough to report. Removing the statute of limitations allows justice to be pursued when the survivor is ready. The American Psychological Association confirms that trauma can delay reporting and supports removing time-based barriers to prosecution.

Equal Penalties for False Claims: Knowingly filing a false accusation can destroy reputations and erode trust in the legal system. This policy applies equal penalties to any person proven in court to have maliciously and intentionally filed a false claim of digital sexual violence. The sentence would match the one that would have been given to the falsely accused. The Innocence Project and legal ethics scholars support parity in punishment only when malicious intent is proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Build Survivor Support Systems

24-Hour Legal Hotline: Survivors face confusing agency boundaries when seeking help. A state-run 24-hour Digital Sexual Violence Hotline will give victims access to lawyers, advocates, and law enforcement immediately. The National Sexual Assault Hotline model shows that centralized, trauma-informed services improve reporting rates and access to justice.

Special DA Units: Most Texas counties do not have prosecutors trained in digital sex crimes. Every District Attorney's office will be required to staff a Digital Sexual Violence Unit. These teams will be trained to handle deepfake, sextortion, and revenge porn cases. The Texas District and County Attorneys Association recommends unit specialization to improve efficiency and survivor safety.

Trauma-Informed Staff: Untrained staff often re-traumatize survivors or mishandle sensitive evidence. Hotline, DA, and response teams will include trained trauma professionals who understand digital exploitation and consent dynamics. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network confirms that trauma-informed care leads to stronger survivor participation and more reliable case outcomes.

Regional Legal Teams: Rural areas may lack the resources to build full-time digital units. The state will fund shared regional prosecution teams that rotate across counties. This model mirrors successful programs in Colorado and Minnesota that extend legal access to underserved areas.

Digital Consent Curriculum: Texas students receive little education about online safety or sexual boundaries. A statewide Digital Consent Curriculum will begin in middle school and cover online privacy, consent, and legal consequences. Common Sense Media and child safety experts recommend digital consent education as part of a modern prevention strategy.

Hold Platforms Accountable

24-Hour Takedown Law: When victims request removal of non-consensual sexual content, tech companies often delay or deny action. Texas will require platforms to remove such material within 24 hours of legal notice. Germany's Network Enforcement Act has shown that strict deadlines force better corporate behavior and faster victim relief.

Scaled Corporate Fines: Small and large companies should not face the same penalties. Fines for takedown failures will be scaled to company size and revenue to ensure fairness while maintaining pressure. The European Union's Digital Services Act uses this approach to regulate global and local platforms without crushing smaller businesses.

Victim Lawsuit Rights: Even with takedown laws, victims are often left without compensation. This policy gives survivors the right to sue platforms that fail to comply after formal notice. Civil liability empowers victims and motivates corporate accountability. The Electronic Frontier Foundation has supported expanding victim civil rights in digital harm cases.

Mandatory Cooperation Rules: Law enforcement frequently struggles to obtain evidence or takedowns from platforms. The policy establishes mandatory cooperation timelines for Texas-based investigations. The National Network to End Domestic Violence advocates for enforceable cooperation standards to protect victims of online abuse.

Transparency Reporting: Most platforms do not publish how often they act on takedown notices or cooperate with law enforcement. Texas will require annual public reports on compliance rates and takedown actions. Australia's eSafety Commission has demonstrated that transparency requirements improve corporate behavior and strengthen trust in enforcement systems.

Public Control Over Benefits

Build State-Run Benefits Platform: Private vendors create unnecessary barriers and confusion in core programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and unemployment. Applicants face broken portals, delays, and error-prone systems designed for cost-cutting, not service. We will build the Texas Direct Access System, a single, ad-free, multilingual platform operated entirely by the State of Texas. According to the Urban Institute, public-run digital systems lead to better enrollment outcomes and reduced administrative error.

Eliminate Vendor Skimming: Many Texans receive benefits through third-party processors that charge fees or sell user data. Prepaid debit card contracts often include ATM charges, balance inquiry fees, and withdrawal limits that quietly reduce aid. The National Consumer Law Center has reported that these practices harm low-income families and reduce benefit impact. A public system will eliminate third-party financial products and ensure full value reaches recipients.

Protect Resident Data: Private vendors collect and store sensitive data across benefit systems, often with vague oversight and inconsistent standards. These risks include identity theft, location tracking, and misuse for marketing. We will limit access to verified public agencies only and require regular audits and user protections. The Electronic Frontier Foundation warns that contractor-controlled platforms often lack basic privacy safeguards and allow backdoor surveillance.

Hire Public Service Staff: Contracting out benefit administration has hollowed out public jobs and created service delays. Instead of expanding outsourcing, we will hire Texans directly to manage these systems. The Economic Policy Institute finds that direct public employment improves job quality and strengthens long-term system resilience.

Create Workforce Training Corps: Texas lacks a pipeline to train and place workers in public systems. We will establish a Texas Public Service Corps that trains veterans, recent graduates, and underemployed Texans to fill roles in benefits, IT, and public health. Programs modeled on this approach have proven effective at building stable careers and reducing reliance on outside consultants, according to the National Association of State Personnel Executives.

Transparency and Accountability

Audit All Benefit Contracts: Texans do not know how much is paid to benefit vendors or whether they perform well. Contracts are renewed without review and often shielded from public scrutiny. We will launch a full independent audit of all state benefit and digital services contracts, including health care, prisons, education testing, and unemployment. The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission has already identified gaps in oversight for major public contracts.

Ban No-Bid Contracting: No-bid and one-bid contracts dominate key public systems, resulting in inflated prices and limited competition. These deals benefit political insiders and block innovation. We will ban no-bid awards in benefit administration and require multiple qualified proposals for any new contract. The Government Accountability Office has shown that competitive bidding reduces costs and increases service quality.

Prioritize Texas Nonprofits: Out-of-state corporations hold the majority of digital service contracts related to public benefits. These vendors often lack local accountability and contribute little to Texas communities. We will give preference to Texas-based public or nonprofit providers whenever available. According to research from the University of Texas at Austin, local investment in public infrastructure yields higher long-term returns than outsourced solutions.

Disclose Ownership and Donors: Contract recipients are not required to disclose who owns them, how much they pay executives, or what political donations they have made. We will require all benefit contractors to disclose full ownership, executive compensation, and political donations made over the last 5 years. Transparency International recommends this as a baseline to prevent corruption and improve contract fairness.

Publish Spending Dashboards: Texans cannot easily track who holds state contracts or what they cost. We will create a public dashboard with real-time data on all contracts, vendors, and performance outcomes. Plain-language summaries will allow every resident to understand how taxpayer money is spent. The Sunlight Foundation supports such dashboards as a best practice for democratic accountability.

Fair Service and Access

Fix Wrongful Denials: Thousands of Texans are wrongly cut off from benefits due to eligibility errors and poorly managed systems. Appeals are slow, confusing, and rarely succeed. We will reduce wrongful denials by using a streamlined eligibility system designed to verify facts in real time and flag errors before termination. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities confirms that public-run systems with built-in safeguards reduce erroneous terminations.

Streamline Benefit Appeals: When people are denied benefits unfairly, they often cannot afford legal support or navigate the appeals process. We will create a direct, step-by-step digital appeal system with guaranteed timelines and human case reviewers. Legal aid organizations in Texas have long identified appeal delays as a major barrier to justice in public benefits.

Phase Out Bad Vendors: Even when vendors fail, they are often renewed without consequence due to a lack of alternatives. We will phase out underperforming contractors over a 4-year period, replacing them with public staff or qualified Texas-based partners. The transition will prevent service gaps while restoring trust. States like California have used this model in moving unemployment systems in-house.

Enforce Service Standards: Texas does not require minimum service benchmarks for contractors beyond technical uptime. We will implement standards based on speed, accuracy, and user satisfaction, and apply penalties for failure to meet them. The National Association of State Procurement Officials supports this model as a method to improve results and reduce fraud.

Allow Private Roles Only if Needed: This policy does not eliminate private contracts. If no public or nonprofit alternative exists, the state may still contract with private firms that meet strict transparency and performance rules. This keeps flexibility while protecting the public interest. The American Society for Public Administration advises that selective contracting can work when it supports a public-led system.

Eliminate Property Taxes for Fixed-Income Texans

End All Taxes on Primary Homes for Seniors: Seniors on fixed incomes are being taxed out of their homes even after decades of ownership. This policy will eliminate all property taxes on primary residences for Texans receiving Social Security, beginning in the first year. This provides immediate financial relief and protects long-term homeownership. According to the National Council on Aging, property taxes are a leading factor in senior poverty and home loss.

Include Disabled, Veteran, and Retired Texans: Texans with disabilities and veterans receiving pension or disability benefits are treated like full-wage earners under the current system. This policy includes them by fully exempting their primary homes from property taxes. Benefits from SSDI, SSI, VA disability, and retirement accounts will qualify a household for full exemption.

Apply Automatic Exemption With No Renewal: Many eligible Texans lose out on tax relief because they do not know they qualify or cannot navigate the paperwork. This policy creates automatic enrollment using state and federal benefit databases. Eligible households will not need to reapply each year, preventing unnecessary burdens and bureaucratic errors.

Ban Foreclosure for Unpaid Property Taxes: Texas counties can currently seize homes over unpaid taxes even if the owner is elderly, disabled, or low-income. This policy will make it illegal to foreclose on exempt households due to property tax debt. The protection will be permanent and written into statute as part of the phase-out law.

Protect Retirement Income From All New Taxes: Retirement income, savings, and pensions will remain tax-free under this plan. Capital gains and wealth taxes will not apply to IRAs, 401(k)s, or VA benefits. This ensures that older Texans are protected financially and that retirement savings are not undermined by the new revenue structure.

Phase Out Property Taxes for Families and Renters

Launch 10-Year Statewide Phase-Out: Property taxes on working families rise every year while wages stagnate. We will begin a 10-year phase-out of property taxes on primary homes, small rental units, and owner-occupied farmland. The policy starts with new credits and gradually reduces rates while replacing revenue.

Provide Refundable Credits From Year One: Families need relief now, not years from now. Starting in year one, refundable state tax credits will offset property tax burdens for homeowners and renters. This ensures financial stability while the full plan unfolds.

Cap Homestead Appraisal Growth: Many local tax increases come not from rate hikes but from skyrocketing appraisals. This policy caps the annual growth of appraised value for homesteads to prevent hidden tax hikes. According to the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, appraisal limits are essential for long-term affordability.

Fund Schools With New State-Level Revenue: Public schools rely on property taxes because the state has not taken full responsibility for funding. This plan shifts school funding to the state by using wealth and luxury taxes to create an equalization fund. By year six, the state will cover at least 50% of all school budgets, increasing as local taxes phase out.

Issue Direct Renter Credits to Prevent Pass-Through Costs: Renters indirectly pay property taxes through higher rent. To prevent landlords from passing costs on during the transition, this policy offers direct refundable tax credits to renters. This helps stabilize housing and ensures renters receive the same benefits as homeowners.

Replace Revenue Through Fair Wealth Taxes

Tax Wealth Above $1 Million Starting at 5%: Texas currently has no state-level tax on the wealthiest individuals, forcing local governments to overtax homeowners and renters. This policy introduces a new tax on total income and assets above $1 million, starting at 5%. Only the top 2% of Texans will be affected.

Increase Rates at $4 Million and Beyond: To prevent concentrated wealth from escaping fair taxation, the plan raises rates by 1% for each million above $4 million. The top tier will pay up to 20%. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy recommends tiered wealth taxes as a proven way to reduce inequality and raise stable revenue.

Apply 1% Annual Tax on Luxury Holdings Over $10 Million: Luxury assets like mega-yachts, private jets, and non-homestead real estate holdings currently go untaxed at the state level. This policy adds a 1% annual tax on luxury holdings worth over $10 million to fund schools, health care, and public infrastructure.

Create Tax Justice Unit for Enforcement: Wealth taxes are only effective if enforced. This policy creates a dedicated Tax Justice Unit within the Comptroller's Office to audit high earners, investigate shell companies, and penalize tax avoidance. According to the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, targeted tax enforcement dramatically increases compliance.

Establish Statewide Equalization Fund for Public Services: All new revenue from wealth and luxury taxes will be directed into a statewide equalization fund. This fund will fully replace local property tax revenue and guarantee uninterrupted support for schools, health care, and essential services across Texas.

Guarantee Texans Clear Data Rights

Plain Language Terms: Texans are regularly asked to agree to terms they cannot understand, creating consent without clarity. Companies often bury key information in legal jargon, making it impossible for users to know what they are agreeing to. Texas will require all digital agreements and data policies to be written in plain language that a ninth-grade student can read and understand within 15 minutes. Terms that are confusing or hidden will be considered invalid. The Electronic Privacy Information Center supports plain-language requirements as a basic foundation of data rights.

Right to Be Forgotten: Once data is collected, most Texans cannot erase it or control how long it is kept. Texas will guarantee every resident a Right to Be Forgotten. Any company that holds personal data must delete it within 30 days of a verified request, including all copies held by third-party partners or vendors. The Center for Democracy and Technology identifies data erasure as essential to personal safety, especially for survivors of abuse, harassment, or identity theft.

One-Click Data Opt-Out: Many websites and apps begin collecting data before users even see a privacy setting. Texans will gain the right to opt out of all data collection, profiling, and tracking through a visible, one-click option presented at the start of any digital interaction. The Federal Trade Commission warns that delayed or hidden opt-outs violate fair consent and create widespread consumer harm. This solution puts the choice in the hands of the user.

Fines Tied to Revenue: Minor fines have failed to change the behavior of large tech companies. Texas will impose penalties of 5% of gross annual revenue for a first violation and 10% for a second. Parent companies will be responsible for subsidiaries, and legal loopholes will be closed. The International Association of Privacy Professionals has reported that fines based on revenue are the only model with proven impact across global jurisdictions.

Digital Literacy in Schools: Young Texans are highly connected but lack education on digital safety. Texas will launch a mandatory statewide curriculum in public high schools focused on digital rights, scam detection, privacy settings, and online consent. Lessons will be developed with input from cybersecurity experts, educators, and health professionals. According to Common Sense Media, early education in digital literacy reduces online harm and increases civic participation.

Protect Texans From Spam, Scams, and Data Abuse

Fines for Data Leaks: Phone numbers are frequently leaked or sold without consent, enabling robocalls and scams. Texas will fine any company that leaks or sells personal phone data without clear permission. Each confirmed violation will carry a minimum penalty and trigger further investigation. The Federal Communications Commission identifies data exposure as the root cause of modern telecom fraud and urges stronger enforcement.

Free Spam-Blocking Tools: Texans are often forced to pay for protection from the very systems they rely on. Texas will require all telecom carriers to provide effective spam-blocking tools at no cost to users. These tools must include real-time call screening, robocall detection, and automatic blocking of known fraud networks. The National Consumer Law Center states that carriers already have the technology but lack the legal incentive to provide it fairly.

Ban Repeat Telecom Offenders: Some telecom providers repeatedly allow scam activity by failing to act or by profiting from high-volume calls. Texas will revoke the right to operate in the state from any carrier that enables ongoing abuse of consumers. This enforcement will apply regardless of the provider's size or location. The FCC's own enforcement records show that without state-level accountability, major violators continue their operations.

Verify Robocalls and Mass Texts: Scam campaigns often rely on unverified robocalls or mass text blasts to reach thousands of people. Texas will require carriers to verify the source of mass messaging campaigns before transmission. Known scammers will be blocked in advance. The National Fraud Information Center has shown that pre-verification cuts down scam volume and increases public trust.

Mandatory Telecom Accountability: Texans currently have few ways to report violations that lead to action. Under this policy, each verified spam complaint will result in a minimum $1,000 fine and will be made public. Carriers must report quarterly on enforcement actions and system improvements. According to Consumer Reports, strong transparency requirements reduce industry negligence and drive better service.

Make High-Speed Internet Public, Fair, and Reliable

End Monopoly Carve-Outs: Texas communities are often served by only one provider because of secret agreements between companies not to compete. These deals create fake choice and inflated prices. Texas will ban all territorial arrangements and require open competition in every region. The Institute for Local Self-Reliance reports that breaking up telecom monopolies lowers prices and increases coverage.

Legalize Broadband Co-Ops: Rural and underserved Texans often organize co-ops to bring reliable service to their communities but face legal and financial barriers. Texas will legalize broadband cooperatives, shield them from corporate lawsuits, and make them eligible for grants and loans. According to the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society, co-ops offer faster speeds and lower prices with stronger local control.

Set Fair Service Standards: Texans are often promised high speeds and low prices but receive something entirely different. Texas will require all providers to publish average real-world speeds and show all costs up front. Data caps will only be allowed if technically justified, and hidden fees will be banned. Consumer Reports has found that clear, enforceable standards improve satisfaction and reduce billing abuse.

Require Shared Network Access: Some companies block competitors from using public infrastructure, limiting choice and inflating costs. Texas will require that any company using public lines or towers must allow fair access to competitors at regulated rates. The Public Utility Commission of Texas has warned that exclusive control of public assets drives up prices and reduces innovation.

Keep Taxpayer Networks Public: Networks built with public dollars are often handed over to private companies. Texas will require that all broadband systems funded by taxpayers remain in public hands, with oversight from local governments and fair-use guarantees. Shared access must be allowed to multiple providers. According to the National Broadband Plan, public ownership ensures accountability and long-term value for residents.

Set a Strict 10-Year Service Limit Across All State Offices

Max 10 Years Total Service: Texas currently allows politicians to serve indefinitely by switching offices or running for reelection without limit. We will cap total service in Texas government at 10 years, regardless of role or branch. This prevents long-term consolidation of power and ensures more turnover and representation. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, term limits promote accountability and reduce careerism in public office.

Applies Across Branches: Our cap will apply across both legislative and executive offices. Time served in one chamber or agency will count against the 10-year total, stopping politicians from jumping between roles to extend their influence. This approach ensures fair enforcement and avoids political loopholes.

No Rollover Between Roles: Politicians who have served in one office cannot gain additional years by shifting into another. For example, a person who served 8 years in the House will only be allowed 2 more years in any state position. Cumulative service will be counted toward the same 10-year maximum.

No Grandfather Clause: This policy will not exempt anyone based on current office or past elections. No years will be reset or disregarded. Every official, including those already serving, will be subject to the same limits moving forward. This ensures equal application of the law.

Requires Voter Amendment: Because term limits cannot be imposed by statute, we will file a constitutional amendment and place it on the statewide ballot. Texans will have the opportunity to approve this change directly, ensuring public trust and avoiding legal ambiguity.

Reinforce Accountability with Fair Benefit Rules

Forfeit Benefits if Term Not Completed: Elected officials who quit early or are removed from office should not continue receiving retirement pay or post-service benefits. Texas taxpayers should not fund lifetime perks for incomplete service. This provision will ensure benefits are earned only through full term completion.

Benefits Based on Full Term Service: To qualify for any post-service benefits, elected officials must complete their entire elected term. Partial service will not count toward retirement or benefit thresholds. This rule reinforces public service as a duty, not a stepping stone.

No Early Retirement Credit: Officials will not receive credit toward retirement for prior service if they do not fulfill their final elected term. This eliminates manipulation of benefit calculations and ensures accountability until the last day in office.

Applies to Elected State Offices Only: This policy will apply only to elected positions in the Texas executive and legislative branches. It will not affect civil servants or judicial officials covered under separate employment contracts and retirement systems.

Includes All Health and Pension Perks: The forfeiture policy will apply to all continued benefits funded by the state, including health coverage, pension payments, and any other post-office entitlements. These benefits will only be activated upon full term completion.

Support Turnover with Ethics and Continuity Reforms

Staff Training Expansion: To ensure institutional knowledge does not depend on long-term politicians, we will invest in professional training and development for legislative and executive staff. Government will be led by stable, skilled professionals who outlast electoral cycles.

Agency Transition Plans: Every state agency will be required to maintain a formal transition protocol to preserve policy continuity and operational stability. These plans will include public documentation, internal guidance, and handoff briefings to new leadership.

Stronger Ethics Enforcement: We will strengthen the Texas Ethics Commission with more oversight authority and independent enforcement tools. New rules will include mandatory disclosures and stronger penalties for violations to protect against corruption and abuse of office.

Full Campaign Finance Transparency: We will require real-time digital reporting of all campaign donations and expenditures. This will ensure voters know who is funding campaigns and how money influences decision-making. Transparency will support the goals of term limits by reducing dependency on long-term donors.

Public Access to Official Records: To improve oversight and continuity, all major policy memos, directives, and budget decisions will be archived and available to the public. This supports transparency and allows future officeholders to build on previous efforts without delay or confusion.

End DOGE and Reallocate Funds

Abolish DOGE by Statute: The Texas Office of Economic Development and Tourism has failed to produce consistent results for taxpayers and often allocates funds without long-term value. We will file legislation to formally abolish the agency by statute, creating a legal and enforceable path to close its operations and stop wasteful spending.

Redirect Funds to Infrastructure: Texas faces severe needs in roads, bridges, water systems, and broadband, especially in fast-growing and underserved areas. Redirecting DOGE funds to infrastructure projects will create jobs and provide lasting benefits. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, every $1 billion invested in highway infrastructure supports over 13,000 jobs.

Redirect Funds to Workforce Pipelines: Texas industries report a critical shortage of skilled workers. We will invest in workforce pipelines such as apprenticeships, technical schools, and job placement programs. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board confirms that investment in postsecondary career education directly improves employment and wage outcomes across the state.

Reassign DOGE Staff to Agencies: Eliminating DOGE does not mean mass layoffs. We will reassign its staff to existing state agencies like the Texas Workforce Commission and the Department of Agriculture. This preserves institutional knowledge and allows experienced personnel to support areas with proven public benefit.

Freeze All Discretionary Awards: Discretionary economic development awards often lack transparency and are issued without clear public return. We will freeze all DOGE awards immediately. This pause will stay in place until a full public performance audit is completed and reviewed by the legislature and Comptroller's office.

Increase Transparency and Accountability

Public Performance Audit: DOGE has distributed millions without clear proof of results. We will commission a full performance audit by the State Auditor's Office, with findings published for public review. According to the Government Accountability Office, such audits are essential to measuring economic development program success.

Publish Wage and Job Outcome Report: Many DOGE grants promised job creation but never tracked actual results. We will require the publication of job and wage outcome data for every major grant program. This includes real figures, not projections, so Texans can see if companies met their commitments.

Create Clawback Enforcement Database: Companies that fail to meet job targets often keep public funds. We will create a public clawback database to show when penalties are assessed, collected, or waived. Good Jobs First reports that most states lack enforcement, but public tracking improves compliance and recovery.

Require Full Contract Transparency: Taxpayer-funded development deals should be public records. We will require that all contracts list job targets, wage thresholds, performance timelines, and penalty clauses. According to the Center for Public Integrity, contract transparency reduces corruption and increases efficiency.

Unify State-Local Project Review: Redundant review processes waste time and money. We will create a shared project review board to align state and local decisions. The Texas Economic Development Council has called for better coordination to ensure that regional and state efforts support each other instead of competing.

Prioritize Rural and Local Development

Create Rural Investment Board: Rural communities have been consistently underfunded. We will establish a Rural Investment Board within the Texas Treasury to manage rural development funds with clear criteria and full public oversight. This board will operate independently of partisan or donor influence.

Issue Rural Grants Through Treasury: Grant programs should be managed by offices with financial and operational experience. The Texas Treasury already administers local infrastructure funds and will now issue rural economic development grants. This guarantees stability, oversight, and consistent standards across all rural investments.

Use Formula-Based, Transparent Funding: Rural funds should follow need, not politics. We will use clear formulas that account for population, infrastructure gaps, and workforce data. The USDA and Texas Department of Agriculture both recommend formula funding as a best practice to reach underserved areas.

Focus on Rural Infrastructure: Without roads, internet, and clean water, rural areas cannot compete. We will prioritize infrastructure projects that directly support farming, small business, and public health. According to the Rural Community Assistance Partnership, rural infrastructure is the foundation for economic mobility and retention.

Support Rural Job and Water Projects: Water scarcity and job access are top concerns in rural Texas. We will fund targeted projects that support workforce development, agricultural innovation, and clean water solutions. The Texas Water Development Board confirms that rural communities face unique supply challenges that require dedicated investment.

Tie Funding to Results and Public Accountability

Require Performance Benchmarks: Many Texas transit projects expand despite poor ridership or access outcomes. To stop this, all new and expanded projects must meet clear benchmarks that measure ridership growth, cost efficiency, and community access. If they fail to meet those targets, they will not receive additional funding. According to the Texas Transportation Institute, performance-based funding models help prevent waste and improve service quality.

Publish Annual Scorecards: Texans deserve to see exactly how transportation dollars are being spent. A public scorecard will be published every year and presented at legislative hearings. It will list each funded project, its costs, ridership outcomes, access metrics, and whether it met its stated goals. This follows the model recommended by the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission to increase oversight.

Phase Projects by Results: Projects that underperform often continue without review. Our policy requires that all state-funded transit projects be built in stages. Each stage must meet measurable results before the next phase begins. This phased approach helps limit waste and allows the state to redirect funds when necessary, following guidance from the Urban Land Institute.

Create Waste Audit Task Force: Contract duplication and inflated costs have wasted millions. We will create a permanent Waste Audit Task Force to review all major transportation contracts. This team will identify waste and inefficiencies and redirect recovered dollars into infrastructure Texans actually use. All findings will be made public and reviewed annually by the legislature, in line with Texas State Auditor's Office recommendations.

Base Funding on Cost Per Trip: Transit agencies that spend more but move fewer people are not delivering value. All state funds will be tied to cost per trip, ridership growth, and equity of access. Projects that serve the most people efficiently will be prioritized. The National Transit Database has shown this metric is a strong indicator of success and fairness.

Expand Access in Rural and Underserved Areas

Guarantee Rural Funding Share: Rural Texas has been left behind in transit planning. Our policy reserves a guaranteed share of state transit funds for rural regions, including counties served by Brazos Transit, Alamo Regional Transit, and others. These percentages will be published each year and reviewed by the Texas Legislative Budget Board to ensure fair treatment.

Support Local Connector Services: Many small towns lack basic connections to jobs, doctors, or groceries. Our plan funds flexible systems like vanpools, small bus lines, and town-to-city connectors. These services will be supported by the Texas Rural Mobility Fund and modeled on existing systems in regions like the Panhandle and Brazos Valley.

Require Local Advisory Board Votes: Transit projects often fail because they are imposed without community input. We will require each region to seat an advisory board with binding voting power on all transit projects receiving state funds. This ensures that local voices shape the services they rely on, following models used in North Carolina and California.

Allow Voter Override Petitions: Communities need a way to act when local boards get it wrong. If a project is blocked by the board, local residents can override that decision through a petition signed by at least 10% of registered voters. Signatures will be verified by the county clerk and followed by a public hearing before final review.

Provide Printed and Phone Options: Digital-only systems exclude seniors and rural residents. Every transit agency receiving state funds must offer printed schedules, a staffed phone line, and in-person trip planning help. These requirements follow recommendations from AARP and the Texas Transportation Poll, which show that non-digital support increases access and satisfaction.

Modernize Fleets and Improve System Design

Mandate Full Electrification by 2035: Outdated diesel fleets are costly and polluting. All public transit systems receiving state funds must convert to electric fleets by 2035. This transition is projected to cost $4 to $6 billion but save more than $7 billion in fuel and maintenance. Workforce training for the conversion will be coordinated through community colleges and union trade programs, as supported by the American Public Transportation Association.

Require Safe Stops and Shelters: Transit is unusable if it feels unsafe. All new stops, stations, and hubs must include lighting, weather shelter, and clean, accessible restrooms. Systems that do not meet these standards will be barred from receiving new funds until they comply. The Federal Transit Administration has confirmed that basic safety and comfort features raise ridership and reduce crime.

Enforce ADA Compliance: Many systems in Texas fall short of federal accessibility standards. This includes missing curb ramps, lack of audible announcements, and poor signage. Our policy requires full ADA compliance for all state-supported projects. The U.S. Department of Justice has ruled that accessibility is not optional, and our plan will enforce this across the state.

Launch Texas Mobility App: Trip planning is fragmented across Texas. The Texas Mobility App will allow riders to plan routes, view schedules, and pay fares across systems. The app will store only anonymized data, undergo annual cybersecurity audits, and remain open-source. It will be complemented by offline tools to ensure no Texan is excluded.

Approve Rail Only with Local Consent: High-speed and intercity rail should not move forward without local agreement. Projects must be privately financed and receive written approval from every affected county. Each proposal must undergo a cost-benefit analysis by a neutral reviewer approved by the legislature. This ensures community support and financial responsibility, following best practices from the Government Accountability Office.

Policy Details

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Prevent Access to Dangerous Individuals

Universal Background Checks: Texas allows many firearm purchases without checks, including those at gun shows, online, or between individuals. According to Everytown for Gun Safety, states with universal background checks have lower rates of gun deaths. This policy requires background checks for every firearm sale in Texas with no exceptions, making the screening system complete and enforceable.

**End Private Sale Bypass:** Gun shows and online markets create loopholes that let people avoid federal checks. The Giffords Law Center confirms these gaps are commonly used to obtain weapons unlawfully. The new standard closes those paths by making it illegal to sell or trade firearms in Texas without a licensed background check.

**Safe Storage Education:** Many firearm accidents and youth suicides begin with unsecured guns in the home. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all homes with children secure firearms. This plan launches a public campaign to teach gun safety through schools, clinics, and community spaces, with no criminal penalty and no required registration.

**Family-Focused Outreach:** Households with guns often lack access to gun safety resources. A statewide program will provide materials in multiple languages, free or low-cost locking devices, and school-led outreach focused on protecting children. Local police, hospitals, and educators will support the program without turning it into a punishment model.

**Community Safety Panels:** School security decisions often ignore local concerns. Each district will form a safety panel with parents, teachers, and community members who review school policies, give feedback on reforms, and ensure that security changes reflect the realities and values of the local area.test

Strengthen School Safety Infrastructure

Annual Safety Audits: Many Texas schools have never had a professional safety assessment. The Texas School Safety Center found inconsistent standards across the state. This policy mandates yearly audits of every public school campus with findings used to apply for grants and make changes based on expert recommendations.

**State-Funded Upgrades:** Rural and underfunded districts cannot afford new doors, locks, or alert systems on their own. To solve that, the state will provide direct grants for necessary improvements like secure entryways, camera networks, and locked classroom doors. Schools will be prioritized based on need and risk.

**Controlled School Access:** Shootings often begin with uncontrolled access. The Sandy Hook Advisory Commission emphasized the importance of secure doors and entry points. This policy supports locking systems, badged entry, and one-door visitor check-in protocols for all campuses statewide.

**Emergency Alert Systems:** Many schools do not have a way to contact emergency services quickly and silently. Panic buttons and campus-wide alert systems are recommended by the National Association of School Resource Officers. These tools will be installed as part of the upgrade grants and standardized in all public schools.

**Trained School Officers:** School-based law enforcement can be effective only when trained for that role. Officers must complete certification in youth de-escalation, trauma response, and student rights before working on a campus. Oversight panels will ensure accountability, and rural districts can choose whether to participate.

Invest in Mental Health and Early Intervention

Full-Time School Counselors: Texas has one of the highest student-to-counselor ratios in the country. The American School Counselor Association recommends 1 counselor for every 250 students, yet Texas often exceeds 1 per 400. This plan guarantees funding for full-time licensed counselors in every public school.

**Staff Crisis Response Training:** Teachers and staff are often the first to notice emotional instability or violence risk. With proper training, they can act before problems escalate. Every adult on campus will receive ongoing instruction on how to recognize, report, and respond to mental health and violence concerns without fear of doing harm.

**Early Behavior Education:** Conflict resolution and emotional control must be taught young. According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, students with early non-violence education are more resilient and less aggressive. Texas schools will introduce standardized, age-appropriate lessons starting in elementary grades.

**Anonymous Threat Reporting:** Students, staff, and families often spot danger early but are afraid to report it. Anonymous digital platforms allow early warnings without stigma. Like Safe2Tell in Colorado, Texas will implement a system that tracks trends, flags patterns, and triggers school and law enforcement responses within hours, not days.

**Mental Health-Safe Drills:** Active shooter drills can traumatize students if not designed properly. The National Association of School Psychologists warns against hyper-realistic drills. A statewide drill standard will require expert review, age-appropriate practice, and follow-up support for students who experience anxiety or distress.

Prevent Access to Dangerous Individuals

Universal Background Checks: Texas allows many firearm purchases without checks, including those at gun shows, online, or between individuals. According to Everytown for Gun Safety, states with universal background checks have lower rates of gun deaths. This policy requires background checks for every firearm sale in Texas with no exceptions, making the screening system complete and enforceable.



**End Private Sale Bypass:** Gun shows and online markets create loopholes that let people avoid federal checks. The Giffords Law Center confirms these gaps are commonly used to obtain weapons unlawfully. The new standard closes those paths by making it illegal to sell or trade firearms in Texas without a licensed background check.



**Safe Storage Education:** Many firearm accidents and youth suicides begin with unsecured guns in the home. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all homes with children secure firearms. This plan launches a public campaign to teach gun safety through schools, clinics, and community spaces, with no criminal penalty and no required registration.



**Family-Focused Outreach:** Households with guns often lack access to gun safety resources. A statewide program will provide materials in multiple languages, free or low-cost locking devices, and school-led outreach focused on protecting children. Local police, hospitals, and educators will support the program without turning it into a punishment model.



**Community Safety Panels:** School security decisions often ignore local concerns. Each district will form a safety panel with parents, teachers, and community members who review school policies, give feedback on reforms, and ensure that security changes reflect the realities and values of the local area.

Strengthen School Safety Infrastructure

Annual Safety Audits: Many Texas schools have never had a professional safety assessment. The Texas School Safety Center found inconsistent standards across the state. This policy mandates yearly audits of every public school campus with findings used to apply for grants and make changes based on expert recommendations.



**State-Funded Upgrades:** Rural and underfunded districts cannot afford new doors, locks, or alert systems on their own. To solve that, the state will provide direct grants for necessary improvements like secure entryways, camera networks, and locked classroom doors. Schools will be prioritized based on need and risk.



**Controlled School Access:** Shootings often begin with uncontrolled access. The Sandy Hook Advisory Commission emphasized the importance of secure doors and entry points. This policy supports locking systems, badged entry, and one-door visitor check-in protocols for all campuses statewide.



**Emergency Alert Systems:** Many schools do not have a way to contact emergency services quickly and silently. Panic buttons and campus-wide alert systems are recommended by the National Association of School Resource Officers. These tools will be installed as part of the upgrade grants and standardized in all public schools.



**Trained School Officers:** School-based law enforcement can be effective only when trained for that role. Officers must complete certification in youth de-escalation, trauma response, and student rights before working on a campus. Oversight panels will ensure accountability, and rural districts can choose whether to participate.

Invest in Mental Health and Early Intervention

Full-Time School Counselors: Texas has one of the highest student-to-counselor ratios in the country. The American School Counselor Association recommends 1 counselor for every 250 students, yet Texas often exceeds 1 per 400. This plan guarantees funding for full-time licensed counselors in every public school.



**Staff Crisis Response Training:** Teachers and staff are often the first to notice emotional instability or violence risk. With proper training, they can act before problems escalate. Every adult on campus will receive ongoing instruction on how to recognize, report, and respond to mental health and violence concerns without fear of doing harm.



**Early Behavior Education:** Conflict resolution and emotional control must be taught young. According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, students with early non-violence education are more resilient and less aggressive. Texas schools will introduce standardized, age-appropriate lessons starting in elementary grades.



**Anonymous Threat Reporting:** Students, staff, and families often spot danger early but are afraid to report it. Anonymous digital platforms allow early warnings without stigma. Like Safe2Tell in Colorado, Texas will implement a system that tracks trends, flags patterns, and triggers school and law enforcement responses within hours, not days.



**Mental Health-Safe Drills:** Active shooter drills can traumatize students if not designed properly. The National Association of School Psychologists warns against hyper-realistic drills. A statewide drill standard will require expert review, age-appropriate practice, and follow-up support for students who experience anxiety or distress.

Prevent Access to Dangerous Individuals

Universal Background Checks: Texas allows many firearm purchases without checks, including those at gun shows, online, or between individuals. According to Everytown for Gun Safety, states with universal background checks have lower rates of gun deaths. This policy requires background checks for every firearm sale in Texas with no exceptions, making the screening system complete and enforceable.


**End Private Sale Bypass:** Gun shows and online markets create loopholes that let people avoid federal checks. The Giffords Law Center confirms these gaps are commonly used to obtain weapons unlawfully. The new standard closes those paths by making it illegal to sell or trade firearms in Texas without a licensed background check.


**Safe Storage Education:** Many firearm accidents and youth suicides begin with unsecured guns in the home. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all homes with children secure firearms. This plan launches a public campaign to teach gun safety through schools, clinics, and community spaces, with no criminal penalty and no required registration.


**Family-Focused Outreach:** Households with guns often lack access to gun safety resources. A statewide program will provide materials in multiple languages, free or low-cost locking devices, and school-led outreach focused on protecting children. Local police, hospitals, and educators will support the program without turning it into a punishment model.


**Community Safety Panels:** School security decisions often ignore local concerns. Each district will form a safety panel with parents, teachers, and community members who review school policies, give feedback on reforms, and ensure that security changes reflect the realities and values of the local area.test

Strengthen School Safety Infrastructure

Annual Safety Audits: Many Texas schools have never had a professional safety assessment. The Texas School Safety Center found inconsistent standards across the state. This policy mandates yearly audits of every public school campus with findings used to apply for grants and make changes based on expert recommendations.



**State-Funded Upgrades:** Rural and underfunded districts cannot afford new doors, locks, or alert systems on their own. To solve that, the state will provide direct grants for necessary improvements like secure entryways, camera networks, and locked classroom doors. Schools will be prioritized based on need and risk.



**Controlled School Access:** Shootings often begin with uncontrolled access. The Sandy Hook Advisory Commission emphasized the importance of secure doors and entry points. This policy supports locking systems, badged entry, and one-door visitor check-in protocols for all campuses statewide.



**Emergency Alert Systems:** Many schools do not have a way to contact emergency services quickly and silently. Panic buttons and campus-wide alert systems are recommended by the National Association of School Resource Officers. These tools will be installed as part of the upgrade grants and standardized in all public schools.



**Trained School Officers:** School-based law enforcement can be effective only when trained for that role. Officers must complete certification in youth de-escalation, trauma response, and student rights before working on a campus. Oversight panels will ensure accountability, and rural districts can choose whether to participate.

Invest in Mental Health and Early Intervention

Full-Time School Counselors: Texas has one of the highest student-to-counselor ratios in the country. The American School Counselor Association recommends 1 counselor for every 250 students, yet Texas often exceeds 1 per 400. This plan guarantees funding for full-time licensed counselors in every public school.



**Staff Crisis Response Training:** Teachers and staff are often the first to notice emotional instability or violence risk. With proper training, they can act before problems escalate. Every adult on campus will receive ongoing instruction on how to recognize, report, and respond to mental health and violence concerns without fear of doing harm.



**Early Behavior Education:** Conflict resolution and emotional control must be taught young. According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, students with early non-violence education are more resilient and less aggressive. Texas schools will introduce standardized, age-appropriate lessons starting in elementary grades.



**Anonymous Threat Reporting:** Students, staff, and families often spot danger early but are afraid to report it. Anonymous digital platforms allow early warnings without stigma. Like Safe2Tell in Colorado, Texas will implement a system that tracks trends, flags patterns, and triggers school and law enforcement responses within hours, not days.



**Mental Health-Safe Drills:** Active shooter drills can traumatize students if not designed properly. The National Association of School Psychologists warns against hyper-realistic drills. A statewide drill standard will require expert review, age-appropriate practice, and follow-up support for students who experience anxiety or distress.

Prevent Access to Dangerous Individuals

Universal Background Checks: Texas allows many firearm purchases without checks, including those at gun shows, online, or between individuals. According to Everytown for Gun Safety, states with universal background checks have lower rates of gun deaths. This policy requires background checks for every firearm sale in Texas with no exceptions, making the screening system complete and enforceable. **End Private Sale Bypass:** Gun shows and online markets create loopholes that let people avoid federal checks. The Giffords Law Center confirms these gaps are commonly used to obtain weapons unlawfully. The new standard closes those paths by making it illegal to sell or trade firearms in Texas without a licensed background check. **Safe Storage Education:** Many firearm accidents and youth suicides begin with unsecured guns in the home. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all homes with children secure firearms. This plan launches a public campaign to teach gun safety through schools, clinics, and community spaces, with no criminal penalty and no required registration. **Family-Focused Outreach:** Households with guns often lack access to gun safety resources. A statewide program will provide materials in multiple languages, free or low-cost locking devices, and school-led outreach focused on protecting children. Local police, hospitals, and educators will support the program without turning it into a punishment model. **Community Safety Panels:** School security decisions often ignore local concerns. Each district will form a safety panel with parents, teachers, and community members who review school policies, give feedback on reforms, and ensure that security changes reflect the realities and values of the local area.test

Strengthen School Safety Infrastructure

Annual Safety Audits: Many Texas schools have never had a professional safety assessment. The Texas School Safety Center found inconsistent standards across the state. This policy mandates yearly audits of every public school campus with findings used to apply for grants and make changes based on expert recommendations. **State-Funded Upgrades:** Rural and underfunded districts cannot afford new doors, locks, or alert systems on their own. To solve that, the state will provide direct grants for necessary improvements like secure entryways, camera networks, and locked classroom doors. Schools will be prioritized based on need and risk. **Controlled School Access:** Shootings often begin with uncontrolled access. The Sandy Hook Advisory Commission emphasized the importance of secure doors and entry points. This policy supports locking systems, badged entry, and one-door visitor check-in protocols for all campuses statewide. **Emergency Alert Systems:** Many schools do not have a way to contact emergency services quickly and silently. Panic buttons and campus-wide alert systems are recommended by the National Association of School Resource Officers. These tools will be installed as part of the upgrade grants and standardized in all public schools. **Trained School Officers:** School-based law enforcement can be effective only when trained for that role. Officers must complete certification in youth de-escalation, trauma response, and student rights before working on a campus. Oversight panels will ensure accountability, and rural districts can choose whether to participate.

Invest in Mental Health and Early Intervention

Full-Time School Counselors: Texas has one of the highest student-to-counselor ratios in the country. The American School Counselor Association recommends 1 counselor for every 250 students, yet Texas often exceeds 1 per 400. This plan guarantees funding for full-time licensed counselors in every public school. **Staff Crisis Response Training:** Teachers and staff are often the first to notice emotional instability or violence risk. With proper training, they can act before problems escalate. Every adult on campus will receive ongoing instruction on how to recognize, report, and respond to mental health and violence concerns without fear of doing harm. **Early Behavior Education:** Conflict resolution and emotional control must be taught young. According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, students with early non-violence education are more resilient and less aggressive. Texas schools will introduce standardized, age-appropriate lessons starting in elementary grades. **Anonymous Threat Reporting:** Students, staff, and families often spot danger early but are afraid to report it. Anonymous digital platforms allow early warnings without stigma. Like Safe2Tell in Colorado, Texas will implement a system that tracks trends, flags patterns, and triggers school and law enforcement responses within hours, not days. **Mental Health-Safe Drills:** Active shooter drills can traumatize students if not designed properly. The National Association of School Psychologists warns against hyper-realistic drills. A statewide drill standard will require expert review, age-appropriate practice, and follow-up support for students who experience anxiety or distress.

Prevent Access to Dangerous Individuals

Universal Background Checks: Texas allows many firearm purchases without checks, including those at gun shows, online, or between individuals. According to Everytown for Gun Safety, states with universal background checks have lower rates of gun deaths. This policy requires background checks for every firearm sale in Texas with no exceptions, making the screening system complete and enforceable. **End Private Sale Bypass:** Gun shows and online markets create loopholes that let people avoid federal checks. The Giffords Law Center confirms these gaps are commonly used to obtain weapons unlawfully. The new standard closes those paths by making it illegal to sell or trade firearms in Texas without a licensed background check. **Safe Storage Education:** Many firearm accidents and youth suicides begin with unsecured guns in the home. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all homes with children secure firearms. This plan launches a public campaign to teach gun safety through schools, clinics, and community spaces, with no criminal penalty and no required registration. **Family-Focused Outreach:** Households with guns often lack access to gun safety resources. A statewide program will provide materials in multiple languages, free or low-cost locking devices, and school-led outreach focused on protecting children. Local police, hospitals, and educators will support the program without turning it into a punishment model. **Community Safety Panels:** School security decisions often ignore local concerns. Each district will form a safety panel with parents, teachers, and community members who review school policies, give feedback on reforms, and ensure that security changes reflect the realities and values of the local area.test

Strengthen School Safety Infrastructure

Annual Safety Audits: Many Texas schools have never had a professional safety assessment. The Texas School Safety Center found inconsistent standards across the state. This policy mandates yearly audits of every public school campus with findings used to apply for grants and make changes based on expert recommendations. **State-Funded Upgrades:** Rural and underfunded districts cannot afford new doors, locks, or alert systems on their own. To solve that, the state will provide direct grants for necessary improvements like secure entryways, camera networks, and locked classroom doors. Schools will be prioritized based on need and risk. **Controlled School Access:** Shootings often begin with uncontrolled access. The Sandy Hook Advisory Commission emphasized the importance of secure doors and entry points. This policy supports locking systems, badged entry, and one-door visitor check-in protocols for all campuses statewide. **Emergency Alert Systems:** Many schools do not have a way to contact emergency services quickly and silently. Panic buttons and campus-wide alert systems are recommended by the National Association of School Resource Officers. These tools will be installed as part of the upgrade grants and standardized in all public schools. **Trained School Officers:** School-based law enforcement can be effective only when trained for that role. Officers must complete certification in youth de-escalation, trauma response, and student rights before working on a campus. Oversight panels will ensure accountability, and rural districts can choose whether to participate.

Invest in Mental Health and Early Intervention

Full-Time School Counselors: Texas has one of the highest student-to-counselor ratios in the country. The American School Counselor Association recommends 1 counselor for every 250 students, yet Texas often exceeds 1 per 400. This plan guarantees funding for full-time licensed counselors in every public school. **Staff Crisis Response Training:** Teachers and staff are often the first to notice emotional instability or violence risk. With proper training, they can act before problems escalate. Every adult on campus will receive ongoing instruction on how to recognize, report, and respond to mental health and violence concerns without fear of doing harm. **Early Behavior Education:** Conflict resolution and emotional control must be taught young. According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, students with early non-violence education are more resilient and less aggressive. Texas schools will introduce standardized, age-appropriate lessons starting in elementary grades. **Anonymous Threat Reporting:** Students, staff, and families often spot danger early but are afraid to report it. Anonymous digital platforms allow early warnings without stigma. Like Safe2Tell in Colorado, Texas will implement a system that tracks trends, flags patterns, and triggers school and law enforcement responses within hours, not days. **Mental Health-Safe Drills:** Active shooter drills can traumatize students if not designed properly. The National Association of School Psychologists warns against hyper-realistic drills. A statewide drill standard will require expert review, age-appropriate practice, and follow-up support for students who experience anxiety or distress.

Criminalize Digital Sexual Violence

Felony Deepfake Porn: Texas law does not clearly criminalize deepfake pornography, which allows predators to manipulate images and videos to depict sexual content without consent. Creating, sharing, or possessing non-consensual deepfake content will be classified as a felony, and survivors will be allowed to press criminal charges or sue civilly. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has identified deepfake abuse as an urgent and growing threat, making full criminalization essential. test **Felony Revenge Porn:** Revenge porn in Texas is often treated as a misdemeanor, which fails to reflect the permanent harm caused to victims. This policy elevates non-consensual sharing of intimate images or videos to an automatic felony with mandatory minimum prison time. According to the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, treating these cases seriously is the only way to stop repeat offenders and restore dignity to survivors. **Felony Sextortion Threats:** Texas law currently struggles to prosecute sextortion until after images are leaked. This leaves survivors vulnerable and powerless. Under this policy, any threat to expose intimate material becomes a felony, even if nothing is published. The U.S. Department of Justice recommends criminalizing threats themselves to allow earlier intervention and protect victims from ongoing abuse. **No Statute Limitations:** Survivors of digital sexual violence may wait years before feeling safe enough to report. Removing the statute of limitations allows justice to be pursued when the survivor is ready. The American Psychological Association confirms that trauma can delay reporting and supports removing time-based barriers to prosecution. **Equal Penalties for False Claims:** Knowingly filing a false accusation can destroy reputations and erode trust in the legal system. This policy applies equal penalties to any person proven in court to have maliciously and intentionally filed a false claim of digital sexual violence. The sentence would match the one that would have been given to the falsely accused. The Innocence Project and legal ethics scholars support parity in punishment only when malicious intent is proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Build Survivor Support Systems

24-Hour Legal Hotline: Survivors face confusing agency boundaries when seeking help. A state-run 24-hour Digital Sexual Violence Hotline will give victims access to lawyers, advocates, and law enforcement immediately. The National Sexual Assault Hotline model shows that centralized, trauma-informed services improve reporting rates and access to justice. **Special DA Units:** Most Texas counties do not have prosecutors trained in digital sex crimes. Every District Attorney's office will be required to staff a Digital Sexual Violence Unit. These teams will be trained to handle deepfake, sextortion, and revenge porn cases. The Texas District and County Attorneys Association recommends unit specialization to improve efficiency and survivor safety. **Trauma-Informed Staff:** Untrained staff often re-traumatize survivors or mishandle sensitive evidence. Hotline, DA, and response teams will include trained trauma professionals who understand digital exploitation and consent dynamics. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network confirms that trauma-informed care leads to stronger survivor participation and more reliable case outcomes. **Regional Legal Teams:** Rural areas may lack the resources to build full-time digital units. The state will fund shared regional prosecution teams that rotate across counties. This model mirrors successful programs in Colorado and Minnesota that extend legal access to underserved areas. **Digital Consent Curriculum:** Texas students receive little education about online safety or sexual boundaries. A statewide Digital Consent Curriculum will begin in middle school and cover online privacy, consent, and legal consequences. Common Sense Media and child safety experts recommend digital consent education as part of a modern prevention strategy.

Hold Platforms Accountable

24-Hour Takedown Law: When victims request removal of non-consensual sexual content, tech companies often delay or deny action. Texas will require platforms to remove such material within 24 hours of legal notice. Germany's Network Enforcement Act has shown that strict deadlines force better corporate behavior and faster victim relief. **Scaled Corporate Fines:** Small and large companies should not face the same penalties. Fines for takedown failures will be scaled to company size and revenue to ensure fairness while maintaining pressure. The European Union's Digital Services Act uses this approach to regulate global and local platforms without crushing smaller businesses. **Victim Lawsuit Rights:** Even with takedown laws, victims are often left without compensation. This policy gives survivors the right to sue platforms that fail to comply after formal notice. Civil liability empowers victims and motivates corporate accountability. The Electronic Frontier Foundation has supported expanding victim civil rights in digital harm cases. **Mandatory Cooperation Rules:** Law enforcement frequently struggles to obtain evidence or takedowns from platforms. The policy establishes mandatory cooperation timelines for Texas-based investigations. The National Network to End Domestic Violence advocates for enforceable cooperation standards to protect victims of online abuse. **Transparency Reporting:** Most platforms do not publish how often they act on takedown notices or cooperate with law enforcement. Texas will require annual public reports on compliance rates and takedown actions. Australia's eSafety Commission has demonstrated that transparency requirements improve corporate behavior and strengthen trust in enforcement systems.

Criminalize Digital Sexual Violence

Felony Deepfake Porn: Texas law does not clearly criminalize deepfake pornography, which allows predators to manipulate images and videos to depict sexual content without consent. Creating, sharing, or possessing non-consensual deepfake content will be classified as a felony, and survivors will be allowed to press criminal charges or sue civilly. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has identified deepfake abuse as an urgent and growing threat, making full criminalization essential. test **Felony Revenge Porn:** Revenge porn in Texas is often treated as a misdemeanor, which fails to reflect the permanent harm caused to victims. This policy elevates non-consensual sharing of intimate images or videos to an automatic felony with mandatory minimum prison time. According to the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, treating these cases seriously is the only way to stop repeat offenders and restore dignity to survivors. **Felony Sextortion Threats:** Texas law currently struggles to prosecute sextortion until after images are leaked. This leaves survivors vulnerable and powerless. Under this policy, any threat to expose intimate material becomes a felony, even if nothing is published. The U.S. Department of Justice recommends criminalizing threats themselves to allow earlier intervention and protect victims from ongoing abuse. **No Statute Limitations:** Survivors of digital sexual violence may wait years before feeling safe enough to report. Removing the statute of limitations allows justice to be pursued when the survivor is ready. The American Psychological Association confirms that trauma can delay reporting and supports removing time-based barriers to prosecution. **Equal Penalties for False Claims:** Knowingly filing a false accusation can destroy reputations and erode trust in the legal system. This policy applies equal penalties to any person proven in court to have maliciously and intentionally filed a false claim of digital sexual violence. The sentence would match the one that would have been given to the falsely accused. The Innocence Project and legal ethics scholars support parity in punishment only when malicious intent is proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Build Survivor Support Systems

24-Hour Legal Hotline: Survivors face confusing agency boundaries when seeking help. A state-run 24-hour Digital Sexual Violence Hotline will give victims access to lawyers, advocates, and law enforcement immediately. The National Sexual Assault Hotline model shows that centralized, trauma-informed services improve reporting rates and access to justice. **Special DA Units:** Most Texas counties do not have prosecutors trained in digital sex crimes. Every District Attorney's office will be required to staff a Digital Sexual Violence Unit. These teams will be trained to handle deepfake, sextortion, and revenge porn cases. The Texas District and County Attorneys Association recommends unit specialization to improve efficiency and survivor safety. **Trauma-Informed Staff:** Untrained staff often re-traumatize survivors or mishandle sensitive evidence. Hotline, DA, and response teams will include trained trauma professionals who understand digital exploitation and consent dynamics. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network confirms that trauma-informed care leads to stronger survivor participation and more reliable case outcomes. **Regional Legal Teams:** Rural areas may lack the resources to build full-time digital units. The state will fund shared regional prosecution teams that rotate across counties. This model mirrors successful programs in Colorado and Minnesota that extend legal access to underserved areas. **Digital Consent Curriculum:** Texas students receive little education about online safety or sexual boundaries. A statewide Digital Consent Curriculum will begin in middle school and cover online privacy, consent, and legal consequences. Common Sense Media and child safety experts recommend digital consent education as part of a modern prevention strategy.

Hold Platforms Accountable

24-Hour Takedown Law: When victims request removal of non-consensual sexual content, tech companies often delay or deny action. Texas will require platforms to remove such material within 24 hours of legal notice. Germany's Network Enforcement Act has shown that strict deadlines force better corporate behavior and faster victim relief. **Scaled Corporate Fines:** Small and large companies should not face the same penalties. Fines for takedown failures will be scaled to company size and revenue to ensure fairness while maintaining pressure. The European Union's Digital Services Act uses this approach to regulate global and local platforms without crushing smaller businesses. **Victim Lawsuit Rights:** Even with takedown laws, victims are often left without compensation. This policy gives survivors the right to sue platforms that fail to comply after formal notice. Civil liability empowers victims and motivates corporate accountability. The Electronic Frontier Foundation has supported expanding victim civil rights in digital harm cases. **Mandatory Cooperation Rules:** Law enforcement frequently struggles to obtain evidence or takedowns from platforms. The policy establishes mandatory cooperation timelines for Texas-based investigations. The National Network to End Domestic Violence advocates for enforceable cooperation standards to protect victims of online abuse. **Transparency Reporting:** Most platforms do not publish how often they act on takedown notices or cooperate with law enforcement. Texas will require annual public reports on compliance rates and takedown actions. Australia's eSafety Commission has demonstrated that transparency requirements improve corporate behavior and strengthen trust in enforcement systems.