A Platform Built for Texans

Wages Policy Details

Texas will raise its minimum wage to $20 an hour, phased in over 3 years. The first increase will raise wages to $15, followed by $17.50, and then $20. This phased schedule gives employers time to adjust and allows workers to gain real purchasing power. Workers between ages 16-17 will have a youth wage tier of around $15 an hour. Youth labor rules will restrict work to before 9 p.m. on school nights and after noon on Sundays.

Tipped workers will no longer have their income depend entirely on customer generosity. In the first year of transition, employers must pay at least $5 per hour in base wages. This will allow a short transition period for Texas to support small businesses by supplementing profit-loss due to increased wages. If tips do not bring total pay to the required amount, the employer must make up the difference. All businesses using tip credits must post signage so customers understand how it works. In the second year, tip credits will be eliminated. Employers will be required to pay the full hourly wage directly. Tipping will remain legal and welcome, but no longer a substitute for wages.

Businesses that raise wages ahead of the legal deadlines will receive tax cuts. Small businesses with no more than two locations will qualify for wage transition assistance to help with payroll changes without raising prices or reducing staff. Minimum wage will be tied to inflation using a transparent formula. Wages will be adjusted automatically every year to match increases in the cost of living, preventing long-term stagnation.

Digital tipping apps and cashless screens will be subject to new rules. All screens must default to 0% tipping and list that option first. Additional options must be clearly labeled, and no company may use misleading language, convenience fees, or guilt-driven prompts. Transparency is the standard.

Job Listings Policy Details

Every job listing must include a pay range with 3 levels: base pay for partially qualified applicants, target pay for fully qualified, and higher pay for applicants with extra skills or credentials. Job ads must also disclose whether remote work is allowed. If it is not, employers must briefly explain why. Any company caught posting misleading ads or fake jobs will be fined $50k per listing and added to a public job listing integrity database for transparency.

Freelancers will receive new rights. Every contract must be in writing before work begins. Payment must be made within 14 days of completion. Late payments will result in 10% monthly interest owed to the freelancer. Any company that controls a freelancer's tools, hours, or daily check-ins will be required to reclassify them as employees. These changes do not apply to honest contract arrangements and will only target abuse.

Ghost jobs and fake listings will be banned. Every posted job must be filled within 60 days or taken down. If the job is canceled or filled, the listing must be updated within 15 days. Companies that fail to do so will face escalating fines based on revenue. Workers who can show costs incurred from applying may be eligible for reimbursement.

Staffing agencies will face new standards. Any temp-to-perm placement must be converted into a full-time role within 6 months or be reclassified. Temporary workers must be paid at least 90% of the hourly amount charged to clients. After 6 months, agencies must offer health insurance and cannot deduct hidden costs. Before removing any worker from a job, an exit interview will be required to verify safety and pay conditions. Long-term temps will receive paid time off and have access to health plans.

Worker Protections & Unions Policy Details

Wage abuse and tip theft will be criminalized. Employers who misclassify workers, misuse tip pools, or punish employees for low tips will be fined $50k and face a year-long wage audit. A second offense will result in permanent loss of their business license and disqualification from all state contracts.

Any business that requests tax breaks, grants, or contracts from the state must meet a Worker Protection Clause. That includes paying at least the state wage floor, offering predictable scheduling, and submitting annual wage reports for public access. Businesses that cannot meet these standards will not receive public money.

Remote work will be a protected right for eligible employees. If a job can be done remotely, employers must provide written justification if they deny that option. Workers will have the right to challenge and appeal that denial to a state review board. Employers are not required to pay for internet but must provide all necessary equipment and software. Surveillance tools like webcam mandates and spyware will be banned. Violations will result in fines and private legal action.

Companies that set pay rates, determine schedules, and penalize task refusals will no longer be allowed to label workers as independent contractors. App-based workers such as drivers, delivery staff, and on-demand laborers must be paid $20 an hour and receive benefits after 30 hours per week. They will also gain protection against retaliation, unsafe conditions, and lack of legal recourse.

Union rights will be protected across the state. Employers may not force workers into anti-union meetings, fire them for organizing, or monitor union activity. Violations will result in a $1m fine per offense, and the company will be listed in a public Worker Rights Accountability Report and banned from state contracts for 5 years. The list is not a blacklist. It is a tool for workers, contractors, and investors to know which companies comply with labor law.

If more than 50% of workers sign union cards, the union will be recognized immediately under a mandatory card-check rule. No elections, no stalling, and no retaliation. A state-run Union Resource Office will help workers organize legally, understand their rights, and connect with national labor groups. Striking workers will be protected from eviction, healthcare loss, or job termination during legal disputes.

Wage research shows that higher pay improves performance, reduces turnover, and cuts down on vacancies. Studies of $15 minimum wages in small businesses found no job loss and improved retention. Texas will see the same: more jobs filled, fewer training gaps, and more customers greeted by familiar faces who are proud of where they work.

Veterans Housing & Jobs Policy Details

Comprehensive Housing & Employment Solutions: Texas is home to more than 1.5 million veterans, yet the state consistently ranks in the bottom half of national performance on mental health access, job placement, and suicide prevention for former service members. Nearly 1 in 10 veterans in Texas experience housing insecurity, and more than 500,000 face mental health or disability-related barriers to employment.

Accountability & Performance: Every veteran program funded by the state will be subject to performance audits with outcome metrics published publicly. We will tie funding to performance and eliminate duplicative programs across state and nonprofit lines. The Texas Veterans Commission receives hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars but fails to deliver consistent results across regions or agencies.

Fast-Track Licensing: For veterans returning to civilian life, we will mandate that all state licensing boards issue priority decisions within 30 days for veterans submitting DD214 documentation and reduce civilian equivalency delays for technical licenses. This removes bureaucratic barriers that prevent skilled veterans from entering the workforce.

Female Veteran Support: To address the rising rate of homelessness and mental illness among female veterans, we will require all state VA partnerships to develop targeted housing, healthcare, and employment benchmarks for women. Female veterans are often ignored in state programs despite rising rates of service and homelessness.

Rural Veterans Access: We will expand mobile veteran outreach teams and create a new broadband equipment stipend for rural veterans who cannot reach services in person. Rural veterans are left behind because services are clustered in large cities.

Texas National Guard: We will recognize the full contributions of Texas National Guard members by expanding benefit eligibility to any Guard member injured or activated under state or federal orders. The state fails to honor Texas Guard members with the same benefits as active duty.

Veterans Healthcare Policy Details

Mental Health Access: We will expand mental health access by opening 5 new regional mental health clinics in rural areas and increase the use of telehealth backed by the VA's Community Care Network. Veterans with PTSD or depression often struggle to access specialized care within a reasonable distance.

Suicide Prevention: Texas does not track or report veteran suicide data in a transparent or consistent manner. We will mandate annual reporting by the Texas Veterans Commission and publish regional suicide prevention targets. Suicide data will be reported annually by region, and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission will be required to track suicide attempts and intervention contacts for veterans using the latest available data.

Caregiver Support: We recognize that families and caregivers of veterans carry much of the emotional and financial burden. We will expand caregiver benefits and respite programs through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, and ensure all major VA partnerships include family access in their case management model. Veteran families and caregivers are left out of planning and support even though they carry the daily burden.

Rural Healthcare Access: We will establish regional mental health clinics tied to VA satellite facilities and require HHS to prioritize veterans in underserved counties. This ensures veterans in rural areas have access to specialized care.

Coordination & Integration: Texas veterans are also eligible for both VA services and any state-level programs such as Medicaid or workforce retraining. This plan will not limit or replace those options but will ensure better coordination and faster access through improved case management.

Veterans Justice & Accountability Policy Details

Veterans Justice Initiative: We will launch a statewide Veterans Justice Initiative that trains prosecutors, judges, and public defenders in trauma-informed procedures for veterans. Veterans who get arrested often face judges or DAs unfamiliar with military trauma. Every veteran who enters the criminal justice system should be reviewed by a qualified veterans liaison trained in diversion and restorative options.

County-Level Support: We will ensure every county has access to trained veterans court liaisons. This provides consistent support across Texas and ensures veterans receive appropriate treatment regardless of location.

Program Accountability: Every veteran program funded by the state will be subject to performance audits with outcome metrics published publicly. We will tie funding to performance and eliminate duplicative programs across state and nonprofit lines. Too many nonprofit and state veteran programs duplicate services without sharing results.

Consolidated Oversight: We will consolidate program evaluations under one office and cut funding to underperforming contracts. This ensures taxpayer dollars are used effectively and veterans receive quality services.

Transparency & Results: Public audits and outcome-based funding will replace the current system where programs operate without clear accountability. We will cut duplicate programs and fund what works, ensuring veterans receive the best possible support.

Affordable Housing Policy Details

Ban Foreign and Corporate Takeover: Foreign and corporate buyers are driving up Texas housing costs, crowding local families out. Per the National Association of Realtors, foreign buyers poured over $59 billion into US housing in one year, often leaving homes empty or using them for speculation. Texas will directly ban foreign nationals from buying single-family homes, ensuring more homes stay in local hands and meet community needs.

Stop Corporate Housing Monopolies: Corporate purchases of single-family homes are turning neighborhoods into corporate rental blocks. Data from Pew Charitable Trusts shows this trend erodes neighborhood stability and pushes up rents. Texas will ban corporations, including those acting through trusts or investment arms, from buying single-family homes, keeping housing as a place to live, not a corporate asset.

Address Inherited Home Vacancy: When heirs inherit homes but live elsewhere, those homes often sit empty or enter rental markets at luxury prices. The Urban Institute reports this can accelerate local displacement. Texas will require nonresident heirs to occupy or sell inherited homes within one year, keeping the housing market active and open to families.

Beneficial Ownership Disclosure: Investors frequently hide behind shell companies or trusts, making it hard to enforce tax and ownership rules. According to the US Treasury Department, anonymous ownership fuels tax abuse and market distortion. Texas will require full beneficial ownership disclosure on all residential property records, ensuring enforcement agencies know who truly owns each home.

Penalize False Ownership Filings: Hidden ownership through false filings undermines fair markets and tax systems. The IRS estimates billions in lost revenue nationally due to ownership laundering. Texas will make false filings a form of tax evasion, with civil and criminal penalties, empowering the Comptroller's Office to audit, fine, and prosecute offenders.

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.

Rental Protections Policy Details

Progressive Tax on Excessive Homeownership: When individuals collect multiple residential properties, they tighten supply for families who want to own homes. Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies confirms that hoarding drives up prices regionwide. Texas will set a progressive property tax, doubling taxes on a third home, tripling them on a fourth, and adding further penalties beyond that. This discourages stockpiling and pushes unused homes back to market.

Protect Owner-Occupied Inherited Homes: Families passing down homes across generations should not face unfair penalties. AARP research shows inherited homes often support multi-generational living and financial stability. Texas will exempt owner-occupied inherited homes from higher tax tiers, protecting family legacies while still curbing investor hoarding.

Freeze Rents for 12 Months: Landlords often try to pass higher taxes onto tenants, leading to sudden rent hikes. The National Low Income Housing Coalition has shown that without safeguards, renters bear the brunt of market changes. Texas will freeze rents statewide for twelve months after reform, preventing panic hikes and allowing time for transition.

Tie Rent Caps to Inflation: Without limits, rent increases can spiral and price out long-term tenants. The Consumer Price Index offers a neutral, inflation-based guide. Texas will tie annual rent caps to CPI, requiring state review and documentation for any increase beyond that, ensuring fairness to both renters and owners.

Strengthen Eviction Protections: Evictions often surge after policy changes, as some landlords use them to reset lease terms or remove protected tenants. The Eviction Lab at Princeton found consistent patterns of retaliatory evictions after housing reforms. Texas will require state review of evictions filed in the first year of tax changes and impose fines for any landlord found using eviction to dodge new tenant protections.

Housing Development Policy Details

Renter's Bill of Rights: Without guaranteed rights, renters face unpredictable increases and unsafe conditions. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, tenant protections improve housing stability and reduce poverty. Texas will adopt a Renter's Bill of Rights covering fair rent, safe conditions, reasonable notice before eviction, and access to resolution services.

Mediation and Enforcement Offices: Many housing disputes clog courts or go unresolved. Mediation programs, such as those piloted in New York City, resolve landlord-tenant conflicts quickly and reduce repeated problems. Texas will fund regional mediation offices and housing enforcement teams to resolve disputes within thirty days and ensure compliance with state standards.

Define Squatters as Trespassers: Squatting creates confusion and legal battles that harm owners and neighborhoods. Texas will classify squatters as trespassers and allow homeowners to submit an affidavit with evidence for fast-track removal by law enforcement. This gives owners a clear legal tool to protect their property from illegal occupation.

Require Affidavit and Evidence for Removal: To prevent landlords from abusing squatter removal tools against lawful tenants, Texas will require affidavits to include photographic evidence and documentation of lease status. Neutral third-party review will ensure that only true trespassing cases move forward, protecting tenants from wrongful eviction.

Small Landlord Legal Support: Small landlords often face harassment, vandalism, or extended nonpayment with little support. The Urban Institute notes that small landlords play a key role in affordable housing but lack legal resources. Texas will provide legal aid and fast-track hearings for qualifying cases, helping owners manage problem tenants while preserving housing supply.

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.

Healthcare Access & Coverage Policy Details

Expand Medicaid Eligibility: Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the nation, with nearly one in five Texans lacking coverage. Expanding Medicaid eligibility up to 150% of the federal poverty line would extend healthcare to low-wage workers, part-time employees, and families who fall through the cracks. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Medicaid expansion improves health outcomes and reduces hospital closures, especially in rural areas.

Launch TexCare Public Option: TexCare, a Texas public health option, will offer affordable coverage for individuals earning under fifty thousand dollars per year. It will serve as a lifeline for those who make too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Funding will come from existing healthcare dollars and savings from cutting administrative waste and inflated hospital contracts. There will be no new taxes and no penalties for joining.

Include Comprehensive Services: Dental, vision, and mental health are essential parts of healthcare. These services impact overall health, work performance, and family stability. The American Dental Association and the National Alliance on Mental Illness report that untreated dental disease and mental health conditions drive up emergency room visits and lead to preventable disability. All state-supported plans will include these services, closing the gap left by many private insurance policies.

Prioritize Rural and Gig Workers: Rural Texans, gig workers, and part-time staff are often uninsured despite working full-time. To prioritize them, Texas will launch mobile enrollment units, set up partnerships with rural clinics, and coordinate with platforms like rideshare companies to reach workers directly. This outreach will help close coverage gaps and strengthen local economies by improving health.

Simplify Enrollment Process: Complicated applications and red tape block many eligible Texans from signing up. Texas will create a one-stop digital and in-person system with clear instructions and short forms. Automatic data sharing across Medicaid, SNAP, and other benefit systems will reduce paperwork burdens. This approach will lower administrative costs and boost enrollment across the state.

Improve Healthcare Standards Policy Details

Enforce Nurse-Patient Ratios: Overworked nurses face unsafe patient loads, which raise the risks of medical errors and staff burnout. The American Nurses Association finds that safe nurse-to-patient ratios improve patient outcomes and staff retention. Texas will set minimum staffing standards, such as no more than five medical-surgical patients per nurse, and apply penalties or support programs to ensure compliance without jeopardizing hospital survival.

Require Local Hiring Focus: Hospitals receiving public funds must prioritize local hiring to support community economies and ensure staff understand local needs. Research from the National Rural Health Association shows local hiring builds trust, reduces turnover, and helps rural hospitals remain stable. Texas will offer grants to assist rural facilities in training and retaining local healthcare workers.

Reduce Burnout and Turnover: Burnout and turnover harm both workers and patients. Texas will require hospitals to monitor schedules, invest in worker support, and conduct climate surveys. Facilities with high turnover or poor climate scores will receive technical assistance and corrective action plans, ensuring improvements without immediate penalties.

Tie Funding to Treatment Outcomes: Hospital funding will shift from rewarding marketing efforts to rewarding care outcomes. Effective treatment rates, outpatient recovery experiences, and anonymous staff climate surveys will determine state funding levels. This model puts patient health and worker well-being at the center, not public relations scores or advertising campaigns.

Audit Nonprofit Community Benefits: Nonprofit hospitals must earn their tax-free status by providing community benefits. Texas will conduct regular audits of uncompensated care levels, local health investments, and financial transparency. Hospitals that fall short will receive technical assistance to improve. Continued failure to meet standards will result in suspended access to public funds until compliance is achieved.

Access Without New Taxes Policy Details

Emergency Care for All, No Status Check: Immigration status should never block lifesaving care. The American College of Emergency Physicians states that denying emergency treatment based on documentation violates federal law and endangers public health. Texas will enforce strict nondiscrimination policies in all emergency settings and monitor compliance through independent audits.

Ban Denial of Emergency Services: Hospitals sometimes skirt emergency care rules by delaying or deflecting patients. Texas will ban these practices by creating clear enforcement rules and consequences for noncompliance. Emergency departments will receive additional state support to handle uninsured care when needed, protecting both patients and hospitals.

Use Existing Contracts, No Tax Hikes: Texans already pay into a system weighed down by inefficiency. Rather than raise taxes, Texas will reallocate funds from bloated contracts, overpriced services, and unnecessary middleman fees. These savings will go directly into Medicaid expansion and TexCare without requiring any new tax increases.

Cut Administrative Waste: Administrative waste accounts for up to twenty five percent of healthcare spending, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. Texas will streamline billing systems, simplify claims processes, and reduce unnecessary oversight layers. These reforms will free up funds for direct patient care.

Repurpose Unused Federal Waivers: Federal healthcare waivers and grants often go unused or underleveraged. Texas will conduct a full audit of available federal funds and repurpose them to support Medicaid expansion and the TexCare program. This ensures that Texans benefit from all available resources before the state asks taxpayers for additional contributions.

Restoring Medical Authority Policy Details

End Criminal Penalties: Texas laws punish doctors and patients with criminal charges, lawsuits, and surveillance, causing fear and reducing access to care. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that criminalization leads to worse outcomes and undermines patient safety. We need to repeal these penalties and let licensed providers deliver care based on clinical judgment.

Repeal False Fetal Heartbeat Laws: So-called fetal heartbeat laws mislead the public by calling early electrical activity a heartbeat. According to ACOG and the Texas Medical Association, there is no heart or heartbeat at six weeks, only electrical signals in developing tissue. We must repeal these laws and pass science-based policy reflecting that heart structures form closer to twenty weeks.

Protect Emergency Care Authority: Doctors delay or avoid treating miscarriages and complications out of legal fear. Reports collected by the Texas Medical Association and covered by the Texas Tribune show patients facing life-threatening delays as doctors await legal clearance. We should affirm in law that doctors have authority to act in emergencies without risking prosecution.

Ensure Private Care for Survivors: Survivors face retraumatizing hurdles, including delays, forced reporting, or loss of privacy. Research by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center shows that survivor-centered care reduces harm and improves recovery. We will guarantee trauma-informed, private care, with law enforcement involvement only when survivors request it.

Expand Rural Services: Rural Texans often have no local maternity or OB-GYN care. The March of Dimes reports that over half of Texas counties are maternity care deserts, worsening health outcomes. Texas must invest in rural clinics, telehealth, and reproductive health services so underserved communities get timely care.

Contraception and Privacy Policy Details

Guarantee Full Access to Birth Control: Birth control access is shrinking at pharmacies, clinics, and schools, limiting basic health services. The Guttmacher Institute reports that contraception is critical to reducing unintended pregnancies and improving family health. Texas should guarantee access to all forms of birth control, including IUDs, pills, and emergency contraception, without delays.

Respect Religious Freedom Without Blocking Care: Personal religious beliefs are sometimes used to refuse others medical services. The American Bar Association notes that while religious liberty protects personal choice, it does not permit discrimination in public services. We need to protect individual beliefs but prevent them from being used to block healthcare access.

Protect Patient Confidentiality and Privacy: Surveillance laws and data collection threaten reproductive healthcare privacy. The Center for Democracy and Technology warns that tracking reproductive care erodes trust and exposes patients to risk. We can repeal such laws and ensure doctor-patient confidentiality is fully protected.

Provide Accurate Data on Abortion Timing: Public debate is often based on false assumptions about abortion timing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 93 percent of abortions happen before thirteen weeks, and less than one percent after twenty-one weeks. We must communicate this data clearly to inform public understanding.

Clarify Adoption and Abortion Address Different Needs: Adoption is sometimes presented as a substitute for abortion, but they serve fundamentally different purposes. The American Psychological Association emphasizes that adoption does not address medical emergencies, trauma, or health risks. The solution is to clarify in law and public messaging that adoption is a parenting choice, not a medical treatment.

Building a Healthcare Framework Policy Details

Reduce Delays and Risks by Protecting Healthcare Rights: Abortion restrictions increase treatment delays, financial costs, and patient risks. The Kaiser Family Foundation has documented how bans cause confusion and worsen health outcomes. We should protect healthcare rights so Texans can make private decisions with their doctors without political interference.

Keep Medical Professionals in Texas with Legal Safeguards: Legal risks push doctors and nurses out of Texas, leaving critical shortages. The Texas Hospital Association has warned that punitive abortion laws contribute to provider shortages and reduced care access. We just remove legal threats so medical professionals can stay and serve their communities.

Fund More Clinics and Expand Telehealth Services: Texas has too few reproductive healthcare providers, particularly in rural and low-income regions. The Texas Primary Care Consortium highlights the role of telehealth and local investment in closing healthcare gaps. It is possible to fund clinics and expand telehealth programs to serve more Texans.

Base Policy on Science and Share Clear Facts: Misinformation shapes laws and public debate, causing harm. Health policy researchers at Johns Hopkins University and Guttmacher Institute emphasize the need for evidence-based reproductive policy. Texas must ground all laws in verified science and ensure clear communication of facts.

Repeal Harmful Laws and Rebuild Trust in Healthcare: Extreme restrictions damage healthcare systems, harm patients, and erode public trust. The American Public Health Association reports that abortion bans are linked to worse maternal health outcomes and deeper inequities. We can repeal harmful laws and rebuild a healthcare system guided by medical expertise, not politics.

Smart Border Security Policy Details

Equip Towns with Drones, Sensors: Border towns face dangerous cartel activity but lack modern tools. We will fund drones, sensors, and radar systems, so local agencies can track smugglers without relying on federal intervention. This allows faster response and better officer safety, as supported by the Department of Homeland Security, which finds tech investment reduces blind spots and cross-border crime.

Audit Surveillance for Civil Rights: Unchecked surveillance risks sweeping up innocent residents. We will require civil rights audits, limit data collection, and guarantee public reporting on all surveillance systems. The Electronic Frontier Foundation recommends strict safeguards to prevent mass monitoring and protect privacy.

Ban Anonymous Law Enforcement: Masked, anonymous officers erode public trust and open the door to abuse. We will ban any detentions by law enforcement officers who refuse to show insignia, name, and agency. According to the Police Executive Research Forum, visible identification is essential to legal accountability and community confidence.

Target Cartels, Not Civilians: Smuggling networks—not families seeking safety—are the true security threat. We will direct resources specifically to cartel, drug, and human trafficking operations, using targeted intelligence instead of random sweeps. FBI data confirms focused enforcement yields stronger results and fewer civilian disruptions.

End Political Stunt Operations: Political stunts like busing migrants across state lines drain local budgets and do nothing to solve border issues. We will redirect funds to real solutions, including local grants for equipment, officer training, and rapid response teams. The Texas Tribune has reported how showy political actions waste money and leave towns unsupported.

Humane, Legal Immigration Policy Details

No ICE Use of Local Police: Using local police as ICE deputies weakens public safety by driving fear into immigrant communities. We will make Texas a sanctuary state, restricting ICE cooperation to violent felony cases only. The American Immigration Council shows this approach improves crime reporting and neighborhood trust.

Visa Overstays Treated Administratively: Visa overstays and document errors are civil matters, not crimes. We will create state legal aid centers with licensed immigration attorneys to help residents fix paperwork and regain legal standing. According to the Migration Policy Institute, administrative pathways reduce detention costs and prevent family disruptions.

DACA Recipients Protected: DACA recipients deserve stability after years of contributing to Texas communities. We will offer legal support for permanent residency, protect against discrimination, and secure their right to work and study. The Center for American Progress highlights DACA's role in boosting state economies and educational outcomes.

No Family Separations: Family separations inflict deep harm. We will ban separations unless child welfare finds an immediate danger and establish cross-agency teams to reunite families as an emergency response. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that separation causes long-lasting trauma, making fast reunification critical.

Build Guest Worker Programs: Texas industries like farming and construction rely on seasonal workers but lack a legal pipeline. We will launch a state-managed guest worker program with clear rules, verified shortages, and employer accountability. The Texas Workforce Commission has repeatedly cited labor gaps that threaten local business survival, making this solution both economic and humane.

Justice, Safety, and Civil Rights Policy Details

Require Warrants for Detention: Detentions without warrants violate due process and lead to wrongful holds. We will require court-issued warrants before any state-level immigration detentions. The American Bar Association affirms that upholding due process protects both legal rights and law enforcement credibility.

Provide Legal Counsel Access: Without timely legal help, migrants face deportation or separation even in error. We will guarantee access to immigration-trained counsel within 24 hours, ensuring fair proceedings. Studies by the Vera Institute show that legal representation cuts wrongful detention rates and improves court efficiency.

Train Officers on Civil Rights: Officers need specialized training to handle immigration cases. We will mandate civil rights, trauma awareness, and constitutional law training, helping prevent abuses and reduce lawsuits. The National Immigration Law Center emphasizes that such education improves outcomes and public trust.

Separate Violent from Nonviolent Cases: We will draw a sharp line between violent offenders and peaceful migrants. Violent actors will be prosecuted and deported after trial; nonviolent individuals will enter administrative resolution programs. Cato Institute research confirms that immigrants commit fewer violent crimes, making blanket crackdowns wasteful and misleading.

Protect Civil Liberties at Every Level: Civil liberties protections will anchor every part of our policy. We will establish independent audits, public reports, and local input processes to oversee enforcement activities. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, transparency and accountability are critical to building safe, democratic communities.

Support Real Small Businesses Policy Details

Close Tax Loopholes: Large corporations abuse small business tax codes, draining local economies. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy highlights how big companies disguise operations to claim local perks. We suggest creating a dedicated verification unit within the Texas Comptroller's Office to proactively audit small business claims, not just rely on complaints.

Offer No-Interest Loans: Startup costs are a top reason small businesses fail, per the U.S. Small Business Administration. Texas will offer no-interest loans capped at 10% of profits, but we also suggest pairing this with free business planning support from local chambers of commerce to improve survival rates and repayment success.

Fast Track Veteran Startups: Veteran entrepreneurs struggle with access, despite having discipline and leadership skills. According to the Texas Veterans Commission, they need more targeted help. We propose adding veteran-focused business incubators in major cities, offering shared workspace, legal help, and technical assistance alongside priority loans.

Limit Franchise Benefits: National franchises sometimes pose as small businesses to win local aid. The Federal Trade Commission has warned about mislabeling practices. We suggest publishing an annual public report listing all businesses that qualify as independent small operations, improving transparency and public trust.

Ban Shell Companies: Shell companies allow businesses to dodge limits, hide profits, and cheat programs. IRS audits show underreporting is widespread. We recommend integrating cross-agency data checks between the Texas Workforce Commission, Secretary of State, and Comptroller's Office to detect ownership games and prevent fraud early.

Protect Workers Policy Details

Enforce Worker Classification: Misclassification cheats workers out of benefits and pay, costing billions (Economic Policy Institute). Alongside stronger enforcement, we suggest a public "Fair Work Texas" certification seal for businesses that meet standards, helping good actors stand out in the market.

Require Basic Labor Standards: Public money often props up companies paying poverty wages, per the Center for American Progress. Texas will set $20 minimums and fair scheduling tied to contracts, but we also suggest offering temporary transition grants for small businesses to meet new standards without sudden layoffs.

Regulate Job Postings: Job seekers are overwhelmed by fake, outdated, or vague listings. LinkedIn research shows trust erosion. We will mandate transparency, but we also suggest creating a state-backed "Verified Job Listings" badge employers can earn, signaling compliance and improving applicant confidence.

Protect Freelancers: Freelancers face unpaid work and classification abuse. The Freelancers Union reports high rates of missing pay. We suggest creating a free online template library for fair contracts and dispute resolution resources, so independent workers have practical tools, not just legal promises.

Reform Staffing Agencies: Temp workers get stuck in long-term roles without benefits, says the National Employment Law Project. We will cap temporary periods at six months, but we also suggest requiring agencies to report transition rates annually, creating public pressure to convert temp jobs into real careers.

Enforcement and Accountability Policy Details

Boost TWC Enforcement: The Texas Workforce Commission lacks the capacity to manage all compliance demands (Texas Tribune). We will build a focused team, and we suggest dedicating part of it specifically to rapid response on anonymous tips, so urgent cases are not lost in the backlog.

Use Digital Audit Tools: Manual oversight cannot keep pace with online hiring systems. Harvard Business Review recommends digital tools for monitoring. We suggest partnering with Texas tech universities to develop smart audit tools, creating local innovation jobs while improving enforcement capacity.

Protect Whistleblowers: Workers often stay silent out of fear of retaliation. Per the National Whistleblower Center, protection gaps remain. We will provide legal shields, but we also suggest adding a whistleblower reward fund, offering small financial incentives for those who help recover public money.

Permit Class Action: Class action lawsuits are essential for large-scale accountability (National Employment Lawyers Association). We will permit them, and we suggest also setting up a public database of ongoing and settled cases, helping workers and small businesses understand patterns and risks.

Prioritize High-Risk Sectors: Certain industries repeatedly show high abuse rates (Department of Labor). We will prioritize enforcement there, and we suggest publishing an annual "High-Risk Sector Report" to inform policy updates and direct public and private partners to where reforms are most urgently needed.

Legalization with Guardrails Policy Details

Allow Casinos Only in Big Cities: Texans are already gambling, but without state benefit, oversight, or safeguards. By legalizing casinos only in cities with over 300,000 residents, Texas uses areas with the roads, law enforcement, and public services to manage tourism and casino traffic. This solution prevents small towns from facing pressures they are unequipped to handle, like sudden spikes in crime or housing costs, seen in other states.

Require Small-Town Public Votes: For rural counties and small towns, requiring a binding public vote ensures that no outside developer can push in without local approval. This solution gives power directly to the people, protects community values, and prevents Texas from repeating mistakes where casino developers steamroll small-town opposition.

Ban Near Schools, Churches, Neighborhoods: Banning casinos near schools, churches, and neighborhoods solves the problem of predatory placement. Research from the National Council on Problem Gambling shows proximity raises youth risk and community harm. With strict zoning rules and no exceptions, Texas will protect sensitive areas, ensuring casinos stay where they belong: away from families and local heritage sites.

Independent License Board, No Politicians: Corruption in casino licensing has destroyed public trust in other states. Texas' solution is an independent licensing board with no current or former politicians, preventing backroom deals. Mandatory public audits and transparent records ensure fairness and give Texans confidence that licenses are earned, not bought.

Permanent Bans for Corruption, Fraud: Permanent bans for bribery, fraud, or illegal lobbying close loopholes that let bad actors return in other states. With required background and financial checks, Texas will build a clean, accountable gaming sector that prioritizes integrity over influence.

Protecting Health and Safety Policy Details

Fund Addiction Counseling Statewide: Gambling addiction leads to bankruptcy, family breakdown, and mental health crises. Texas will solve this by requiring casinos to fund free addiction counseling, statewide helplines, and on-site support centers. Per the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, these services reduce harm and reach people before they hit crisis.

Enforce Real Self-Exclusion Programs: Self-exclusion programs often fail when casinos run them in-house. Texas' solution is independent management, making sure self-banned individuals cannot bypass restrictions. This gives families and individuals real tools to manage addiction risk, supported by enforceable rules.

Support Local DUI Prevention Efforts: Casino areas can see more drunk driving. Texas will require casinos to fund local DUI prevention, including more patrols, transit options, and public campaigns. Per the Texas Department of Transportation, this local investment cuts DUI incidents and keeps roads safer for everyone, not just casino guests.

Limit Youth-Targeted Advertising: Young people are vulnerable to gambling ads, especially online and during sports events. Texas will solve this by banning casino marketing near schools and during family programming, following recommendations from the American Psychological Association to reduce youth exposure.

Require Independent Marketing Oversight: The independent Casino Marketing Oversight Panel will allow Texans to report violations and see action taken. This solution prevents industry self-policing and ensures that ads are fair, legal, and responsible, with penalties for violations to keep companies in check.

Fair Revenue and Tribal Sovereignty Policy Details

Lock Tax Revenue into Voter Priorities: Casino revenues often disappear into state budgets with no public benefit. Texas' solution is to lock taxes by law: 60% to schools, infrastructure, and emergency services; 20% to mental health and addiction services; 20% to direct property tax relief. Public oversight and annual audits will ensure every dollar serves Texans.

Split Funds: Schools, Health, Tax Relief: With Texans struggling under rising property taxes, dedicating casino funds to relief will help families stay in their homes. This solution provides a sustainable, voter-backed stream of local support, easing household budgets without raising other taxes.

Give Tribes Full Control Over Their Casinos: Tribal sovereignty is protected under federal law. Texas will honor this fully, leaving tribes in control of their own gaming operations. This solution avoids legal conflicts and ensures respect for Native economic rights, following principles from the National Indian Gaming Commission.

Invite Tribes into Regional Planning: Beyond legal respect, Texas will include tribes in regional casino planning. This solution ensures cooperative growth, where tribal leaders help shape policy, avoid market crowding, and protect long-term economic interests for both tribal and non-tribal communities.

Guarantee Economic Fairness in Expansions: Future expansion will require economic fairness agreements, balancing state, local, and tribal interests. This solution prevents corporate monopolies, protects small operators, and supports fair opportunity, following best practices from the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development.

Fair Redistricting Policy Details

Fair Maps and Elections - Create citizens' redistricting commission - Ban political, party, or incumbent bias - Require public map-drawing and hearings - Use ranked choice voting statewide - Hold voter approval on final maps. Texas elections have been distorted by gerrymandering that shields incumbents and blocks competition. A citizens' redistricting commission with nine public members, selected for independence and balance, will end politician-controlled map drawing. The Brennan Center for Justice reports that independent commissions improve fairness and build public trust. This change will bring real independence to the redistricting process.

Banning political, party, and incumbent data stops the map manipulation that protects those already in power. Texas will draw districts using compactness, equal population, minority protections, and community preservation. The League of Women Voters stresses that banning partisan data is essential to restore accountability and voter choice.

Public map-drawing and hearings will replace closed-door deals, giving Texans across the state a direct voice in shaping their representation. This transparency strengthens democracy, ensures accountability, and makes sure district lines reflect community needs.

Voting Access Policy Details

Accessible, Secure, and Modern Voting - Automatic voter registration with opt-out - Same-day registration at early voting - Expand accepted voter ID types - Paper trail and random machine audits - Mail ballot tracking and secure drop-offs. Automatic voter registration through state agencies will simplify access and reduce errors. Texans will have a clear opt-out choice. The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that automatic systems improve accuracy, save costs, and increase turnout. Texas will verify citizenship through agency records before completing any registration.

Same-day registration during early voting allows eligible Texans to fix problems and vote without delay. States with same-day registration show higher turnout, especially among young and mobile voters. This change prevents bureaucratic errors from keeping people out of the voting process.

Expanding accepted voter IDs to include Texas public university IDs, veteran cards, tribal IDs, and government employee badges will give thousands of eligible Texans the chance to vote securely. The Brennan Center confirms that expanded government-issued, photo-secure IDs improve access without reducing safeguards.

Election Security Policy Details

Voting machines will generate paper records that voters can review. Random audits will back up machine accuracy, and audit results will be made public. Verified Voting identifies paper trails as a national best practice to protect election security and voter confidence. Mail ballots will include tracking numbers, delivery confirmations, and secure drop-off locations. These protections reduce the risk of lost or rejected ballots and build voter trust. They are especially important for rural residents, military members, and disabled Texans.

Voter Rights and Participation - Guarantee ADA-compliant polling sites - Allow curbside and assisted voting - Restore voting rights after sentences - Provide paid election leave for workers - Criminal penalties for intimidation or interference. All polling sites will meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards to ensure that disabled Texans can vote privately and independently. Sites that do not comply will be relocated or replaced. The National Disability Rights Network emphasizes that equal access is a legal right and must be guaranteed.

Criminal penalties will apply to anyone who intimidates, harasses, or interferes with voters or election workers. All poll workers and observers will complete uniform, nonpartisan training. The Carter Center finds that consistent training reduces conflict and protects election integrity.

Trade Schools Early Access and Visibility Policy Details

Early Access and Visibility • Career advisors by 10th grade • Equal representation at career fairs • Statewide "Skilled Trades" campaign • Trade paths in every high school • Military and apprenticeship visibility. Many Texas students are funneled toward four-year college without learning about trades. By requiring career and technical advisors by 10th grade, students will hear early about options like plumbing, electrical work, and welding, not just university routes. The solution is dedicated staff on every high school campus who introduce practical, well-paid careers early. Per the Association for Career and Technical Education, early exposure improves job matching and reduces dropout rates.

Career fairs often center only on college recruiters, ignoring trades, apprenticeships, and military service. Mandating equal representation ensures all students, including those from underrepresented backgrounds, can explore multiple career paths. The solution is clear rules that every school-hosted event must include trades, military, and apprenticeships. According to the Texas Workforce Commission, these pathways offer some of the fastest-growing roles in the state.

A "Skilled Trades Equals Skilled Success" campaign will feature real Texans and real wages to raise awareness and respect for trade careers. This is more than marketing. The solution is to change public perception through positive stories and visible role models, not just statistics. It combats social bias that devalues skilled labor and helps parents and students see trades as honorable, well-paying choices.

Trade Schools Funding and Access Policy Details

Funding and Access • 30 percent increase in trade school funding • State grants for critical careers • Rural trade program incentives • Tax credits for apprenticeships • Public-private training centers. Trade schools are underfunded compared to universities, limiting class space, equipment, and instructor quality. A 30% increase over four years will upgrade facilities and expand enrollment. The solution is sustained public investment to match the needs identified by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Many Texans avoid trades because of upfront costs. State grants for high-demand careers like HVAC, cybersecurity, or healthcare reduce financial barriers and build a skilled local workforce. The solution is targeted financial aid to make these essential fields accessible, following recommendations from the National Skills Coalition on closing labor gaps.

Rural Texas often lacks access to trade education, forcing young people to leave town for training. Rural incentives will help launch local programs, so small communities can train and keep skilled workers at home. The solution is dedicated funding for rural campuses and partnerships with local businesses, strengthening local economies.

Trade Schools Standards, Accountability, and Mobility Policy Details

Standards, Accountability, and Mobility • Fast-track licensing programs • Veterans to Trades initiative • Second Career Scholarships • Employment-based school funding • Wage outcomes over test scores. Licensing delays can sideline certified tradespeople when demand is high. Fast-track programs will reduce wait times while preserving safety standards, especially in critical fields like plumbing, welding, and electrical work. The solution is simplifying paperwork, not removing skill requirements, as endorsed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Veterans often face redundant certification steps despite years of relevant military experience. A Veterans to Trades initiative will translate military skills into Texas credentials, helping veterans transition faster into civilian jobs. The solution is to formally evaluate military training and match it to state licensing standards, a process supported by the Texas Veterans Commission.

For adults over 30 seeking to retrain, Second Career Scholarships will cover tuition, credentialing, and placement support. The solution is state-backed scholarships that target midlife learners, making career shifts realistic and affordable. This addresses midlife economic shifts and gives Texans a real chance at upward mobility without lifelong debt.

Media Transparency & Accountability Policy Details

Media Transparency & Accountability • Require disclosure of ownership • Disclose political contributors • Publish editorial board details • Create public media portal • Ban opaque state ad contracts. Many Texans do not know who owns or funds the media they consume, which leads to hidden bias and reduced trust. We will require full ownership disclosure from any outlet receiving state funds, giving Texans the tools to evaluate sources. According to the Knight Foundation, transparency is key to rebuilding public confidence in journalism.

Political contributors often shape what appears in media, yet few outlets reveal this. We will require disclosure of political donors as a condition for state funding, ensuring taxpayer money is not quietly routed into partisan influence efforts. This will protect public funds and restore public faith.

Editorial boards guide news direction but are rarely visible to the public. We will require outlets taking state funds to publish the names and roles of editorial leaders. This measure will help Texans understand which perspectives shape local reporting and will strengthen media literacy across communities.

Support Local and Independent Journalism Policy Details

Support Local and Independent Journalism • Create Texas Local News Fund • Expand student newsrooms • Offer grants for underserved areas • Fund journalism internships • Archive state-funded stories. Many Texas communities are "news deserts" with no local reporting. According to the Pew Research Center, access to local journalism improves civic participation and accountability. We will launch the Texas Local News Fund to provide competitive grants supporting independent reporting in underserved towns and neighborhoods.

Student journalism offers an overlooked solution for strengthening local media. By expanding newsroom resources at public universities, we will give students real-world reporting experience and provide their communities with investigative and public interest stories. Underserved regions will be prioritized through targeted grants.

State-funded journalism internships will bring new talent into the field and create a pipeline of future reporters. We will run these internships through public universities, ensuring they are well-supervised and focused on serving community news needs.

Ethical Spending & Emergency Communication Policy Details

Ethical Spending & Emergency Communication • Submit agency media spending reports • Set transparency rules for contracts • Build state emergency platform • Avoid private platform dependence • Ensure public interest use of funds. Currently, no system tracks how Texas agencies spend media dollars. We will require every agency to submit annual reports itemizing vendors, spending amounts, and targeting strategies. This aligns with public finance best practices recommended by the National Association of State Budget Officers and will allow public scrutiny.

Private platforms like Facebook and Twitter cannot be relied on for critical alerts. We will build a state-run emergency communication system on a secure public website to deliver lifesaving updates directly to Texans, without needing corporate platforms that change rules unpredictably.

We will ensure all state media spending serves the public interest. Clear rules and oversight will prevent waste and political manipulation, making sure every dollar invested supports informed communities and stronger public trust.

Affordable, Accessible Childcare Policy Details

Guarantee Care from 6 Months: In Texas, the cost of infant care can exceed the cost of rent, forcing many parents, especially mothers, to leave the workforce. Guaranteeing care starting at six months gives families a stable foundation, keeps parents employed, and supports early childhood development. The state will directly back this guarantee so every child has access.

Cap Family Payments at 7 Percent Income: Capping family payments at seven percent of income protects household budgets and follows federal affordability guidelines. This solution prevents families from being priced out of care and reduces the risk that a parent will quit working because childcare costs more than wages.

Prioritize Rural and Low-Income Areas: Rural and low-income areas are often childcare deserts where no licensed providers operate. Texas will prioritize building new childcare centers in these regions, using local partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and in-home providers to make sure families can find care nearby.

Include Military and Foster Families: Military and foster families often miss services because frequent moves or complex paperwork block access. The state will remove these barriers by granting automatic eligibility, recognizing the service and unique challenges these families face.

Provide Refundable Tax Credits: Middle-income families frequently earn too much for public help but too little to afford private care. Texas will provide a refundable tax credit of up to six thousand dollars per child, giving these families immediate financial relief while the public program expands.

Strengthening the Workforce Policy Details

Raise Caregiver Pay to 22 Dollars Per Hour: Caregivers in Texas often earn poverty wages, leading to high turnover and worker shortages. Raising pay to twenty-two dollars per hour by 2027 will make childcare a stable, respected profession, attracting skilled workers and giving children consistent caregivers.

Fund Tuition and Certification: Training costs keep many capable people out of childcare jobs. The state will fund tuition, certification, and credentialing programs to open up new pathways into the workforce and ensure providers are well prepared.

Fast-Track Military Spouses and Bilingual Staff: Military spouses and bilingual Texans bring valuable experience but face extra employment barriers. Texas will create fast-track licensing and hiring programs to help these workers enter the childcare field quickly, meeting demand and supporting diverse family needs.

Offer Grants for Extended Hours: Parents with night and weekend shifts often have no childcare options when they need it most. Texas will offer grants and higher reimbursements to providers who offer extended hours, making care available in hospitals, schools, and community centers where families already go.

Enforce Licensing and Safety Standards: Ensuring quality is essential for family trust. Texas will enforce licensing standards, caregiver-to-child ratios, wage audits, and regular safety inspections to protect children and guarantee parents that public dollars support only high-quality providers.

Community-Based Expansion Policy Details

Build Centers in Underserved Areas: Many Texas communities have no childcare centers, limiting family income and local business growth. Texas will directly fund new sites in rural towns and urban neighborhoods, giving families a way to participate fully in the workforce.

Partner with Schools, Hospitals, Churches: Placing childcare programs inside schools, hospitals, and churches uses trusted local spaces and reduces costs. These partnerships strengthen community ties and bring services closer to where families already live and work.

Use No New Business Taxes: Employers are often concerned about tax burdens or mandates. This plan will not introduce new business taxes and will allow employer-based centers to join the system voluntarily, creating flexibility without adding financial pressure.

Allow Voluntary Employer-Based Centers: Expanding too quickly can overwhelm systems and lead to waste or failure. Texas will use a phased four-year rollout, starting with the neediest families, to build capacity carefully and avoid breaking promises or overloading providers.

Phase in with Clear Rollout Plan: To make Texas competitive and fair, the program includes a hardship waiver for new residents who can show proof of employment. This allows workers moving into the state to get help while maintaining cost control and fairness for longtime residents.

Climate and Land Restoration Policy Details

Statewide Climate Resilience Strategy: Texas is experiencing a rise in droughts, floods, and extreme heat that hurt families and local economies. To address this, we will create a statewide climate resilience office that will map risks, set goals, and coordinate projects across agencies and counties. This ensures no community is left to face climate threats alone and puts expert resources in the hands of local leaders.

Large-Scale Tree and Prairie Restoration: Erosion, tree loss, and prairie collapse are damaging millions of acres every year. We will fund native tree planting, prairie restoration, and wetland recovery, focusing on areas that protect against floods and heat. Projects will employ local workers and partner with landowners, combining economic growth with land healing. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service shows that such efforts increase soil health, water retention, and carbon storage.

Tax Credits for Verified Conservation: Many Texas landowners are discouraged from conservation because they lose money compared to developers. We will offer tax credits tied to verified conservation activities such as wildlife corridors, aquifer recharge zones, and erosion controls. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will certify these efforts to ensure they deliver real public benefit and reward good land stewardship.

Controlled Burns and Wildfire Prevention: Wildfires are expanding due to hotter weather and unmanaged brush. We will fund controlled burns, build firebreaks, remove overgrowth, and upgrade rural firefighting equipment. The Texas A&M Forest Service recommends these steps to prevent small fires from turning into disasters. Counties will receive seasonal staffing and emergency funding to make sure they can act before fires grow out of control.

Water Infrastructure Upgrades: Water supplies are under threat from overuse and contamination. We will invest in wastewater upgrades, rain capture systems, and aquifer protections while making illegal dumping and water theft criminal offenses. The Texas Water Development Board has called for local and regional water projects, and this plan answers that call by pairing infrastructure with strong enforcement.

Clean Energy and Jobs Transition Policy Details

Shift Subsidies to Renewables: Texas has unmatched wind, sun, and open land but lacks the right investment. We will shift fossil fuel subsidies to wind, solar, and battery storage projects that meet federal and state standards. This move will generate new jobs, strengthen local economies, and place Texas at the front of the national clean energy shift, as noted by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Modernize Energy Grid: Our outdated grid cannot handle modern energy needs. We will upgrade transmission lines, expand storage, and improve distribution to reduce blackouts and lower costs. ERCOT has identified grid modernization as a top priority, and this plan delivers by pairing state funds with private investment to ensure the lights stay on.

Job Guarantees for Energy Workers: Energy workers deserve a clear and fair path forward. We will guarantee job placement, provide wage protections, and offer training to move oil and gas workers into clean energy construction, maintenance, and grid roles. The U.S. Department of Labor shows these jobs are among the fastest growing and pay competitive wages. This is a plan for better jobs, not job loss.

Fast-Track Wind, Solar, Storage Projects: To speed progress, we will fast-track renewable energy projects that qualify under federal law. We will remove bureaucratic delays, improve grid connection timelines, and encourage public-private partnerships. This approach ensures Texas does not miss out on federal investment and secures a long-term energy future.

Protect County Oil Royalties: Oil royalties fund essential services in many counties. We will protect these royalties to ensure local schools, hospitals, and roads remain funded while the state shifts to renewables. This balance allows for economic security during the transition, recognizing the importance of oil revenues in many communities.

Accountability, Enforcement, and Local Control Policy Details

Enforce Polluter Cleanup at Company Cost: Polluters have passed cleanup costs to Texas taxpayers for too long. We will require companies to clean up their damage at their own expense, with fines scaled to the harm caused. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will be strengthened to enforce these rules fairly and consistently, ensuring communities are no longer left to bear the burden.

Increase Penalties for Violations: Penalties for environmental violations are often too small to deter bad actors. We will increase fines and apply criminal penalties to repeat offenders when justified. The Environmental Protection Agency advises that states step up when federal oversight falls short. Our approach ensures polluters cannot treat fines as a minor business expense.

Strengthen Air and Water Monitoring: Many Texas neighborhoods lack strong air and water monitoring, especially near industrial areas. We will expand state-level monitoring programs and allow counties to add their own measures. The American Lung Association ranks Texas poorly on air quality, and more data is key to protecting public health and holding industries accountable.

Restore Local Environmental Authority: Local governments know their own needs best. We will restore local authority to pass conservation rules, adopt green building standards, and limit harmful development. All local actions will be reviewed to ensure they meet state and constitutional guidelines, maintaining balance between local flexibility and legal consistency.

Publish Public Progress Reports: Texans deserve full transparency. We will publish annual progress reports, show exactly how much land has been restored, track pollution cleanup, and report on job creation tied to these policies. Publicly available budget audits will help taxpayers see how their money is used, ensuring accountability at every step.

End Unsafe Placements Policy Details

Ban Hotel and Office Housing: In Texas, foster children are still being housed in government offices, motels, and hotels because there are not enough licensed homes. These spaces are not designed for children and increase the risk of harm, per the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. We will immediately ban this practice and fund emergency shelters and transitional homes that are staffed by licensed professionals trained in childhood trauma, behavioral support, and de-escalation techniques.

Build Trauma-Informed Shelters: When siblings enter the foster system, they are often split up to make placements easier for agencies. This separation causes emotional distress and worsens outcomes. We will change state law to require that siblings remain together whenever possible, using targeted funding and placement incentives to help agencies prioritize family unity. Research from the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows that keeping siblings together strengthens resilience and long-term stability.

Keep Sibling Groups Together: Foster parents take on a heavy financial burden, especially when they care for teenagers, children with disabilities, or youth with trauma. We will raise stipends and create a tiered payment system that pays higher rates for caregivers supporting high-needs children. According to the National Foster Parent Association, current stipends often fail to cover the cost of care, leading to placement disruptions and foster parent burnout.

Raise Foster Parent Stipends: Long-term foster parents and kinship caregivers often face housing instability and financial stress. We will create targeted housing assistance programs, provide direct cash support, and offer tax credits for caregivers who commit to long-term care. Studies from the Urban Institute show that improving caregiver financial security reduces placement breakdowns and improves child outcomes.

Offer Housing and Tax Help: Long-term foster parents and kinship caregivers often face housing instability and financial stress. We will create targeted housing assistance programs, provide direct cash support, and offer tax credits for caregivers who commit to long-term care. Studies from the Urban Institute show that improving caregiver financial security reduces placement breakdowns and improves child outcomes.

Oversight and Youth Rights Policy Details

Enforce Audits and Scorecards: Many foster agencies in Texas, including private and religious providers, operate with little oversight. This has led to safety failures and discrimination. We will require strict quarterly audits and publish public scorecards that track agency performance, safety records, and compliance with nondiscrimination rules. Agencies that fail to meet standards or that discriminate based on religion, marital status, or sexual orientation will lose their contracts. The Texas Tribune has documented the harm caused by unmonitored agencies.

Terminate Discriminatory Agencies: Foster youth are often cut off from mental health services when they move between placements, worsening trauma. We will guarantee access to free, continuous mental health care no matter where a child is placed. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, trauma-informed therapy can significantly improve the mental health of foster youth.

Guarantee Mental Health Care: Texas currently lacks a formal, enforceable set of rights for foster youth. We will create a Youth Bill of Rights that guarantees the right to privacy, the right to keep personal belongings, the right to attend school consistently, and the right to report mistreatment to an independent body. The National Foster Youth Institute finds that codifying these rights reduces abuse and improves youth well-being.

Establish Youth Bill of Rights: We will establish a paid Youth Foster Council made up of current and former foster youth from across the state, including youth of color, LGBTQ youth, and rural youth. This council will meet regularly with state leadership and help shape policies that directly affect them. Research from Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago shows that youth-led advisory councils improve child welfare outcomes when given real influence.

Create Paid Youth Foster Council: We will establish a paid Youth Foster Council made up of current and former foster youth from across the state, including youth of color, LGBTQ youth, and rural youth. This council will meet regularly with state leadership and help shape policies that directly affect them. Research from Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago shows that youth-led advisory councils improve child welfare outcomes when given real influence.

Prevention and Workforce Repair Policy Details

Deploy Family Restoration Teams: Many Texas children enter foster care not because of abuse but because their families face poverty, addiction, or housing instability. We will create Family Restoration Teams made up of social workers, addiction counselors, housing advocates, and parenting coaches who will provide intensive in-home services. Per the Child Welfare Information Gateway, family preservation programs can safely reduce removals by addressing the root causes of crisis.

Provide In-Home Support Services: If a child can remain safely at home, the state has a duty to help stabilize the family rather than separate it. We will fund emergency rent assistance, job placement support, addiction treatment, and parenting help to keep children with their families when possible.

Cap Caseworker Caseloads: Texas caseworkers are leaving the field at crisis levels due to unsustainable caseloads and low pay. We will cap the number of cases a worker can manage and raise salaries to retain experienced staff. According to the American Public Human Services Association, high caseloads and turnover directly harm children and increase system costs.

Raise Caseworker Salaries: We will build a child welfare workforce pipeline by offering tuition forgiveness, paid training, and recruitment bonuses to students who commit to at least four years in the field. This strategy strengthens both current staffing and long-term workforce stability.

Build Recruitment and Training Pipeline: Racial disparities and identity-based trauma remain widespread in Texas foster care. We will require all agencies and caregivers to complete anti-bias and cultural competency training to ensure every child is placed in an environment that affirms their identity. Research from the Center for the Study of Social Policy shows that culturally responsive care improves placement stability and child well-being.

Close Loopholes Policy Details

Report Court Records Within 48 Hours: Across Texas, too many county courts fail to report disqualifying records such as felony convictions, domestic violence protective orders, or mental health rulings. The Texas Council on Family Violence reports that this failure has contributed to more than 200 women killed by armed partners in three years. Our solution is to require every county to report these records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System within 48 hours, with oversight from the Texas Attorney General's Office.

Enforce Firearm Surrender for Abusers: Although federal and state laws bar convicted abusers from owning guns, enforcement breaks down without active firearm surrender efforts. We will direct law enforcement to retrieve weapons once a disqualifying order is issued, supported by resources and clear timelines. This ensures that legal prohibitions are backed by real action.

Penalize Reporting Failures: When local agencies fail to report records, the result is a dangerous gap. We will impose administrative penalties on noncompliant counties and conduct formal audits to improve compliance. This creates accountability and ensures that state law is consistently followed.

Track Disqualifications Statewide: Texas currently lacks a centralized system to track who is disqualified from firearm ownership. Our plan will connect all county-level data to the national system, closing gaps between jurisdictions and making sure background checks reflect complete, updated information.

Protect Victims from System Gaps: Victims should not have to monitor whether courts have followed through. By shifting responsibility to the state and creating clear checks and penalties, we make sure victims are protected by the system, not failed by it.

Protect Gun Rights and Fair Access Policy Details

Preserve AR-Style Rifle Access: Ranchers, landowners, and farmers face real threats from feral hogs, predators, and dangerous wildlife. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, feral hogs alone cause over 50 million dollars in damage each year. We will protect access to semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity tools needed for property defense and predator control.

Recognize Rancher Defense Needs: For rural Texans, AR-style rifles are not political symbols but necessary tools. Limiting access to these weapons without considering rural realities risks harming the people who rely on them for daily safety and work. Our solution is to safeguard these rights explicitly.

Address Wildlife Damage Realities: Wildlife damage is not just an inconvenience. It threatens livelihoods, destroys crops, and endangers families. We will defend rural Texans' right to the equipment they need, treating their expertise with respect and recognizing their unique needs.

Balance Urban and Rural Differences: Urban areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin face different safety concerns than rural communities. Instead of passing statewide rules that ignore these differences, we will allow local leaders to tailor violence prevention strategies to their communities while preserving statewide firearm rights.

Oppose One-Size-Fits-All Bans: We oppose any firearm restrictions that fail to distinguish between responsible ownership and criminal misuse. Our approach recognizes that Texans in rural areas should not pay the price for urban-focused debates.

Guarantee Due Process and Restore Rights Policy Details

Oppose Red Flag Laws Without Process: Red flag laws in other states have resulted in weapons being seized without warrants, hearings, or fair reviews. We oppose any Texas version that lacks clear judicial oversight. Our solution is to require court-issued warrants, meaningful hearings, and guaranteed rights to challenge any firearm seizure.

Require Judicial Oversight: Every firearm removal action must follow judicial authorization. We will create a transparent process with built-in review, protecting Texans' rights while ensuring public safety. This maintains the balance between safety and fairness.

Create Restoration Pathway: For Texans who have served their sentence or were wrongfully flagged, there is no clear way to restore firearm rights today. We will create a formal, county-level restoration process with defined steps, timelines, and public representation to resolve cases fairly and efficiently.

Set Court Deadlines: The current system leaves people waiting indefinitely for rights restoration. Our plan sets standard court deadlines, preventing backlogs and ensuring people can have their cases heard and resolved within a predictable timeframe.

Provide Public Guides on Rights: To make firearm rights and responsibilities clear, we will publish a plain-language statewide guide. This guide will explain restrictions, restoration options, and safe ownership practices, helping Texans understand the law without needing legal counsel.

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.

Affordable Housing Policy Details

First-time homebuyer programs will be expanded to help working families achieve homeownership. Affordable housing construction will be increased through public-private partnerships and incentive programs.

Community land trusts will be supported to preserve long-term affordability. Existing affordable units will be preserved and housing discrimination will be actively combated through enforcement and education.

Clean, Safe Water for All Policy Details

Guarantee Water Access Baseline: Many Texans, especially in rural or low-income communities, face unsafe or poor tasting tap water due to failing systems. Guaranteeing a minimum monthly water baseline per person ensures that every household has enough for drinking, cooking, bathing, and hygiene. The state will subsidize this baseline so no Texan loses access because of poverty or price hikes. Per the Texas Water Development Board, basic access is a public health necessity, not a luxury.

Prioritize Infrastructure Over Fines: Cities and utilities with repeated water quality failures often face fines they cannot pay, trapping them in long term decline. Instead of punishing communities without resources, the state will provide technical support, capital upgrades, and emergency aid to fix the underlying problems. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, targeted investment is more effective than penalties when infrastructure is crumbling.

Fund Climate Resilient Upgrades: Texas faces intensifying floods, droughts, and extreme weather that strain aging water and sewage systems. The state will fund climate resilient upgrades, focusing first on high risk areas with documented failures. Using expert engineering and local climate data will help communities build systems prepared for future conditions and avoid repeated taxpayer bailouts. This approach aligns with recommendations from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Support Voluntary Flood Buyouts: Families in flood prone regions live with repeated property damage and health risks. The state will offer voluntary buyouts, relocation support, and updated floodplain maps to help residents move to safer areas. This helps families avoid future losses and helps communities rebuild in smarter, safer locations. FEMA flood mitigation experts strongly recommend voluntary buyouts over costly rebuilds in known flood zones.

Publish Transparent Water Reports: Public confidence depends on transparency. The state will require that water quality inspections and violations be published online in plain language. Residents will have a clear, accessible view of local water performance, which empowers them to advocate for improvements and hold utilities accountable. The Environmental Protection Agency has long called for clearer public reporting to close trust gaps.

Affordable, Resilient Energy Policy Details

Subsidize Verified Rate Cuts: Energy poverty traps many Texans in a cycle of unaffordable bills, especially during extreme weather. The state will offer subsidies to utility companies that cut rates in poor areas, but only when independent audits confirm savings reach households. This prevents corporate misuse and delivers real relief, as recommended by the Texas Public Utility Commission.

Fund Weatherproofing for Renters: Renters are often stuck in drafty, inefficient housing but cannot authorize improvements. The state will provide weatherproofing funds to upgrade insulation, HVAC units, and storm resistant windows. Landlords who accept these funds must agree to freeze rent increases for at least two years. This ensures tenants benefit without fear of displacement. The National Low Income Housing Coalition supports such renter protections alongside energy upgrades.

Mandate Grid Weatherization: The Texas power grid failed catastrophically during past weather disasters because it was unprepared for extreme cold and heat. The state will mandate that all power generation facilities meet updated weatherization standards and will upgrade major transmission lines. This will help prevent regional blackouts and protect Texans statewide, as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has urged in post disaster reviews.

Expand Renewable Incentives: Small scale renewable energy like rooftop solar and battery systems can reduce grid pressure and support local resilience. The state will expand grants, rebates, and tax credits for homes, businesses, and farms that install these systems. Programs will focus on rural areas first, where blackout recovery times are longest. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, distributed energy helps stabilize fragile grids.

Require Diverse Energy Sources: Texas' dependence on single source generation creates major risks during peak demand. The state will require utilities to maintain diverse energy portfolios using solar, wind, natural gas, thermal, and storage technologies. This protects families from blackouts and price spikes. ERCOT and national energy security experts stress that diversity is key to a reliable power system.

Grid Protection and Fair Costs Policy Details

Tax Crypto Mining Operations: Crypto mining operations consume vast amounts of electricity while offering few local jobs or community benefits. The state will impose a megawatt based tax on large crypto farms to ensure they contribute to the grid they strain. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts has identified high consumption crypto as a stress point for Texas energy markets.

Use Funds to Lower Residential Bills: Funds collected from crypto taxes will be used to stabilize the power grid and lower residential energy bills. This ensures that those who place the heaviest burden on the system help cover costs, protecting working families. The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners supports targeted surcharges on heavy industrial users when they stress infrastructure.

Streamline Energy Assistance Programs: Energy assistance programs are currently fragmented and hard to navigate. The state will consolidate these into one streamlined service with online and phone applications, making it easier for eligible Texans to access help. Texas Health and Human Services efficiency models show that simplification improves reach and reduces administrative waste.

Ban Shutoffs During Weather Emergencies: Shutting off power during extreme weather is dangerous and sometimes deadly. The state will prohibit shutoffs during official heat or cold emergencies, protecting elderly residents, young children, and people with medical needs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize that uninterrupted energy access is a life safety issue during extreme conditions.

Automatically Enroll Eligible Households: Many families enrolled in programs like Medicaid or SNAP qualify for energy aid but miss out due to paperwork burdens. The state will implement automatic enrollment so eligible households get help without extra forms. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities recommends this approach to close service gaps and protect vulnerable populations.

Stop Predatory Lending Practices Policy Details

Cap Credit Card Rates at 10%: Credit card interest rates often exceed 25%, trapping Texans in debt they can never repay. The solution is a flat 10% cap that includes fees and penalties, cutting off the trap at its root. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, penalty rates are a major reason families fall into permanent debt. By setting a fair ceiling, Texans get the chance to pay off balances without being buried.

Cap Personal Loans at 20%: Personal loans are often marketed as easy fixes but come with soaring rates and hidden traps like balloon payments. A 20% cap with fixed rates and no prepayment penalties stops lenders from stacking the deck. The National Consumer Law Center reports that rate caps are among the most effective tools to prevent lenders from profiting off poverty. This reform ensures borrowing helps, not harms.

Cap Payday Loans at 25%: Payday loans are designed to create dependency. Without limits, borrowers pay fees over and over, often ending up worse off than before. Capping payday loans at 25% and banning rollovers breaks this cycle. The Center for Responsible Lending shows that these reforms reduce borrower harm while still allowing small emergency loans for those in need.

Cap Debt Consolidation at 10%: Debt consolidation is supposed to be a second chance but often leads to more expensive debt in disguise. A 10% cap combined with a one-page, plain-language summary ensures borrowers understand what they are signing and get real relief. The Federal Trade Commission has warned that many consolidation programs are misleading and require stronger rules.

Cap Auto Loans at 15%: Auto loans, especially for used cars, have become unaffordable. Subprime dealers add extra costs through bundled services and inflated fees. A 15% cap, applying to all loan components, keeps transportation within reach. The National Automobile Dealers Association acknowledges that without regulation, hidden costs can overwhelm buyers.

Enforce Transparency and Fairness Policy Details

Ban Teaser Rates and Penalty APRs: Teaser rates and penalty APRs lure borrowers with low offers that later spike. Banning these tactics prevents bait-and-switch schemes. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, removing penalty APRs reduces long-term default risk and protects consumers.

Ban Prepayment Penalties: Prepayment penalties punish those trying to pay loans off early. By eliminating these penalties, we encourage financial responsibility and lower household debt. The National Consumer Law Center recommends this as a core consumer protection measure.

Define APR to Include All Costs: Many lenders hide costs in fees, bundled products, and third-party charges. Defining APR to include every cost ensures Texans know the full price of borrowing. The Truth in Lending Act supports this approach, aiming for clear and honest pricing.

Require Plain-Language Loan Summaries: Complicated loan terms make it hard for borrowers to understand commitments. Requiring a plain-language summary makes borrowing decisions simpler and clearer. The Federal Trade Commission supports this type of reform to improve financial literacy and prevent deception.

Enforce Tough Civil and Criminal Penalties: Rules without enforcement invite abuse. Texas will back these reforms with real teeth, including million-dollar fines, license revocations, and criminal penalties. According to the Texas Department of Banking, tough enforcement ensures bad actors are removed from the market and honest lenders can compete fairly.

Strengthen Lending and Community Investment Policy Details

Ban Noncompliant Lenders from Texas: National and online lenders often bypass state laws, leaving Texans exposed. Banning noncompliant lenders protects residents and gives local institutions room to grow. The National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors confirms that state-level regulation is key to local market stability.

Require Online Lenders to Register: Online lenders must register with the state and follow its rules. This ensures fair competition and protects Texas borrowers. The Conference of State Bank Supervisors supports requiring registration as a foundation for effective oversight.

Support Credit Unions and Community Banks: Supporting credit unions and community banks builds a healthier financial ecosystem. With fair lending rules in place, these local institutions can better serve their communities. The Credit Union National Association reports that local lenders help grow small businesses and family wealth.

Review Caps Every 5 Years: Markets change, but protections must remain relevant. A formal five-year review, with economic experts and public hearings, allows adjustments for inflation and market trends. The Brookings Institution recommends regular reviews as a best practice for long-term policy effectiveness.

Ensure Public Input on Changes: Public input ensures trust and accountability. By requiring public hearings on any proposed rate changes, Texans will have a voice in shaping the financial future of their state. The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission has long championed public participation in state-level policy reviews.

Fair Pay, Benefits, and Local Ties Policy Details

Standardized Base Pay: Officers in Texas often face unpredictable risks but are paid under inconsistent systems, leaving many undercompensated, especially in high-cost areas. This policy creates standardized pay scales based on rank and service years, with added incentives for specialized certifications, hazardous work, and tenure. According to the National Institute of Justice, pay consistency improves retention and morale. The solution is to create a unified pay framework that rewards experience and skill, preventing departments from underpaying or overextending their workforce.

Incentives for Special Skills: Specialized roles deserve formal recognition. Offering bonuses for crisis training, night shifts, or instructor roles rewards professional growth and encourages officers to develop skills that serve communities better. The solution is to include these bonuses as part of the pay structure so departments can attract and retain specialized talent.

Retirement Pay Tied to Cost of Living: Retirement can leave long-serving officers struggling when costs rise. Tying retirement pay to local cost-of-living adjustments ensures economic security, especially for those in expensive urban or remote rural regions. Without this adjustment, retirees may face financial hardship that undermines decades of service. The solution is to apply an annual increase tied to objective cost-of-living data, keeping retired officers and their families stable.

Mandatory Local Residency: Community trust weakens when officers live far from the people they serve. Requiring local residency strengthens community ties, improves informal oversight, and boosts public confidence. Research by the Police Executive Research Forum shows residency improves responsiveness and accountability. The solution is to require that active officers live within the areas they patrol, creating daily, lived connections with local residents.

Limit on Out-of-Area Assignments: Short-term outside assignments can help during emergencies but should not replace local staffing. Limiting outside patrols to 24 hours per week prevents departments from filling chronic gaps with out-of-area officers who lack local knowledge. The solution is to allow limited exceptions only for special events or emergencies, keeping regular patrols staffed by officers familiar with the community.

Zero Tolerance for Misconduct and Abuse Policy Details

Immediate Suspension for Domestic Violence Charges: Police domestic violence cases shatter public trust. Per the National Center for Women and Policing, officers commit domestic violence at rates two to four times higher than the general public. This policy mandates immediate suspension on accusation and mandatory prison plus a lifetime ban on conviction, without exceptions. The solution is to combine due process with automatic and final consequences if guilt is proven.

Mandatory Prison and Permanent Ban if Convicted: Police domestic violence cases shatter public trust. Per the National Center for Women and Policing, officers commit domestic violence at rates two to four times higher than the general public. This policy mandates immediate suspension on accusation and mandatory prison plus a lifetime ban on conviction, without exceptions. The solution is to combine due process with automatic and final consequences if guilt is proven.

Off-Duty Restrictions on Law Enforcement Identity: Off-duty authority can be misused or misunderstood. By preventing off-duty officers from presenting themselves as law enforcement, the line between public and private life stays clear. This prevents power misuse and reduces liability for departments. The solution is to allow off-duty officers to retain certifications but require them to call on-duty personnel when official intervention is needed.

School Officers Under Same Standards: School resource officers often face looser oversight, leading to inconsistent discipline and safety standards. Equalizing training and accountability ensures students are protected by qualified professionals, not officers unfit for neighborhood patrols. The solution is to apply the same department standards to school officers, ensuring they meet full patrol qualifications.

Mental Health Checks After Firearm Use: Firearm discharges are traumatic for all involved, including officers. Annual independent mental health evaluations after any discharge help prevent buildup of trauma, stress, or misconduct risks. This is supported by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, which recommends post-critical incident counseling. The solution is to require outside mental health professionals, keeping evaluations impartial and supportive. Crisis calls often do not need a gun. Deploying mental health responders alongside or instead of police reduces risks for civilians and officers, improves outcomes, and lowers unnecessary arrests. The solution is to fund and staff dedicated crisis teams who can handle nonviolent or mental health emergencies.

Body Cameras and Evidence Integrity Policy Details

Third-Party Camera Footage Storage: Body cameras build public trust only when footage is protected from manipulation. Departments currently control their own data, undermining credibility. This policy assigns footage management to independent third parties, following recommendations from the Police Data Initiative. The solution is to ensure departments have no ability to alter or block footage, making oversight real.

Strict Release Conditions: Unauthorized footage release can harm victims, witnesses, and investigations. Releasing body cam videos will require formal department requests, legal discovery, or judge approval, ensuring transparency and protection. The solution is to create clear legal pathways that balance public right-to-know with privacy and case integrity.

Automatic Termination for Tampering: Turning off a camera destroys accountability. Officers who disable cameras will face automatic termination and one year in prison with no parole. This strict penalty sends a clear message that tampering will not be tolerated. The solution is to remove gray areas by making camera disabling an automatic cause for firing and prosecution.

Mandatory Reporting of Malfunctions: Malfunctions must be reported immediately and verified by another officer. This prevents patterns of false malfunctions and ensures the department can correct technical issues swiftly. The solution is to make same-shift reporting mandatory, with peer confirmation, so no one can hide problems.

Dual Malfunction Triggers Review: When two officers' cameras fail together, it raises red flags. This policy mandates immediate equipment replacement and triggers an automatic review for possible misconduct or negligence, safeguarding evidence integrity. The solution is to make dual failures an automatic alert for technical review and possible internal investigation.

Replace Criminalization with Clinical Care Policy Details

Fund Mobile Crisis Teams: Texas currently routes mental health crises through police and jails, turning health emergencies into criminal cases. This leads to trauma, injuries, or death. We will create mobile crisis response teams with psychiatric nurses, social workers, and certified professionals to handle emergencies. These teams will reduce arrests and emergency room visits by offering immediate medical help, as shown by the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Reopen State Hospitals: State psychiatric hospitals were closed decades ago without building alternatives, leaving Texas near the bottom for inpatient psychiatric beds per capita, according to Texas Health and Human Services. We will reopen state hospitals, ensure they are publicly accountable, and staff them with licensed professionals. This provides a place for voluntary patients and court-ordered individuals to get real treatment with legal protections and appeal rights.

Guarantee Inpatient Beds: Bed shortages leave Texans stuck in jails or emergency rooms during crises. We will set regional bed-per-capita targets, prioritize regions with the greatest need, and use surge contracts to cover shortages while hospitals are built. The American Psychiatric Association has found that such regional targets and temporary capacity are key to reducing care delays.

Expand Community Centers: Community mental health centers have been starved of resources, especially outside cities. We will expand them using performance-based state grants to improve outpatient care, family services, and medication management. We will also invest in telehealth systems and transportation support to connect rural Texans to local and distant providers, following recommendations from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Shift Funding from Prisons: Texas has allowed prisons to act as the main mental health providers. We will move at least five hundred million dollars over four years from the prison system to the Department of State Health Services. This money will expand clinical care and recovery programs. The Treatment Advocacy Center has shown that moving people into treatment rather than jails saves costs and reduces repeat offenses.

Build a Unified and Inclusive Care System Policy Details

Integrate Dual-Diagnosis Care: Mental health and addiction services are often split, leaving dual-diagnosis patients without proper care. We will require every state-funded facility to provide integrated services, making sure individuals receive care for both conditions at once. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has found that combining services leads to better recovery outcomes.

Launch Veteran-Specific Services: Veterans face unique mental health needs, including post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and suicide risk. We will create dedicated veterans units within state hospitals, staffed with clinicians trained in military trauma and VA navigation. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this targeted approach improves mental health outcomes and reduces veteran suicide.

Add Youth-Focused Programs: Children and teens are often put into adult systems that do not meet their needs. We will establish separate youth programs in state hospitals with trauma-informed care and family-centered therapy. We will also place licensed mental health counselors in every public school to provide direct student support, following guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Partner with Tribal Governments: Native communities have historically been left out of Texas mental health planning. We will create a tribal mental health fund co-managed with tribal governments to hire clinical staff, build facilities, and provide culturally informed care. The Indian Health Service has stressed that respectful tribal partnership leads to more effective mental health programs.

Enforce Legal Patient Rights: Court-ordered treatment often lacks legal safeguards, opening the door to neglect or abuse. We will require legal representation, set clear time limits, and guarantee appeal rights for all patients. An independent advocacy system will monitor treatment, reflecting best practices promoted by the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law.

Expand Workforce and Ensure Accountability Policy Details

Launch Tuition-Free Training: Texas has a major shortage of licensed mental health professionals. We will offer tuition-free training programs for psychiatric nurses, social workers, addiction counselors, and school mental health specialists who commit to work in high-need areas. The American Psychiatric Nurses Association identifies workforce expansion as critical to meeting rising mental health demands.

Offer Loan Forgiveness: To keep professionals in public service and rural communities, we will offer loan forgiveness for those who work at least five years in state-run facilities or underserved areas. The National Health Service Corps has shown that such loan relief helps fill care gaps and retain workers long-term.

Provide Rural Tax Credits: Many rural Texans have no local mental health providers. We will offer tax credits and matching state grants to private clinics that open or expand in rural counties. Clinics that meet state care and reporting standards will receive renewable contracts. This approach follows successful rural expansion models studied by the Rural Health Information Hub.

Enforce Insurance Parity: Insurance companies frequently fail to cover mental health care equally with physical health. We will enforce federal parity laws, requiring equal coverage for therapy, addiction services, and inpatient care. The Texas Department of Insurance will audit all plans, publish the results, and penalize companies that do not comply.

Monitor Facilities Quarterly: State-funded facilities will undergo quarterly inspections to ensure quality care and protect patient rights. We will guarantee whistleblower protections and create confidential reporting tools for patients. Facilities that fail clinical or legal standards will be shut down or replaced, as recommended by the Joint Commission, a leader in healthcare accreditation.

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.

LGBT+ Equal Rights & Protections

Guarantee Nondiscrimination: LGBT+ Texans are at risk because Texas has no statewide nondiscrimination law. Without it, people can be fired, denied housing, or refused service just for who they are. We will pass a statewide civil rights law that protects LGBT+ Texans in employment, housing, education, and public life. This will follow models already used in over 20 other states and recommended by the Movement Advancement Project.

Defend Marriage Equality: Marriage equality faces new threats in Texas, despite being federal law. State officials have tried to limit LGBT+ couples' rights in adoption, healthcare access, and tax filings. We will strengthen marriage equality protections in state law, close gaps in adoption procedures, and ensure all married couples are recognized fully. This approach aligns with advocacy from the Human Rights Campaign and family law experts.

Ensure Equal Healthcare Access: Healthcare access is denied when insurers or providers discriminate. This includes gender-affirming care, fertility services, and spousal benefits. We will require insurers to follow non-discrimination rules and ensure healthcare providers are held to federal standards, including those under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. The American Medical Association identifies this care as medically necessary.

Protect Legal Recognition: Many Texans face roadblocks when trying to update legal documents or records with their chosen name or gender marker. We will streamline these processes at the Department of Public Safety, schools, and other agencies so Texans can update documents without court fights or unreasonable delays. The National Center for Transgender Equality recommends clear, accessible procedures to support dignity and legal accuracy.

Cover Layered Identities: Discrimination is often worse for those with multiple marginalized identities. A Black trans woman, a disabled gay veteran, or a queer immigrant may face unique, compounded harms. We will ensure our nondiscrimination laws address intersectional identities, drawing on the expertise of the National LGBTQ Task Force and similar civil rights groups.

LGBT+ Public Safety & Dignity

Ensure Safe Public Facilities: Trans Texans are often harassed or criminalized for using public bathrooms, even though studies show inclusive bathroom policies do not increase public safety risks. We will protect the right to safe, dignified access to facilities that match a person's identity, guided by findings from UCLA's Williams Institute.

Protect School Privacy: Schools are becoming battlegrounds where students are outed, censored, or denied fair treatment. We will protect student privacy, prevent forced outing, and stop discriminatory book bans. The American Psychological Association and American Library Association both emphasize the harm of these practices and the value of inclusive learning environments.

Ban Discriminatory Ordinances: Some local governments pass ordinances that create or allow discrimination. We will pass a uniform state law to prevent cities or counties from undermining civil rights. This ensures protections are consistent statewide, as recommended by Lambda Legal and civil rights legal experts.

Stop Political Harassment: State agencies have used taxpayer money to investigate or harass LGBT+ families, especially those with trans youth. We will ban public funds from being used for political targeting or identity-based investigations and strengthen oversight of agencies like the Department of Family and Protective Services. Documentation from the American Civil Liberties Union shows how urgent this action is.

Support Rural and Veteran LGBT+ Texans: Rural and veteran LGBT+ Texans are often invisible in policy conversations. We will explicitly include them by expanding outreach, tailoring healthcare access, and ensuring programs like the Texas Veterans Commission serve LGBT+ veterans fairly. Research by the Williams Institute highlights the unique needs of rural LGBT+ communities.

LGBT+ Healthcare Rights & Access

Guarantee Gender-Affirming Care: Gender-affirming care is recognized by every major U.S. medical association as medically necessary, yet Texas has passed laws blocking access, especially for youth. We will protect the right to this care as part of legal healthcare, guided by standards from the American Academy of Pediatrics and Endocrine Society.

Ban Insurance Discrimination: Insurance companies sometimes refuse coverage for LGBT+ health needs, from hormone therapy to fertility care. We will enforce anti-discrimination rules on insurers and require all state-regulated plans to cover necessary services. This follows best practices outlined under the Affordable Care Act and by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Protect Mental Health Access: Mental health services are critical for LGBT+ Texans, who face higher risks of depression, anxiety, and suicide. We will fund inclusive mental health services and expand training programs so providers can offer appropriate care. The Trevor Project has shown that affirming care reduces suicide risk by over 50 percent among LGBT+ youth.

Support Youth Healthcare: Youth healthcare has become a flashpoint in Texas, with families and doctors under attack for providing medically necessary care to trans minors. We will protect the rights of families and healthcare providers to make decisions based on medical evidence, not political pressure. This approach aligns with the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry's recommendations.

Ensure Provider Training: Many healthcare providers lack training in LGBT+ health, leading to gaps in care or even harmful practices. We will support provider education statewide, using evidence-based resources like those developed by the Fenway Institute to ensure respectful, competent treatment for LGBT+ patients.

Marijuana Legalization and Regulation

Legalize Personal Use: Texas continues to arrest thousands for marijuana possession while other states have legalized personal use. This creates criminal records, strains courts, and diverts police from violent crime. The solution is to legalize marijuana in clearly defined personal-use amounts, freeing law enforcement to focus on public safety. Per the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, marijuana arrests cost Texas millions with no gain in security.

License Dispensaries: Dispensaries today operate illegally, exposing Texans to unsafe products and dangerous sellers. Licensing dispensaries under a statewide system will create safe, accountable businesses. This includes health standards, background checks, and fair licensing, following models seen in Colorado and Washington.

Ensure Product Safety: Without regulation, marijuana products may contain mold, pesticides, or unsafe additives. By setting product safety rules, Texas can require testing, accurate labeling, and safe production. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, regulating consumable products reduces health risks.

Set Fair Taxes: High taxes can crush small businesses and revive black markets. Texas will set taxes at sustainable rates that raise revenue without driving up illegal sales. States like Oregon have adjusted tax levels to support small growers while funding public services.

Keep Trafficking Illegal: Legalization does not remove penalties for trafficking or violent drug crimes. Texas will keep trafficking, weapons cases, and violent offenses fully illegal. This ensures that legalization helps responsible adults but maintains clear consequences for criminal networks.

Marijuana Revenue and Public Benefit

Direct Taxes to Healthcare: Without legalization, tax revenue flows to the black market and organized crime. Legal marijuana sales will generate new revenue that Texas can invest in healthcare, housing, schools, and mental health programs. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, states like Illinois have raised hundreds of millions for public needs.

Fund Housing and Education: Texas faces a growing affordable housing crisis. Cannabis tax revenue will fund state and local housing programs, helping families secure safe and stable homes. Housing authorities and nonprofits can use these funds to expand support for vulnerable Texans.

Expand Mental Health Care: Mental health care is severely underfunded in Texas. New revenue will expand access to counseling, addiction services, and crisis response teams. Per the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, improving mental health systems reduces emergency room visits and incarceration.

Require Public Audits: Public audits and transparency reports will ensure every dollar is tracked and reported. Annual audits will be required by law, showing taxpayers where cannabis taxes go. According to the Texas Comptroller's Office, public reporting improves trust and reduces waste.

Ensure Local Transparency: Local governments will have access to revenue data and a role in setting spending priorities. This ensures that communities, not just the state, benefit from legalization. Cities and counties can address local needs using clear, detailed fiscal reports.

Marijuana Justice and Expungement

Automatic Expungement: Tens of thousands of Texans carry marijuana-related criminal records, blocking access to jobs, housing, and education. Automatic expungement will wipe nonviolent possession records without requiring court filings or lawyer fees. The Brennan Center for Justice identifies automatic expungement as key to restoring fairness.

Release Nonviolent Inmates: Many Texans remain in prison for nonviolent marijuana offenses. This policy ensures their immediate release with coordinated reentry services. These services will include housing support, job training, counseling, and health care, funded by cannabis tax revenue.

Provide Reentry Services: Reentry without support often leads to homelessness and reoffending. By connecting released individuals to housing, work programs, and mental health care, Texas can reduce recidivism and help people rebuild their lives. Successful reentry benefits communities by lowering poverty and crime rates.

Seal Records Fully: Once records are expunged, they will be sealed from all background checks for jobs, housing, education, and occupational licenses. This guarantees that past marijuana convictions will no longer block opportunity. Removing this barrier helps restore economic mobility and dignity.

Exclude Violent Offenders: Critics fear that violent offenders will be freed under broad marijuana reform. Texas law will make clear that violent crimes, trafficking, or weapons offenses are not eligible for release or expungement. This keeps public safety at the forefront while advancing justice reform.

Ban Polygraphs in Texas

Prohibit Use in Investigations: Polygraphs are used in Texas investigations and hiring even though courts reject them as evidence. Police use them on suspects and employers use them on applicants, yet the American Psychological Association confirms they only measure stress, not truth. The solution is a full legal ban on their use anywhere a person's rights, job, or legal standing are affected, removing this tool from decisions where it causes harm.

Prohibit Use in Hiring Decisions: The policy bans polygraphs in employment, investigations, licensing, and clearances. This protects people from being wrongly judged due to nervousness, trauma, or health conditions. The solution ensures decisions are based on evidence, qualifications, and fair procedures, not on unscientific tests.

Ban in Licensing or Clearances: Both public and private sectors must comply. The Texas Workforce Commission and Attorney General's Office will investigate complaints and enforce penalties. This creates one clear statewide rule, avoiding confusion or uneven application.

Apply to Public and Private Sectors: The solution is uniform standards across all Texas settings. Oversight is necessary because agencies may try to keep using polygraphs or create renamed versions. The policy includes clear definitions and legal penalties to prevent loopholes.

Enforce Through State Oversight: Penalties will include financial fines and possible loss of licenses for repeat violations. This sends a message that Texas will not tolerate junk science in jobs or justice. The solution is meaningful consequences that push all sectors to follow the law.

Support Transition & Reform

One Year Agency Transition Period: Police agencies that rely on polygraphs need time to shift practices. Without support, they may struggle to adapt. The solution is a one-year transition period with state funding for training in evidence-based methods like structured interviews, behavioral analysis, and digital forensics.

Fund Evidence-Based Training: The state will cover training costs to help agencies and employers build better evaluation tools. This avoids gaps in capacity and prevents unfair treatment. The solution ensures readiness before the ban takes full effect.

Require New Investigative Standards: Agencies must submit detailed exit plans, including timelines and replacement practices. The state will review and approve these plans to guarantee accountability. The solution is proactive planning, not sudden disruption.

Approve Agency Exit Plans: Agencies must submit detailed exit plans, including timelines and replacement practices. The state will review and approve these plans to guarantee accountability. The solution is proactive planning, not sudden disruption.

Provide Mental Health and Legal Aid: For Texans harmed by polygraph misuse, the policy offers legal aid and mental health services. False positives have caused trauma, job loss, and public humiliation. The solution is to connect these individuals with legal clinics and counseling networks to support recovery. Providing recovery services shows the state recognizes past harm and takes responsibility.

Inform & Protect the Public

Launch Public Education Campaign: Many Texans wrongly believe polygraphs detect lies due to media myths and outdated training. The solution is a statewide public education campaign explaining why the ban is necessary and what the science says.

Explain Scientific Findings: The campaign will feature respected experts like the National Academy of Sciences and American Psychological Association. They will explain that polygraphs only measure physical stress responses, not deception. The solution is public clarity backed by trusted voices.

Correct Common Misconceptions: Misinformation has created a false sense of reliability. Correcting this will help employers, police, and the public focus on methods that actually work, such as structured interviews and verified background checks. The solution is better understanding and better practices.

Promote Fair Evaluation Methods: The campaign will emphasize that fair evaluation does not punish people for medical conditions like PTSD or anxiety. The solution is protecting vulnerable Texans and ensuring they are judged on facts, not bodily reactions.

Build Public Trust in Reform: Building public trust requires openness and honesty about why the reform is happening. The solution is clear, accessible outreach that shows Texans this policy strengthens justice and fairness for all.

End Pretrial Abuse and Overdetention

Charge Within 24 Hours: Jail without formal charges allows people to be held indefinitely, violating due process. Requiring prosecutors to file charges within 24 hours forces the system to act promptly and prevents the abuse of arrest powers. To implement this, Texas will require automatic release if no charge is filed and will audit counties for compliance, with state-appointed monitors where needed.

Eliminate Cash Bail: Cash bail creates two systems of justice where wealth buys freedom and poverty brings punishment. Eliminating cash bail shifts release decisions to public safety risk, not income. Texas will adopt validated risk assessment tools, train judges on their use, and require public reporting on release decisions to ensure fairness and accountability.

Cap Pretrial Detention at 30 Days: Pretrial detention often stretches for months, punishing people before guilt is proven. Setting a 30-day maximum protects constitutional rights and encourages prosecutors and courts to move cases efficiently. Texas will require courts to track pretrial timelines and give defense attorneys the power to trigger automatic release reviews when deadlines are missed.

Pay $100 Per Day Compensation: People who are held past lawful limits deserve recognition and remedy. Texas will pay $100 per day of illegal detention, issued tax-free by the State Comptroller. To prevent backlogs, the system will include an online claims portal and automatic notifications to eligible individuals upon release, reducing the need for lawsuits.

Create Independent Oversight Office: Police misconduct investigations often fail because they are handled internally. Creating an independent oversight office with its own staff, budget, and subpoena power ensures accountability without bias. This office will report directly to the public, with quarterly updates and mandatory response deadlines for law enforcement agencies.

Make Prisons Safe, Fair, and Rehabilitative

Enforce Nutrition Standards: Unhealthy prison food fuels disease and resentment. Texas will adopt state nutritional standards used in public institutions and require meals to be served to both staff and inmates. This will allow real-time quality checks, with staff and inmate meal surveys reported monthly to the Department of Corrections.

Pay Inmates for Labor: Unpaid or token-wage labor in prisons traps people in cycles of poverty. Texas will set wage floors tied to skill level, with part of earnings saved for reentry. Work assignments will be tied to certifications, with regular performance reviews and opportunities for advancement, making labor a tool for rehabilitation, not punishment.

Provide Modern Education: Prison education often fails because it offers no real-world value. Texas will require all programs to be accredited, focused on in-demand careers, and taught by certified instructors. Apprenticeships will be offered in partnership with unions and employers, preparing inmates for jobs with real wages, not empty credentials.

Ensure Licensed Healthcare: Mental health and medical care often lag behind in prison settings. Texas will require licensed professionals on-site at all times and guarantee continuity of care after release. Treatment plans will be tied into Medicaid enrollment, ensuring no lapse in medications or services during the transition home.

Cap Family Communication Costs: Families are drained financially when call, video, and commissary costs are inflated. Texas will cap all prices at outside market rates and ban added deposit or access fees. Oversight will include regular price audits and public posting of rates, ending the profit-driven exploitation of family connections.

Guarantee Reentry, Transparency, and Retroactive Justice

Provide Full Reentry Plans: Leaving prison without ID, housing, or job placement leads many straight back into trouble. Texas will provide every released person with a state ID, birth certificate, Social Security card, printed legal record, housing plan, and enrollment in health and employment services. These will be prepared before release to prevent last-minute failures.

Assign Caseworkers: Caseworkers help people navigate the difficult transition home. Texas will assign a caseworker to every person upon release, with weekly check-ins and performance audits. This will ensure that individuals are not left on their own, and that the system is accountable for real outcomes, not just paperwork.

Limit Record-Based Discrimination: Criminal records should not permanently bar people from rebuilding. Texas will limit employer access to convictions directly relevant to job duties, while offering tax incentives to businesses that participate in reentry hiring. Employers will retain the right to ensure workplace safety, but blanket disqualifications will be banned.

Establish Civilian Oversight Boards: Transparency builds trust. Texas will establish civilian oversight boards at every prison and jail, with authority to investigate misconduct, require disciplinary action, and publish findings. These boards will be publicly selected, term-limited, and required to report quarterly, creating clear community accountability.

Apply Reforms Retroactively: Past harm must be addressed, not ignored. Texas will apply reforms retroactively, offering compensation for overdetention and reopening reentry services to those released in the past year. The state will proactively notify eligible individuals and publish findings, ensuring justice is not only forward-looking but also corrective.

Prevent Access to Dangerous Individuals

Universal Background Checks: Texas has some of the weakest gun control measures in the country, allowing private sales, online trades, and gun shows to bypass background checks. According to Everytown for Gun Safety, universal background checks can reduce gun violence without infringing on lawful ownership. The solution is a single statewide system that applies to every sale, no exceptions, so dangerous individuals cannot slip through cracks.

Close All Sale Loopholes: Many Texans store guns in homes with children, often unlocked. Per the American Academy of Pediatrics, unsecured firearms raise the risk of accidental shootings and suicides.

Safe Firearm Storage Campaign: A statewide campaign will educate families on safe storage, offer free or discounted gun locks, and provide clear guidance through schools, clinics, and local outreach, all without adding criminal penalties.

Public Education, No Criminal Penalty: The public often fears that gun safety reforms are an attack on law-abiding owners. The solution is to frame public education as shared responsibility. Families will get non-political materials on how to store firearms safely and will be treated as partners, not targets, in preventing tragedy.

School Safety Panels Include Parents: Local knowledge and community voice are essential. Every school district will create safety panels including parents, teachers, and residents. These panels will review local security plans, provide input on upgrades, and help tailor solutions to match community needs, making sure reforms are not one-size-fits-all. False threat reporting is an increasing problem, creating panic and wasting resources. Schools will include lessons on responsible reporting in student education.

Strengthen School Safety Infrastructure

Annual Safety Audits: Many Texas schools operate with outdated security, leaving them exposed. Per the Texas School Safety Center, most campuses lack consistent safety measures. Annual audits will pinpoint weaknesses, and schools will receive state funding to make specific upgrades recommended by experts, not driven by politics.

State Grants for Upgrades: State grants will cover safety improvements in underfunded districts, including rural schools. Priority will go to campuses identified as high risk, ensuring no region is left without the tools needed to protect students and staff. This will help make school safety a statewide standard, not a patchwork.

Secure Doors and Entries: Secure doors and entry systems are one of the simplest ways to protect schools. The Sandy Hook Advisory Commission has shown that access control can slow or stop shooters. State-supported upgrades will help every school install and maintain locking systems, visitor check-ins, and secure main entries.

Panic Buttons and Alert Systems: Panic buttons and real-time alert systems allow staff to contact police immediately. This technology, endorsed by the National Association of School Resource Officers, helps reduce chaos in emergencies. The state will help schools install these systems and train staff in how to use them effectively.

Trained School Resource Officers: School resource officers must be specially trained for the school environment. Unlike general police officers, SROs will be certified in youth engagement, de-escalation, and school safety. Rural schools will decide locally if they want to opt in. Community oversight panels will monitor officer conduct to maintain trust.

Invest in Mental Health and Early Intervention

Full-Time School Counselors: Texas ranks near the bottom for counselor-to-student ratios. According to the American School Counselor Association, access to full-time mental health professionals reduces violence risk and improves student well-being. Every school will receive funding to hire trained counselors, ensuring no student is left without help.

Staff Crisis Training: Teachers and staff often see early signs of crisis. Crisis training will equip all staff with the tools to spot emotional distress, violent ideation, or behavioral changes, and provide immediate, non-punitive support. This spreads the safety net beyond law enforcement and into daily school life.

Non-Violence Curriculum: A non-violence curriculum will teach students emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and responsible behavior. Per the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, early social-emotional learning reduces aggression and improves peer relationships. Schools will be supported with age-appropriate materials and teacher training.

Anonymous Threat Reporting: Anonymous threat reporting platforms give students, staff, and parents a safe way to report concerns. Systems like Safe2Tell in Colorado have successfully stopped threats before they escalate. Texas will adopt a similar model, with strong privacy safeguards and rapid response coordination between schools and law enforcement.

Trauma-Sensitive Drills: Active shooter drills can be harmful if done poorly. Licensed mental health professionals will help design age-appropriate drills that prepare students without causing trauma. Follow-up support will be required for any student experiencing stress or anxiety from the drills.

Criminalize Digital Sexual Violence

Felony Deepfake Porn: Deepfake pornography is a fast-growing digital threat, yet Texas law has no clear penalties. The solution is to classify creating, sharing, or possessing non-consensual deepfake sexual content as a felony, allowing survivors to press charges and sue even years later. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reports this crime often targets both public figures and private citizens, making broad protections necessary.

Felony Revenge Porn: Revenge porn harms mental health, jobs, and families, but often gets treated as a low-level offense. Raising it to an automatic felony with mandatory minimum prison time acknowledges its serious impact. As the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative explains, removing the need to prove intent focuses justice on the non-consensual act itself.

Felony Sextortion Threats: Sextortion threats force victims into silence or humiliation. By making the threat itself a felony, Texas law would allow early intervention before leaked images cause irreversible damage. The U.S. Department of Justice recommends this approach to prevent escalation and protect survivors.

No Statute Limitations: Removing the statute of limitations gives survivors time to heal before they report, without worrying about legal deadlines. The American Psychological Association has shown that trauma often delays when survivors can safely come forward, making this legal change critical.

Equal Penalties for Proven False Claims: False accusations can devastate innocent lives and erode trust in the system. This policy sets equal penalties for those proven in court to have knowingly and maliciously filed false claims, matching the punishment the accused would have faced. This creates a fair system that protects real survivors and guards against weaponized false reports, as supported by legal fairness advocates like the Innocence Project.

Build Survivor Support Systems

24-Hour Hotline: Survivors face confusing systems and dead ends when they report. A 24-hour Texas Sexual Violence Digital Hotline gives them one place for help, combining legal advice, trauma support, and reporting services. The National Sexual Assault Hotline shows that immediate access raises reporting rates and improves survivor outcomes.

Special DA Units: Many DA offices lack staff ready to handle digital cases. Mandating specialized Digital Sexual Violence Units ensures prosecutors have the training and tools needed to handle sensitive cases. The Texas District and County Attorneys Association recommends specialization to improve conviction rates and survivor trust.

Trauma-Informed Staff: Without trauma-informed responders, survivors risk being retraumatized or dropping out of the process. Hiring trained professionals to staff hotlines and DA units ensures survivors get expert, compassionate help. RAINN has repeatedly shown that trauma-informed care increases survivor cooperation and healing.

Regional Legal Teams: Rural counties often do not have the resources to stand up special legal teams. The solution is to create state-funded regional partnerships and mobile legal units to cover small jurisdictions, ensuring no part of Texas is left behind. Models in Minnesota and Colorado show this works without creating local budget strain.

Digital Consent Education: Teaching middle school students about digital consent helps prevent harm before it starts. Adding this to state health and civics curricula explains the law, personal responsibility, and online respect. Common Sense Media and child protection groups recommend early education as a core prevention tool.

Hold Platforms Accountable

24-Hour Takedown Rule: Platforms often delay removing illegal sexual content, prolonging victim harm. A 24-hour takedown rule, once formal notice is given, forces swift action and limits damage. Germany's Network Enforcement Act shows how similar policies can improve compliance.

Scaled Corporate Fines: Flat penalties unfairly impact small businesses or let big companies off easy. Scaling fines to company size and revenue ensures fairness and real accountability. The EU's Digital Services Act applies this principle to balance regulation across the tech sector.

Victim Lawsuit Rights: Giving victims the right to sue platforms that fail to act creates a second path to justice and motivates companies to act faster. The Electronic Frontier Foundation supports expanding civil options for victims to hold platforms accountable.

Mandatory Platform Cooperation: Law enforcement often struggles to get cooperation from tech firms. Making it a legal requirement to provide evidence and act on takedown notices ensures cases move forward quickly. The National Network to End Domestic Violence supports clearer, stronger cooperation rules.

Transparent Enforcement: Public reporting on takedown compliance rates increases transparency and allows lawmakers to monitor company behavior. Australia's eSafety Commission has used public transparency to drive faster corporate responses and improve victim outcomes.

Direct Public Access and Control

Build Public Benefit Site & App: Texans face unnecessary barriers because private vendors control core benefit systems. Families applying for SNAP, Medicaid, or unemployment encounter confusing portals, hidden fees, and frequent glitches. We will create the Texas Direct Access System, a public, ad-free, multilingual platform designed to make it easy for Texans to apply, check, and manage benefits. This system will improve enrollment, reduce errors, and give people direct help without navigating private systems. Per the Urban Institute, public-run systems show higher enrollment and lower error rates.

End Third-Party Skimming: Third-party processors skim money from transactions by using prepaid debit cards, convenience fees, and data sales. This quietly takes dollars away from families who need them most. We will remove fee-based middlemen, allowing Texans to receive their full benefits without losing money to private processors. The National Consumer Law Center has shown that eliminating these practices increases benefit impact and reduces household financial strain.

Protect Personal Data: Private vendors currently collect and store personal data without strict limits, creating serious risks of exposure and misuse. We will build the Texas Direct Access System with clear data protections, limit access only to authorized state and federal agencies, and require regular independent audits. The Electronic Frontier Foundation has warned that public-private data deals often compromise user privacy, and we will prevent that here.

Expand Public Hiring: Outsourcing has weakened the state workforce and reduced the number of good public jobs in Texas. We will expand public hiring through a Texas Public Service Corps, focusing on veterans, underemployed workers, and recent college graduates. This approach will rebuild state capacity, provide stable employment, and ensure that services are delivered by Texans, for Texans. The Economic Policy Institute reports that public-sector jobs offer stronger wages, better benefits, and more reliable local economic impact.

Train Texas Workforce: To make this shift possible, we will invest in new training programs that equip workers for public service roles in IT, benefits processing, mental health care, and corrections. This creates a skilled workforce, reduces dependency on contractors, and ensures long-term system maintenance and improvement.

Transparency and Accountability

Audit All Benefit Contracts: We will launch an independent audit of all major state contracts related to public benefits, healthcare, prison services, education testing, and digital platforms. This audit will examine cost effectiveness, political connections, and service failures. We will publish results in plain-language summaries and visual dashboards to ensure that every Texan can easily understand where their money goes.

Ban No-Bid Contracts: Political insiders profit from no-bid and one-bid contracts, inflating costs while lowering service quality. We will ban these practices and require competitive bidding for all contracts, ensuring better results and lower prices. The Government Accountability Office has found that competitive contracting improves both performance and taxpayer savings.

Prioritize Texas Nonprofits: Out-of-state vendors handle major Texas programs without proper transparency or local accountability. We will prioritize Texas-based public or nonprofit solutions, keeping taxpayer funds in the state and improving oversight. Investigations by the Texas Tribune show that out-of-state contractors often escape scrutiny while collecting large sums from Texas public programs.

Disclose Ownership and Donations: All companies receiving state contracts will be required to disclose their ownership structures, executive compensation, and political donations over the past five years. This step will close the loopholes that allow hidden interests to profit from public dollars without public accountability. Transparency International has identified disclosure as a key tool to reduce corruption and strengthen public trust.

Publish Public Dashboards: To further strengthen trust, we will create online dashboards showing real-time spending, vendor performance, and improvement plans. Texans will no longer have to rely on investigative reports or official press releases. They will have direct, easy access to information about how their government works.

Fairness and Service Quality

Fix Wrongful Denials: Texans are being cut off from benefits due to third-party errors, poor oversight, and rigid eligibility systems. These failures harm families and weaken public trust. We will create a public-run system that reduces wrongful denials, offers clear and fair appeals, and ensures that qualified applicants receive the help they are eligible for. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, states with strong public control have better outcomes and fewer harmful mistakes.

Streamline Appeals: We will establish clear performance standards focused on service quality rather than cost cutting. This ensures that public programs are evaluated on how well they serve Texans, not just on bottom-line savings.

Set Public Performance Rules: Vendors who fail to meet these standards will be phased out through a planned four-year transition, which balances the need for reform with the need to maintain stable services. During the transition, no service will be abruptly canceled or disrupted.

Phase Out Bad Vendors: We will manage the shift carefully, using clear benchmarks and oversight to protect Texans who rely on these programs. This approach keeps stability while improving accountability and performance.

Allow Limited Private Roles: In cases where no public or nonprofit solution exists, we will continue using private contractors, but under strict transparency, fairness, and accountability rules. This ensures that private partners serve public goals, not private profits, and that Texans remain in control of essential services. The overall goal is to build a system where public dollars work for public good. By focusing on fairness, transparency, and public service, we will create benefit systems Texans can trust and rely on in times of need.

Protect Seniors and Fixed-Income

End Property Tax for Social Security Recipients: Many Texas seniors face rising property taxes while living on fixed incomes, pushing them toward poverty or forcing them to sell their homes. To solve this, the plan will eliminate all property taxes on primary homes for seniors receiving Social Security, beginning in the first year. This will immediately remove a major financial burden and provide peace of mind. Per AARP, fixed-income seniors are one of the most at-risk groups when property taxes rise sharply.

Cover Disabled Texans, Veterans, Retirees: Disabled Texans and veterans often receive pensions or disability benefits but are still taxed like full-income earners. To fix this, automatic property tax exemptions will apply to households receiving SSDI, SSI, VA disability, or retirement pensions. No yearly application will be required, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and preventing people from falling through the cracks.

Apply Automatic Exemptions, No Reapplication: The threat of losing a home over unpaid property taxes is a quiet crisis across Texas. To stop this, the plan will legally block any tax foreclosure for eligible seniors, veterans, or disabled homeowners. This measure will be written into the phase-out legislation to ensure permanent protection.

Block Home Seizure Over Unpaid Taxes: Many retirees live off savings and small pensions without additional wages. Taxing their primary home unfairly drains their resources. The plan protects retirement income, Social Security, and savings accounts from any new or increased taxation. This aligns with guidance from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, which warns against penalizing non-wage income.

Shield Retirement Wages and Savings Permanently: To ensure clarity and fairness, the plan draws a firm line. No retirement checks, no Social Security benefits, no VA payments, and no primary home will ever be taxed. This is a targeted, working-class tax cut that protects the most financially vulnerable Texans.

Phase Out Property Taxes

Start 10-Year Phase-Out Plan: Working families are crushed by the combination of rising property appraisals and tax rates, often seeing their wages eaten up by housing costs. To solve this, the plan launches a 10-year phase-out of property taxes, beginning with refundable tax credits for homeowners and renters. These credits will deliver direct financial relief while the system transitions.

Provide Immediate Tax Credits: Appraisal spikes erase any benefit from lowered rates. To address this, the state will cap homestead appraisal growth starting in year two, giving families predictable and fair assessments. Small landlords will also benefit, keeping rental units stable. According to the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, appraisal control is essential to reducing the real burden on residents.

Cap Appraisals, Cut Local Rates: Public schools depend heavily on local property taxes, creating fears that school funding will collapse if those taxes are cut. To prevent this, the state will assume responsibility for half of school budgets by year six, using new tax revenues. This guarantees schools have stable funding throughout the transition.

Cover Schools from State-Level Funds: Renters often face indirect property tax hikes when landlords pass on the costs. The plan solves this by offering direct, refundable state tax credits to renters from year one. Small landlords will also get reduced local rates, which will help avoid rent increases and stabilize the housing market.

Protect Renters with Direct Relief: The phase-out will be paired with expanded and simplified access to the federally run free tax filing system, making sure working families claim every benefit they qualify for. This avoids leaving money on the table and cuts out costly tax prep fees.

Wealth and Corporate Taxes

Tax Wealth Over $1 Million: Texas relies heavily on local property taxes because the wealthiest Texans avoid paying their fair share. To fix this, the plan introduces a state wealth tax starting at five percent for net worth over one million dollars. Rates will increase progressively, reaching twenty percent above four million. This tax targets the highest earners without touching working wages or primary homes.

Raise Rates for Top Earners: Capital gains, estate windfalls, and investment income will be included in the new framework to ensure the ultra-wealthy contribute fairly. Retirement accounts, middle-class wages, and homestead values will stay protected. This approach ensures the burden does not fall on working Texans, matching recommendations from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.

Apply 1 Percent Tax on Luxury Assets: Luxury assets such as private aircraft, mega-yachts, and non-homestead investment real estate will face a one percent annual tax. This targets those holding extreme wealth in hard assets that currently escape local taxation. Funds raised will go toward public education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements that benefit all Texans.

Enforce Audits on Top 2 Percent: To ensure wealthy individuals and large corporations comply, the plan creates a Tax Justice Unit inside the Comptroller's Office. This unit will conduct audits, investigate shell companies, and enforce penalties for tax avoidance. According to the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, dedicated enforcement units significantly improve compliance rates and public trust.

Build Equalization Fund for Schools: Every dollar collected from new wealth and luxury taxes will flow into an equalization fund designed to fully replace local property tax revenues. This guarantees no cuts to schools, public services, or local government programs during or after the transition.

Policy Details