Two of the three measures considered were legislative priorities of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
First Amendment
Texas House Approves Former Speaker Dade Phelan’s Meme Regulation Bill
Punishment under the legislation could result in up to a year in jail.
Texas Lawmakers Consider Advantaging Entities Seeking to Silence Citizens
A proposal heard by Texas representatives this week would cut into First Amendment protections against frivolous defamation lawsuits.
Senate Bill Would Tie Licenses to Ethics Registry, Drawing Sharp Criticism
Critics say the bill would give the TEC dangerous power to destroy the livelihoods of Texans engaged in political speech.
Media Carveout Won’t Save Texans From Speech-Chilling Lawsuits, Advocates Warn
While an influential lobby group is scrambling to modify a measure cutting into First Amendment rights, free speech advocates warn a floated adjustment would not prevent harm to Texans.
Texas Senators Approve Religious Freedom, Transparency Measures
A proposal to allow teachers to pray on duty sparked heated debate over the U.S. Supreme Court’s position on the separation of church and state.
Democrat Wants to Supercharge the TEC’s Harassment Machine
The legislation gives this rogue agency new tools to punish political speech, all while insulating it from meaningful accountability.
Groups Warn Texas Ethics Commission Is Chilling Citizen Speech
The Institute for Free Speech warned that Texas’ interpretation of lobbying could have ensnared the Founding Fathers themselves.
Analysis: If You Don’t Want to Register as a Lobbyist, Just Hire One
“It’s not easy, I understand. It’s certainly not intuitive,” said TEC Chairman Randy Erben, explaining the state’s lobbyist registration laws.
Senate Bill 336 Hands Leftists a Legal Bludgeon To Smash Dissent
Free speech is the foundation upon which all other freedoms rest.