Legislative Information

Legislative Update, December 2, 2023

Both the House and Senate have adjourned Sine Die, meaning the fourth called special legislative session is over. No legislation was passed to impact school finance, teacher pay, or school safety. The governor’s call for a school choice program or vouchers (education savings accounts) did not pass either. $3.9 billion dollars, appropriated for public education in the state’s budget, still has no legislation to direct that funding.

Governor Abbott has not yet said when, or even if, he will call a 5th special session. According to the
Texas Tribune, the 246 days that lawmakers have been in session in 2023 is the most of any year since 1845.

Please see click here to see a School Finance Fact Check document to learn a little more about what is happening with public school finance in Texas.

2025 Legislative Priorities

In advance of the 89th Texas Legislative Session, expected to begin in January, 2025, RISD Trustees discussed and adopted the district’s legislative priorities. The priorities will be shared with the elected legislators who represent RISD, and can serve as guidance for formal district positions on legislation as the 89th session progresses. RISD legislative priorities include:
  • Legislation that modifies the Discipline Code (TEC Chapter 37) to allow local school districts to more effectively handle student discipline
  • Legislation that fully restores House Bill 3 (2019) funding levels and that will increase the basic allotment
  • Legislation that provides funding to address student needs and higher costs due to inflation that includes:
    • Special Education
    • Student and School Safety
    • Workforce Development
    • Pre-Kindergarten
    • Operations expenses
  • Legislation to address recruiting and retaining teachers
  • Legislation to improve the state’s testing and accountability system

Contact

Richardson ISD State Legislators

Below is list of state legislators who represent Richardson ISD. To find the legislator who represents you visit Who Represents Me? and enter your home address.

Representative Ana-Maria Ramos, House District 102

Representative Morgan Meyer, House District 108

Representative Angie Chen Button, House District 112

Representative John W. Bryant, House District 114

Senator Bob Hall, Senate District 2

Senator Tan Parker, Senate District 12

Senator Nathan Johnson, Senate District 16

Richardson ISD Federal Legislators

  • Washington D.C. Office: 202-224-2934
  • Washington D.C. Office: 202-224-5922
  • Washington D.C. Office: 202 225-2231
  • Local Office: 972-972-7949