Rep. Mitch Little wrote three bills that align with the priorities set by Texas Republicans.

Priority #3: Stop Sexualizing Texas' Kids

HB2710
Died in the House Committee on Trade, Workforce & Economic Development, chaired by Republican Angie Button
HB 2710 modifies affirmative defenses to certain criminal offenses related to obscene materials or conduct harmful to children. It removes the existing affirmative defense for possessing or promoting obscene material if done for a "bona fide judicial, law enforcement, or legislative purpose." It also clarifies that a defendant may claim an affirmative defense if they were the spouse of the child at the time of the offense or if they are no more than two years older than the child involved.

HB4623
Passed into law.
HB 4623 establishes liability for public schools and their professional employees for certain injuries to students. Schools and employees can be held jointly and severally liable for acts including sexual misconduct, failure to report child abuse, or negligent and intentional acts that cause harm. It waives governmental immunity for schools and eliminates official immunity protections for school employees in such cases. Plaintiffs can seek actual damages, court costs, attorney's fees, and exemplary damages.

Priority #7: Texas is Not for Sale

HB1743
Died in the House Committee on S/C on Transportation Funding, chaired by Democrat, Terry Canales
HB 1743, known as the Protect Texas Land Act, restricts certain foreign individuals and entities from holding or acquiring interests in agricultural land or other real property in Texas. It requires such persons to report property holdings or transactions to the attorney general and establishes penalties for noncompliance. The bill also creates an Agricultural Intelligence Office to monitor and enforce these provisions, including the forced sale of properties held in violation. These restrictions aim to protect Texas land from foreign control, with compliance deadlines for existing holdings.

(Bill summary provided in part by Texas Policy Research)