Second Amendment Sanctuary

What to Know: States such as Utah, Ohio and Missouri are working to become “Second Amendment sanctuary” states, a goal that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has also advocated as the Biden administration prepares its policies relating to firearms.

The TPPF Take: Protecting the Second Amendment is part of TPPF’s Liberty Action Agenda.

“Like the rest of the Bill of Rights, the Second Amendment is a direct response to the predations of the English Crown upon the American colonists,” says TPPF’s Derek Cohen. “The right to keep and bear arms exists as one of the most foundational liberties of free citizens of a republic.”

For more on TPPF’s Liberty Action Agenda, click here.

Make It Better

What to Know: TPPF has new research showing how Texas can improve its prison system while at the same time saving money.

The TPPF Take: In light of expected budget shortfalls, lawmakers should consider these reforms.

“Proposed reforms to technical violations, expansion of diligent participation credits, and enacting presumptive supervision for some drug offenses can help save money while improving public safety,” says Policy Analyst Michael Haugen.

For more on improving the Texas prison system, click here.

Lobbying with Taxpayer Dollars

What to Know: Local governments lobbying with taxpayer funds will be a contentious issue this legislative session, Texas Sen. Bob Hall says.

The TPPF Take: A ban on lobbying with taxpayer dollars is also part of TPPF’s Liberty Action Agenda.

“Texas is poised to lead the nation on sound public policy,” says TPPF’s Anthony Poalillo. “A ban on lobbying with tax dollars will inspire statehouses across the nation to pursue their own similar legislative proposals to push back against a practice that facilitates big government and deprives taxpayers of their voices.”

For more on lobbying with taxpayer funds, click here.