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Track Legislation
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Guide to the Texas Legislature
The Texas Legislature meets in regular session for 140 days in every odd-numbered year,
in accordance with the Texas Constitution. The framers envisioned a citizen legislature that would
adhere to the principles of limited government, meeting for a short period of time in order to pass
a 2-year budget, consider legislative revisions and then go home to live and work under the laws they pass.
The governor has the authority to call the Legislature into a special session that can last no longer than 30 days.
Only items specified by the governor may be considered in a special session.
The next regular session of the Texas Legislature will begin Jan 13, 2009 and conclude June 1, 2009.
Bill Tracking
Texas Legislature Online - www.capitol.state.tx.us
Texas Senate Online - www.senate.state.tx.us
Bill Status Hotline - 1-877-824-7038
E-mail notification - www.capitol.state.tx.us (click on My TLO)
Tips for Communicating With Legislators
Every office handles communication from citizens differently. Some offices do not accept e-mail.
Some do not respond until after the legislative session. One rule is true throughout the Legislature.
Legislative courtesy requires that each legislator be allowed to assist their own constituents. Translation:
most likely you will only receive responses from the Senator and Representative who represent your area.
However, if you simply want to drop a note of encouragement, you may contact any legislator in the following manner:
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Texas State Senators
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Texas State Representatives
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The Honorable (first, last)
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The Honorable (first, last)
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P.O. Box 12068
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P.O. Box 2910
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Austin, TX 78711
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Austin, TX 78768
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first.last@senate.state.tx.us
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first.last@house.state.tx.us
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Tips for Communicating with Senator Nelson
Senator Nelson personally reads every e-mail, fax, letter and phone message that comes into her office.
However, responses are prioritized for residents of Senate District 12 who request a response. Even though
correspondence has doubled in each session in which she has served, Senator Nelson responds to all constituents.
While some members do not accept e-mail due to the large amount of spam and form letters, Senator Nelson prefers
e-mail correspondence because it is the quickest way to receive input from constituents. To ensure that your
e-mail is given the highest degree of importance, please end every e-mail with your name, home address and identify
yourself as a constituent in Senate District 12.
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GET INVOLVED
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Jane's Blog
TBA Jane@You-Tube