Cody Vasut

This bill creates an additional alternative pathway for electricians to obtain an occupational license. Under the bill, an aspiring electrician may complete a career and technology education program as opposed to the 4,000 hours of training otherwise required. These programs can be offered by public or private schools and colleges and universities. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a step in the right direction to reducing unnecessary employment barriers. Ultimately, the private sector, via certifications, rating systems, and the free market, is much better equipped to provide consumer protection while also ensuring competition and low consumer costs. Most government licensing entities are overly restrictive and are largely advocated by special interests seeking to restrict competition in the marketplace.

Reducing Employment Barriers and Expanding Competition through an Alternative Licensing Pathway for Electricians.

This bill reforms the state's asset forfeiture laws, under which the government may seize property deemed to be contraband. Under the bill, property may not be seized if it is not otherwise illegal to possess and the aggregate value is less than $2,500. Additionally, the bill increases the evidence standard the state must meet to show that property is subject to seizure from "a preponderance of the evidence" to "clear and convincing evidence." Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens property rights and civil liberties by helping combat abuse of the asset forfeiture system (i.e. "policing for profit"). Individuals who may have been wrongfully accused are forced to undergo a lengthy and expensive legal process to recover their property.

Strengthening Property Rights and Civil Liberties through Protections Against Abuse of Asset Forfeiture.

This bill prohibits localities from requiring property owners to pay a "tree mitigation fee" in order to remove an Ashe juniper tree on their property. The bill also ensures that localities can't impose any ban which prevents the removal of the tree. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens both property rights and individual liberties. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.

Strengthening Property Rights by Allowing the Removal of Ashe Juniper Trees Without Property Owners being Forced to Pay into a Tree Fund.

This bill allows officials within the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) to impose additional energy efficiency and water conservation regulations on individuals constructing new homes or commercial buildings. Most notably, the bill would permit adoption of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) which contains much more stringent efficiency standards, as well as even further stringent standards in the future without legislative approval. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill empowers unaccountable bureaucrats to impose draconian new regulations which will cause housing and construction costs to further skyrocket. Property owners should have the freedom to decide the level of energy efficiency they wish to construct their homes to meet.

Infringing Property Rights and Consumer Choice by Allowing State Bureaucrats to Impose Additional Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation Mandates on New Buildings.

The Reynolds amendment #16 to a bill prohibiting children under 18 years of age from receiving sex-reassignment procedures or puberty blockers until they reach the age of consent. The amendment requires the Health and Human Services Commission to contract with local mental health authorities and local behavioral health authorities to provide and pay all costs for mental health services to children who were already receiving treatment or are diagnosed with severe gender dysphoria and prohibited from receiving these procedures. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this highly politicized amendment further grows the government welfare state. Additionally, taxpayers - many of whom may have critical views of minor "gender dysphoria" - should not be forced to pay for such services.

Forcing Taxpayers to Provide Mental Health Services to Children Facing "Gender Dysphoria".

This bill creates a statewide framework for natural gas utility companies to offer energy conservation programs. These programs typically involve subsidies for purchasing higher energy efficiency appliances or for retrofitting a home or business to increase energy efficiency. The programs are paid for by raising natural gas utility rates on all customers through "rate recovery" which also provides utility companies a larger guaranteed profit. Additionally, the bill allows utility companies (which heavily lobbied for the bill) to receive additional profit for designing, marketing, administering, and delivering an energy conservation program. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this and many other energy efficiency schemes are largely designed to enrich select product manufacturers, service providers and utility companies at the expense of all other Texans. Such cronyism is especially harmful to low-income and elderly individuals on fixed incomes who can't afford rising utility costs.

Hiking Natural Gas Utility Costs for Texans to Enrich Utility Companies and Create New Energy Conservation Programs.

This bill allows individuals who are not alcohol permit or license holders to sell wine to restaurants, provided the wine is at least 20 years old and still sealed. The restaurant may then sell the wine for on-premises consumption. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill expands consumer choice and individual liberties while also removing an unnecessary restriction on alcohol sales.

Expanding Individual Liberties by Allowing Individuals to Sell Sealed 20+ Year Old Wine to Restaurants.

This bill increases the penalty for tampering with a retail gas pump to steal fuel by making it a felony of the third degree. The bill is largely in response to organized criminal groups which have figured out how to disrupt fuel dispenser pulsers and as a result gain unlimited access to fuel. Support is the Limited Government Position as protecting property rights and ensuring public safety serve as essential components of government. Unfortunately, this bill is especially necessary due to many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.

Strengthening Law and Order by Increasing Penalties for Tampering with a Gas Pump to Steal Fuel.

This bill creates both the "Texas Space Commission" and the Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium to promote innovation in the space, aeronautics, and aviation industry. The new entities are expected to require the hiring of at least 10 additional state employees at an estimated cost of $3.4 million over the next two years. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the federal government (National Aeronautics and Space Administration already spends tens of billions of dollars advancing innovation in this field. This new entity is not only unnecessary but will likely enrich select government-favored entities and further distort the private sector and free marketplace. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Growing Government Bureaucracy and Wasteful Spending through the Creation of the Texas Space Commission and the Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium.

This bill expands eligibility under the "Major Events Reimbursement Fund" to include a larger range of events ranging from Formula 1 to the country music awards, and equestrian competitions. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to select the most desired events and provide the necessary funding (via tickets and other user fees). The major event reimbursement fund should be eliminated entirely as the state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Worsening Cronyism and Government Central Planning by Forcing Taxpayers to Subsidize an Even Greater Range of Events (Formula 1 and Equestrian) under the "Major Events Reimbursement Fund".

This bill creates the "Texas Grocery Access Investment Fund" "to construct, rehabilitate, or expand grocery stores in underserved low-income and moderate-income areas." The bill requires at least 25% of funds be in the form of grants or forgivable loans, and recipients may use funds to acquire property, construct grocery stores, and for other purposes. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to determine the need and distribution of grocery stores across the state. Additionally, taxpayers in one part of the state should not be forced to subsidize amenities such as grocery stores for individuals in other regions of the state.

Growing Government Central Planning and Runaway Spending by Forcing Taxpayers to Subsidize Grocery Stores in "Food Deserts".

This bill requires all restaurants to display a "food allergen awareness" poster for employees, with the content to be determined by the Department of State Health Services. Additionally, food education and training programs are now required to include food allergy information, and a food manager certificate examination must include this information. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as while well intentioned, the private sector (such as non-profit entities) is much more effective in educating the public and food establishments about the dangers of food allergens and providing the necessary materials and awareness. The government regulatory and nanny state should not be continually expanded to perform an endless list of duties such as this measure.

Growing the Regulatory State through an Excessive "Food Allergen Awareness" Poster Mandate on all Restaurants and Food Establishments.

This bill allows counties and municipalities which have established a "reinvestment zone" (i.e. tax increment financing) the ability to also utilize the funds to subsidize "legacy homeowners". As a result, individuals who have owned their property for at least 7 years and experienced a significant increase in their property taxes (due to a rise in their home value) would be eligible to have a portion of their property taxes subsidized. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as government central planning schemes such as tax increment financing should not be deployed in the first place. This measure merely worsens the cronyism by further distorting the tax code and providing advantages to select homeowners. Government should instead ensure property taxation is conducted in a broadly applied manner without carveouts and as low of rates as possible for all property owners.

Worsening Tax Cronyism by Providing Subsidies for Certain "Legacy Homeowners" in Government-Created Reinvestment Zones.

The Herrero amendment #45 to the appropriations bill. This amendment prohibits any funds in the bill from being used for school choice programs, including school vouchers, education savings accounts, tax credit scholarships, or grants that allow students to attend private schools. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment worsens educational outcomes for all students by blocking competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.

Blocking School Choice by Prohibiting Any Appropriations within the Budget for School Choice Programs.

This resolution would amend the state Constitution to enshrine the right to utilize multiple currencies, if the involved parties agree, in private transactions. This includes cash, coin, silver and gold bullion, digital currency, and privately issued scrip. The resolution prohibits the state and local governments from prohibiting or restricting holding such currencies. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps ensure these currencies can serve as alternative competitive currencies to the dollar. This is especially critical considering the reckless policies of the Federal Reserve, such as quantitative easing.

Ensuring the Free Competition of Currency and U.S. Monetary System Protection by Enshrining Right to Utilize Multiple Currencies.

This bill makes it easier for movie production companies to receive a grant under the moving image industry incentive program by reducing the percentage of production crew, actors, and extras who must be Texas residents from 70% to 55%. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is not the proper role of government to subsidize the film production costs of private companies - especially considering this measure enriches woke Hollywood production companies that are antagonistic to limited government principles. Lawmakers should eliminate this grant program entirely, much less expand the ability of movie production companies to receive taxpayer funds.

Worsening Cronyism by Making it Even Easier for Woke Hollywood Production Companies to become Enriched through Taxpayer Subsidies.

This bill requires localities to review the costs, benefits, and risks of their existing zoning regulations, building codes, development permits, and other land regulations. Localities are required to hold a public hearing and must repeal or amend certain regulations that interfere with new housing construction or existing housing development. Additionally, before adopting or modifying a land development regulation, localities must issue an impact statement analyzing the effects of the regulation. The regulation may only be modified or adopted if, among other requirements, the regulation does not negatively impact housing costs. Support is the Limited Government Position as, like all government central planning attempts, many of the zoning and land use ordinances enacted across the state are overreaching and oftentimes designed to benefit select developers and landowners. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.

Combatting Government Overreach by Requiring Localities to Review their Zoning Rules to Reduce Regulatory Burdens.

This bill prohibits public institutions of higher education (colleges and universities) from funding or operating any Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Office. Furthermore, the bill bans institutions from conducting diversity trainings or asking prospective job applicants to provide diversity statements. Support is the Limited Government Position as it is a role for taxpayers to fund K-12 education - not advanced degrees for select individuals who decide to pursue higher education. This bill serves as a step in the right direction to protecting taxpayers and reducing politicalization at state colleges and universities.

Protecting Taxpayer Funds from Being Utilized for Politicized "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" (DEI) Offices at Public College Campuses.

This bill increases penalties on individuals who knowingly engage in vote fraud, such as voting more than once in an election or impersonates another person when submitting a ballot. Under the bill, the penalty is increased from a Class A misdemeanor to a Felony of the Second Degree, which can carry a 2 to 20 year prison sentence. Support is the Limited Government Position as maintaining strong safeguards against voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Strengthening Election Integrity by Increasing the Penalty for Knowingly Engaging in Voting Fraud.

This bill allows any vehicle that is primarily powered by electric to exceed the roadway gross weight limitations by 2,000 lbs. The bill largely benefits electric-powered trucks and buses. Under existing law, natural gas-powered vehicles are able to exceed the roadway weight limit, which this bill also updates to 2,000 lbs. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill provides special benefits to government-favored vehicle propulsion systems, while ultimately hiking costs onto taxpayers - primarily gas-powered vehicle owners - through higher roadway maintenance costs. The vast majority of roadway deterioration is caused by heavy vehicles, with the primary source of roadway funding coming from the gas tax.

Promoting Electric Vehicles and Hiking Roadway Maintenance Costs through a 2,000 lbs. Weight Exemption for all Electric-Powered Vehicles.

This bill requires homeowner's, renter's, and condominium owner's insurance policies that include replacement cost coverage to pay 80% of the repair or replacement cost of a claim upfront, minus the deductible. Once documentation is provided showing that the repair or replacement is complete, and any deductible has been paid, the remaining balance is to be paid. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows the regulatory state and government interference in the free market. While there is a role of government to protect individuals from fraudulent practices, this overreach significantly adds to the already overregulation of the insurance industry, limiting policy options and driving up costs for both businesses and consumers.

Growing Government Regulation of Property Insurance Through a New Mandate Requiring Payment of 80% of Replacement Value Up Front.

This bill authorizes a greater range of local taxing entities to provide tax freezes for seniors or individuals with disabilities. Previous law only provided school districts, counties, municipalities and junior college districts with the ability to provide a freeze, while this bill expands the authority to all local taxing units. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as while the intent of this bill is noble, all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone. Providing a property tax freeze for one set of individuals inevitably results in tax burdens being shifted to other property owners not favored by government. Additionally, this bill merely masks the underlying cause for rapidly rising property taxes - out of control government spending.

Increasing Property Tax Burdens by Implementing a "Freeze" for Certain Older Individuals which Merely Shifts Burdens onto other Property Owners and Masks Underlying Spending Problems.

This bill requires cities to provide written notification of any proposed zoning change which could cause a non-conforming use for a property owner or business. If the owner is required to close or cease operations, they would be entitled to compensation, such as the loss in market value of the property. The bill is, in part, in response to a case where a shingle factory operating for 80 years was forced to shut down without any compensation. Support is the Limited Government Position as many of the zoning and land use ordinances enacted across the state are overreaching and oftentimes designed to benefit select property owners or restrict competition. Similar to cases of eminent domain, any business forced to shut down for public good reasons should be provided with just compensation.

Strengthening Property Rights by Protecting Businesses from Local Zoning Changes.

This bill primarily targets a business model within the optometry industry which has been deployed by Visionworks of America, which is owned by an insurance company called Vision Services Plan (VSP) Insurance Co. The bill prevents VSP from incentivizing its enrollees to utilize the optometry company it owns (Visionworks) through the offering of discounts or other value-added benefits. Other optometry companies have alleged that since VSP owns its own optometry company and can "steer patients" it is provided an unfair competitive advantage in the industry. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure represents one of the worst examples of cronyism and utilization of government power to stifle competition. This protectionism merely enriches select businesses and prevents the free market from expanding competition and lowering costs for consumers.

Expanding Government Power to Shutdown Competition within the Optometry Industry.

This bill prohibits state and local governments from imposing COVID-19 vaccine or mask mandates or from ordering private businesses or public or private schools to close for the purpose of stopping the spread of COVID-19. The bill does contain some exceptions for jails, hospitals, and other facilities where other rules conflict. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps protect individual liberties by ensuring it is individuals - not government - making the medical decision on whether or not to receive a vaccination against COVID-19. Additionally, the bill protects against overreaching government mandates related to masks and shutdowns.

Protecting Individual Liberties by Prohibiting Government-Imposed COVID-19 Vaccine or Mask Mandates.

This bill extends the duration of postpartum coverage provided under Medicaid (government-provided healthcare) from 60 days to 1 year, which is estimated to cost an additional $381 million over the next five years. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows government dependency under the state's Medicaid welfare program. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Increasing Government Dependency and Ballooning Medicaid Welfare Spending by an Additional $381 Million by Hiking Postpartum Benefits from 60 Days to 12 Months.

This bill prohibits local governments across the state from imposing any ordinances which directly regulate greenhouse gas emissions, with the state given exclusive regulatory authority. As a result, the bill would preempt local regulations that restrict greenhouse gas emissions. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill protects economic growth by ensuring regulatory certainty and combatting local government overreach. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.

Protecting Against Local Government Overreach by Ensuring Only the State Can Regulate Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

This bill allows public higher education institutions (state colleges and universities) to adopt policies which allow for the termination of tenured faculty for reasons such as "professional incompetence" or "conduct involving moral turpitude". Support is the Limited Government Position as all individuals holding positions funded by taxpayers should be held accountable and perform their duties to the standards set by the state. This bill serves as a step in the right direction at restoring some accountability at the state's institutions of higher education, which have largely turned into stages promoting radical social and political agendas.

Ensuring Colleges and Universities can Remove Poor-Performing Professors by Restricting the Use of Tenure.

This bill changes the way the "no-new-revenue tax rate" is calculated by referencing the Texas Education Code. This new calculation will result in a higher rate (ultimately higher taxes) by including other funding within the formula. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill places even greater tax burdens on property owners and further grows government. Instead of gaming property tax calculations, lawmakers should work to make housing more affordable by lowering property taxes and cutting the out-of-control spending at all levels of government.

Hiking Property Taxes by Gaming the Calculation of the "No-New Revenue" Property Tax Rate.

This bill assesses an additional $200 annual registration fee on electric vehicles. The bill is designed to offset reduced funding for the State Highway Fund, which is funded by gasoline taxes and used for the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges. A 2020 report found that the state loses about $200 in state and federal gas tax revenue for each gas-powered vehicle that is replaced by an electric vehicle. Support is the Limited Government Position as "user fees" represent the best way to accurately impose the appropriate level of taxation when it comes to things such as infrastructure. This measure helps ensure that all motorists - regardless of their vehicle's propulsion system - are paying the costs of roadway maintenance and construction costs.

Ensuring the Equal Taxation of Motor Vehicles by Establishing an Electric Vehicle Registration Fee.

The Tinderholt amendment #1 to a bill prohibiting public colleges and universities from establishing a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) office. The amendment eliminates language in the bill which forces public institutions to make efforts to reassign employees whose positions will be eliminated due to the bill's prohibition on DEI offices. The amendment also eliminates the requirement that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board conduct an annual study on the impact of the bill on students, broken down by categories such as race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Support is the Limited Government Position as an endless number of private sector employees have lost their positions or faced similar employment challenges. All government positions should be staffed with the most qualified applicants for the given role, not filled by individuals merely seeking work due to job loss - especially those in formerly radical politicized positions surrounding Diversity, Equity and inclusion.

Fighting Back Against Efforts Designed to Weaken the DEI Bill by Forcing Taxpayers to Fund DEI Studies, Retaining DEI Employees, and Delaying Implementation of the Bill.

This bill allows retired judges who have a handgun license to carry a firearm into restricted places, such as courthouses, schools, and polling locations. Support is the Limited Government Position as disarming individuals through pointless "gun control" measures merely make law-abiding citizens targets to criminals who do not abide by the law. And while all law-abiding individuals should be permitted to exercise their Second Amendment rights and defend themselves in these locations, this bill serves as a step in the right direction in helping protect individuals who may be at elevated safety risks.

Strengthening Self-Defense and Public Safety by Authorizing Retired Judges to Carry a Firearm into Courthouses and Other Restricted Places.

This bill, the Texas Sports and Entertainment Recovery Act, legalizes online sports betting. Under the bill, Texas would join neighboring states Arkansas and Louisiana which have legalized sports gambling. The bill imposes a 15% tax on adjusted gross wagering revenue, with some of the revenue utilized for addiction treatment and all remaining funds dedicated to property tax relief. Support is the Limited Government Position as individuals - not bureaucrats - should have decision rights over how to utilize the fruits of their labor - even when it comes to risky endeavors such as betting. Not only does this measure provide desperately needed property tax relief which will make housing more affordable, but it also helps eliminate the financial fraud and other significant societal harms that the current black market in gambling presents to Texans.

Strengthening Individual Liberties and Lowering Property Taxes by Legalizing Online Sports Betting.

This bill establishes a series of new regulations which prohibit all insurance companies operating in the state from establishing their own policies concerning Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). The new mandate and price control apply to both the coverage decisions of insurers as well as their rate setting practices. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this government intrusion into the marketplace infringes the right of private insurance companies to set their own policies and coverage decisions. Instead of weaponizing government, lawmakers should instead work to reduce regulations and expand competition so the free marketplace can better reward and punish insurers based on the policies they enact.

Imposing Overreaching New Regulations on the Insurance Industry by Banning Private Companies from Setting their own Policies Surrounding ESG.

This bill allows professional sports team charitable foundations to sell raffle tickets at their home venue or rodeo venue through a website or mobile application, provided the person is physically located at the venue. The bill also requires the use of a third-party vendor to ensure nobody under 18 purchases tickets. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens individual liberties and helps expand charitable giving. While the bill should expand the raffle ticket offerings to individuals beyond just the physical location, the bill still serves as a strong step in the right direction.

Strengthening Individual Liberties and Charitable Giving by Authorizing Professional Sports Team Charitable Foundations to Offer Raffle Tickets Online.

This bill provides additional state subsidies ($25 million) to builders and purchasers of housing under the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. The LIHTC program subsidizes the acquisition, new construction, and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income tenants. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone. This and other central planning and tax cronyism schemes merely dilute the tax base which results in higher taxes on all other individuals and businesses to make up for the lost revenue. Instead, lawmakers should make housing truly "affordable" by working to eliminate excessive building and zoning mandates as well as work to cut property taxes by reducing spending.

Expanding Cronyism and Diluting the Tax Base Through Additional Subsidies under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program.

The Zwiener amendment #14 to a bill prohibiting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offices at public colleges and universities. The amendment adds language requiring each public college and university to be committed to an environment of "racial, ethnic, and religious diversity that reflects the racial, ethnic, and religious diversity of the state of Texas." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is a role for taxpayers to fund K-12 education - not advanced degrees for select individuals who decide to pursue higher education. However, if taxpayer funds are provided to state institutions of higher education, their usage should be based on merit, not racial or religious discrimination.

ILA

Cody Vasut