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Advocacy

Building a better tomorrow starts with advocating for children today.
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89th Leg. Session Wrap
Why Advocacy Matters

With more than 80 Upbring locations across Texas, it’s imperative that we monitor state and federal legislation that affects child wellbeing and identify key opportunities to serve as a trusted resource and leader in the field.

This proactive approach allows us to help shape policies that directly impact the children and families we serve—and to drive meaningful, lasting change that advances our mission.

Get Educated

Understanding the legislative process is the first step to becoming an effective advocate. Learn how bills are introduced, how committees operate and how your voice can help shape policy in Texas. Whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned supporter, staying informed empowers you to make a greater impact.

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Who Represents You
Learn more about your elected officials
House Representative Bios
Senate Representative Bios
how the Texas legislative process works
House Bill Process
Senate Bill Process
Overview of Upbring Advocacy

The 89th Texas Legislative Session convened Jan. 14, 2025. The House of Representatives elected Rep. Dustin Burrows of Lubbock as speaker of the House. The session lasted 140 days, concluding in early June.

Upcoming Dates of Interest

Upbring participates in a variety of legislative and advocacy events, including briefings, Capitol Days, committee hearings and meetings with legislative offices. Key legislative dates are outlined below:

Second Special Session of the 89th Texas Legislature

The Texas Legislature has entered into its second called special of the 89th Legislature. The Governor added 19 agenda items for the second Special Session that began at 12:00 PM, Friday, August 15.

Items on the special session agenda Upbring will be monitoring include: 

  • FLOOD WARNING SYSTEMS: Legislation to improve early warning systems and other preparedness infrastructure in flood-prone areas throughout Texas. 
  • FLOOD EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS: Legislation to strengthen emergency communications and other response infrastructure in flood-prone areas throughout Texas. 
  • RELIEF FUNDING FOR HILL COUNTRY FLOODS: Legislation to provide relief funding for response to and recovery from the storms which began in early July 2025, including local match funding for jurisdictions eligible for FEMA public assistance. 
  • NATURAL DISASTER PREPARATION & RECOVERY: Legislation to evaluate and streamline rules and regulations to speed preparedness for and recovery from natural disasters. 
  • ELIMINATE STAAR TEST: Legislation to eliminate the STAAR test and replace it with effective tools to assess student progress and ensure school district accountability. 
  • PROTECT CHILDREN FROM THC: Legislation making it a crime to provide hemp-derived products to children under 21 years of age. 
  • BAN TAXPAYER-FUNDED LOBBYING: Legislation prohibiting taxpayer-funded lobbying, including the use of tax dollars to hire lobbyists and payment of tax dollars to associations that lobby the Legislature. 
  • PROTECT HUMAN TRAFFICKING VICTIMS: Legislation, similar to Senate Bill No. 1278 from the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, that protects victims of human trafficking from criminal liability for non-violent acts closely tied to their own victimization. 
Take Action

It’s essential that legislators hear directly from their constituents—including families, children, educators and advocates—to fully understand how their decisions affect local communities. Your voice matters. Whether you reach out to your representative, testify at a committee hearing or share your story, every action helps create a better future for Texas children.

VoterVoice

Use our VoterVoice tool to contact your legislators, support key bills and stay updated on advocacy opportunities during the legislative session.

Make Your Voice Heard Through VoterVoice
Foster Care Tax Credit

Join Upbring in urging lawmakers to support the Foster Care Tax Credit—an essential policy that helps families open their homes to children in care.

Show Your Support for the Foster Care Tax Credit
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Sam Stinnett

Director, Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement
8305 Cross Park Drive, Austin TX 78754
[email protected] | 512-529-0157

Murray Chanow
Murray Chanow

Senior Vice President of Public Affairs
8305 Cross Park Drive, Austin TX 78754
[email protected] | 512-888-6081