House Bill 1359, titled the “Let Texans Vote” Bill, was filed on January 26, 2021, by Texas Representative Kyle Biedermann. On March 5, 2021, the bill was referred to the State Affairs Committee, chaired by Representative Chris Paddie. Since HB 1359 has been introduced, it has gained followers and supporters. Moreover, it has also gained representatives that oppose it. Here’s a rundown of where everyone stands.

The Good

The following representatives have joined the bill as co-authors: Representative Jeff Cason, Bryan Slaton, Phil Stephenson, and Steve Toth. Representative James White joined the bill as a joint author. To see which Legislators have signed onto HB 1359 CLICK HERE These Texans have joined a cause that is near and dear to the heart of all Texans.  

The Bad

Luckily, some proud Texas Legislators genuinely believe in Texans’ voice and have joined with their support for HB 1359. Representatives Andrew Murr and Cody Harris are leaning towards saying yes to HB 1359 but have yet to commit by publicly signing on. To see how your legislator is reacting to the bill, visit https://tnm.me/legislature/house/. 

When it comes to the Texas Senate, only one Texas Senator has shown an interest in supporting the bill at this time. That is Senator Lois Kolkhorst. To see how your senator is reacting to the bill, visit https://tnm.me/legislature/senate/.

Recently Rep. Dustin Burrows was asked by one of his constituents about HB 1359 and he stated he supports Texas one day leaving the U.S. but stated that the time is not right. Dustin Burrows response to a constituent about TEXIT

The Ugly

On the other hand, Representative Travis Clardy (Rep. Clardy calling TEXIT supporters cowards at 30:44 sec mark), Terry Wilson, Cody Vasut, Justin Holland, Donna Howard, Vikki Goodwin, Erin Zwiener, Jeff Leach (Leach calling HB 1359 Un-American), Matt Shaheen, James Frank, Joe Moody, Matt Krause, Jared Patterson, Briscoe Cain, Ann Johnson (Constituent that contacted Rep. Johnson), John Bucy, Lacey Hull, and Gene Wu have shown that they are opposed to HB 1359. 

Two Senators have shown opposition to the bill, and those Senators are Donna Campbell and Kel Seliger (Seliger calls TEXIT followers crazy.)  

They are not willing to let Texans have a vote. With their opposition, they say that Texans are too stupid to decide on issues that directly affect them. 

We, as Texans, deserve to have our voices heard and deserve to have representatives that will listen to us. Contact your legislator and senator if they are opposed to the bill or undecided about it and let them know they need to hear you out, or you will vote them out in 2022.

Brandon Reynolds

TNM Content Writer