Report of 2018 Permanent Platform & Resolutions Committee

2018 Permanent Platform Committee Members
Mark S. Ramsey, P.E., Chair

Tracy Vincent, SD 1
Ray Myers, SD 2
Jeff Leblanc, SD 3
Allison Winter, SD 4
Steve Armbruster, SD 5
Marco Antonio Roberts, SD6
Alan D. Vera, SD 7
Jerry A Madden, SD 8
Anthony Reed, SD 9
Faith Bussey, SD 10
H Scott Apley, SD 11
Peyton Inge, SD 12
Beth Akin, SD 13
William Lan Lutz, Jr., SD 14
Rolando Garcia, SD 15
Matthew Patrick, SD 16

 Roman Klein, SD17
Todd Gallaher, SD18
Warrington Lee Austerman, SD19
Brandey Batey, SD 20
Brian Hill, SD 21
Paul D. Perry, SD 22
Pastor Stephen Broden, SD 23
William (Bill) R. Hussey, SD 24
Beth Cubriel, SD 25
David Westbrook, SD 26
Morgan Graham, SD 27
Jim Baxa, SD 28
Mark Dunham, SD 29
MerryLynn Gerstenschlager, SD 30
Dusty Gallivan, SD 31
Linda Nuttall, Editor
Victoria Kendig, Editor

Preamble
1.

​ ffirming our belief in God, we still hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that
A
they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the

 Pursuit of Happiness. Throughout the world, people dare to dream of freedom and opportunity. The Republican
Party of Texas unequivocally defends that dream. We strive to preserve the freedom given to us by God,
implemented by our Founding Fathers, and embodied in the Constitution. We recognize that the traditional family
is the strength of our nation. It is our solemn duty to protect innocent life and develop responsible citizens. We
understand that our economic success depends upon free market principles. If we fail to maintain our
sovereignty, we risk losing the freedom to live these ideals.

Principles
2.

​ e, the 2018 Republican Party of Texas, believe in this platform and expect our elected leaders to uphold
W
these truths through acknowledgment and action. We believe in:

3.

1) “The laws of nature and nature’s God” and we support the strict adherence to the original language and
intent of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitutions of the United States and of Texas.

4.

2) The sanctity of innocent human life, created in the image of God, which should be protected from fertilization
to natural death.

5.

3) Preserving American and Texas sovereignty and freedom.

6.

4) Limiting government power to those items enumerated in the United States and Texas Constitutions.

7.

5) Personal accountability and responsibility.

8.

6) Self-sufficient families, founded on the traditional marriage of a natural man and a natural woman.

9.

7) Having an educated population, with parents having the freedom of choice for the education of their children.

10. 8) The inalienable right of all people to defend themselves and their property.
11. 9) A free enterprise society unencumbered by government interference or subsidies.
12. 10) Honoring all of those that serve and protect our freedom.

Business, Commerce, and Transportation

 13. Carbon Tax​:​ We oppose all efforts to classify carbon dioxide as a pollutant. ​We further urge the US Senate to
defeat the “Cap-and-Trade” legislation, as it is outside the authority of the US Constitution. [Federal]
14. Counseling and Therapy​: N
​ o laws or executive orders shall be imposed to limit or restrict access to sexual
orientation counseling for self-motivated youth and adults. [State]
15. Energy Production​: We support free market solutions and immediate removal of government barriers and direct
subsidies to the production, reformulation, refining, and distribution of energy. [Federal/State]
16. Environment​: We oppose environmentalism that obstructs legitimate business interests and private property
use, including the regulatory taking of property by governmental agencies. We oppose the abuse of the
Endangered Species Act to confiscate and limit the use of personal property and infringement on a property
owner’s livelihood. “Climate change” is a political agenda promoted to control every aspect of our lives. We
support the defunding of “climate justice” initiatives and the abolition of the Environmental Protection Agency and
repeal of the Endangered Species Act. [Federal/State]
17. Ethanol​: We support the repeal of legislation mandating ethanol as a fuel additive and/or primary fuel. [Federal]
18. Government Accountability​: We call upon the State Legislature to eliminate all special collective bargaining
statutes for public employees and to hold all public servants accountable to taxpayers through existing civil
statutes. We oppose any distribution of taxpayer dollars to unions. [Federal/State/Local]
19. Hemp​: ​We recognize industrial hemp as a valuable agricultural commodity. We urge the Texas Legislature to
pass legislation allowing cultivation, manufacture, and sale of industrial hemp and hemp products. [State]
20. Insurance​:​ We encourage free market solutions for providing utilities whenever possible. We support that all
types of insurance rates, to include (but not limited to) health, life, title, auto, and homeowners insurance, should
be set through free-market forces alone. [State]
21. Windstorm Association:​ ​We urge the Texas legislature to phase out the Texas Windstorm Insurance
Association to reduce the liabilities it imposes on state taxpayers. [State]
22.

I​ nternational Organizations​: We support United States withdrawal from the International Monetary Fund, the
World Trade Organization, and the World Bank. [Federal]

 23. Intrastate Commerce: ​We believe that goods and services that are not transported across state lines should not
be subject to federal regulations. [Federal]
24. Licensing​: We call upon the Texas Legislature to review all business/professional licensing programs and
associated licensing for boards for the purpose of abolishing as many as reasonably possible and repealing
those laws, rules, and regulations that exist merely to generate revenue from the licensing process. [Texas]
25. Minimum Wage​: We believe the Minimum Wage Law should be repealed. [Federal]
26. Municipal Preemption: We encourage the Legislature to preempt local government efforts to interfere with the
State’s sovereignty over business, employees, and property rights. This includes but is not limited to burdensome
regulations on short-term rentals, bags, sick leave, trees, and employee criminal screening. We support
preemption of city ordinances that dictate sick leave policies to private businesses. [Local]
27. Oil and Gas Producing Counties​: Counties with oil and gas production, and adjacent counties, should receive a
portion of the production taxes the state collects so that the road system can be maintained for the dual purpose
of accommodating the needs of the industry and providing adequate public safety. [Local]
28.
1.
2.
3.
4.

​Power Grid​: We urge that the Texas Legislature pass legislation to harden the Texas Electric Grid against:

Cyber attacks on the grid’s computerized command and control system.
Physical attacks on substations and major high voltage transformers.
Geomagnetic storms created by solar flares from the sun.
Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP).
[State]
29. Practice Law​: We support allowing any person to sit for the Texas State Bar Exam regardless of where he or
she received their law education as long as criminal and ethical background requirements are met. ​[State]
30. Prevailing Wage​: We oppose prevailing wage laws.​ [State]
31. Regulatory Burden​: We support action by the Texas Legislature clarifying existing state law without attaching
new taxes or fees to the fantasy sports industry, which would grow the size and scope of government.
32. Blue Laws: ​We urge the Texas Legislature to eliminate antiquated “Blue Laws.”

 33. Dodd-Frank​: We support the immediate repeal of Dodd-Frank legislation.
34. Three-Tier Alcohol System​: ​We urge the Texas Legislature to adopt legislation eliminating the mandatory
three-tier system of alcohol production, distribution, and retail. Texans should have the freedom to purchase
alcohol directly from manufacturers, just as any other retail product.
35. Regulating the internet​: We oppose all efforts to further regulate the internet in the United States or
internationally.
36. Sarbanes-Oxley​: In light of the high compliance costs imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley regulations and the
destructive effects this law has had on innovation and capital formation, we support repeal of the Sarbanes-Oxley
legislation.
37.

​ etirement Accounts​: We support the repeal of the required minimum disbursement from retirement accounts
R
and inheritances.

38. Social Security Opt-Out:​ ​We support reform to Social Security that allows people to opt out.
39. Rural and Volunteer Fire Departments​: We urge Congress to overturn the rules of the United States
Department of Labor restricting volunteerism by paid firefighters and emergency medical technician personnel
and support protections similar to those provided to National Guardsmen for service during declared
emergencies.
40. Small Business​: We urge the federal and state legislatures to reduce regulations on small businesses and
home-based work.
41.

​ mart Meters​: The Republican Party of Texas supports a no-cost opt-out for all Texas PUC customers, and
S
the phase out of Smart Meters (aka Advanced Meter Infrastructure), to be replaced with mechanical,
non-transmitting analog meters when software upgrades are required or the computer smart meters require
replacement due to mechanical failure or model upgrade requirements.

42.

​ idelands/Water Resources and Rights to State Waters​: We demand that the State of Texas and all coastal
T
states enjoy and maintain jurisdiction and control of their offshore waters up to the international water boundaries
as well as state inland waterways in regards to all natural resources therein, and that the federal government
shall not set limits on harvesting or taking natural resources therein, nor allow foreign entities to harvest or take

 such natural resources therein, including minerals, game, fisheries, and hydrocarbons. Also, we demand that no
entity shall usurp Texas’s original tideland boundaries.
43.

​ rade Agreements​: We support free trade as a necessary component of American capitalism and of the
T
United States’ influence in the world. We strongly oppose the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership
(TTIP), the Trade In Services Agreement (TISA), and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). We demand the
immediate withdrawal from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and the Central American Free
Trade Agreement (CAFTA). We demand the repeal of the current Fast Track Authority/TPA.

44.

​ oll Roads​: We believe that tolls should come off the road when the debt is retired, and if the debt is ever
T
restructured or refinanced, the pay-off date needs to remain the same or receive voter approval in order to
extend the toll tax longer. Maintenance should then revert to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
We oppose public-private partnerships, specifically regarding toll projects. We oppose conversion of existing
roads or lanes to toll roads.

45. Toll Projects​: We oppose the use of taxpayer money to subsidize, guarantee, prop up, or bail out any toll
projects, whether public or private, and we call upon both state and federal lawmakers to adequately fund our
highways without hidden taxes, tolls, or raiding emergency funds.
46. Vehicle Inspection: ​No non-commercial vehicles should be required to obtain a state safety inspection.
47. Vehicle Registration: ​Vehicle Registration should only be a one-time occurrence at the point of sale.
48. Vehicle Sales​: We support allowing consumers in Texas to be able to purchase automotive vehicles directly
from manufacturers.
49. Unions​: We support legislation requiring labor unions to obtain consent of the union member before that
member’s dues can be used for political purposes. We oppose card check. Texas should prohibit governmental
entities from collecting dues for labor unions through deductions from public employee paychecks. We also
encourage the adoption of a National Right to Work Act.
50. Water​: While we support the decision by the Texas Supreme Court in preserving individuals’ rights to their
groundwater under their property and their right ot capture it, we support typing surface rights of ownership to
groundwater rights of ownership. We support regulations that may put limits on a person’s capture and use of

 groundwater if such use will negatively impact adjoining owners use of their groundwater for private wells, their
water supply or agricultural use.
51. Flooding Mitigation, Hurricane and Early Warning of Impending Disaster​: We support the immediate study,
implementation, and construction of projects that will:
1. Address river, bayou, reservoir, and other flood threats to public and private property.
2. Seek the input of those most likely to be affected by a casualty to public and private property to include infrastructure
and facilities that affect national security.
3. Address the risk of storm or tidal surge that affects the critical industries along the Gulf Coast.
4. Immediately create an early warning system that will immediately alert residents to an impending flood, wind, or
casualty weather event.
5. Establish regional Flood Control Districts where necessary for counties to resolve joint flooding issues.
6. Provide for funds to complete these projects from federal, state, and local funds to include specifically targeted taxes
for the purpose and never for any other purpose.
We strongly urge that the Republican Party of Texas make this a Legislative Priority for the 2019 Legislature.
Government at all levels must work together to avoid the historical bent to push projects, safety, and
implementation into the future. Projects must be of most urgent priority now in order to avoid further trauma; loss
of life; loss of personal, government, and business wealth; and diminution of the tax base.
52. Workers Compensation​: We urge the Legislature to resist making workers’ compensation mandatory for all
Texas employers.

Constitutional Issues
53. Keep Oath to the Constitution​: The Republican Party of Texas calls for all who swear the oath to support and
maintain the limitations and clear meaning of the United States Constitution.
54. Article V Convention of States​: We reaffirm our support for our Texas State Legislators’ call for a limited Article
V Convention of States for the specific purpose of reducing the power of the federal government, including fiscal
responsibility, balanced budget, and term limits. Any proposed amendments must be ratified by 3/4 of the states.

 55. State Sovereignty​: Pursuant to Article 1 Section 1 of the Texas Constitution, the federal government has
impaired our right of local self-government. Therefore, federally mandated legislation, which infringes upon the
10th Amendment rights of Texas, should be ignored, opposed, refused, and nullified. Regulation of Commerce in
Article I Section 8 of the Constitution has exceeded the original intent. All attempts by the federal judiciary to rule
in areas not expressly enumerated by the United States Constitution should be likewise nullified. Any federal
enforcement activities that do occur in Texas should be conducted under the authority of the county sheriff.
(SCOTUS Ruling in 1997 Mack-Prinz vs. US)
56. United States Senators​: We support the repeal of the 17th Amendment of the United States Constitution and
the appointment of United States Senators by the state legislatures.
57. Affirmative Action: ​We believe in equal opportunity for all citizens without regard to race or gender. We believe
in Martin Luther King’s dream of a color-blind society.
58. Equal Rights Amendment​: We call upon the 86th Texas Legislature to adopt a resolution clarifying that the
1972 ratification by the 62nd Texas Legislature of the proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the United States
Constitution was valid only through March 22, 1979.
59. Census: ​In accordance with Article I Section 2 of the United States Constitution, we support an actual count of
United States citizens only, and oppose Census Bureau estimates and the collection of all other data.
60. Recall Elections​: We support the right to recall our elected officials.
61. Executive Orders: ​We call upon the President of the United States to revoke all of President Obama’s executive
orders that violate our platform.
62. Family Values: ​We support the affirmation of traditional Judeo-Christian family values and oppose the
continued assault on those values.
63. Flag Desecration: ​We call for a constitutional amendment banning desecration of the flag.
64. National Sovereignty: ​We will not enter any agreements with foreign countries or entities that violate our
Constitution.
65. No Taxes for UN​: We condemn any mechanism that allows US citizens to be taxed in order to fund the UN.

 66. Defending Sovereignty:​The United States is and must remain a sovereign nation independent of all foreign
entities with power held solely by the people. Therefore, we insist that the President and Congress defend our
national sovereignty in accordance with their oaths of office. The United States government must remain free of
all external control and influence.
67. Preservation of Republican Form of Government: ​We support our republican form of government as set forth in
the Texas Bill of Rights. We oppose initiative and referendum. We oppose socialism in any form. We support the
Texas Legislature and the United States Congress in enacting legislation that prohibits any judicial jurisdiction
from allowing any substitute or parallel system of law, specifically foreign law (including Sharia Law), which is not
in accordance with the United States or Texas Constitutions. We further resolve that all amendments to the
Texas Constitution require a majority of the voters in at least 191 counties (three-fourths) instead of a simple
majority of the votes.
68. American Law for American Courts​: No foreign law or international edict shall preempt the United States
Constitution or the Texas Constitution, or be used as the basis for any decision, except required by contract
between the individual parties.
69. Right to Self-Defense​: We​ ​affirm that lawful gun ownership and carry by the people protects us from those who
wish to do harm and guards against tyranny by our own government. We call upon our elected officials to resist
the narrative that the solution to every problem is less freedom and more regulation, and instead pursue policies
that respect freedom while also increasing safety.
70. Constitutional Carry​: We support constitutional carry legislation through any legislative means so law-abiding
citizens may carry any legally owned guns openly or concealed while maintaining the option of a permit for
reciprocity purposes only.
71. Intrastate Protection Act​: We support an Intrastate Protection Act to clarify that guns made and sold in Texas
are not subject to the Interstate Commerce Clause of the US Constitution, and legislation denying state funding
to any state or local agencies that enforce federal weapons laws not also affirmed by the laws of the State of
Texas

 72. Gun-Free Zones​: We oppose governmental prohibitions on citizens who have a constitutional right to own and
carry firearms and knives from doing so. We oppose state-mandated location restrictions, the Federal Gun-Free
School Zones Act of 1990, and the National Firearms Act.
73. Red Flag​: We oppose monitoring programs including the Red Flag (that would deprive someone of their right to
keep and bear arms without being convicted of a crime or found mentally incompetent by a medical psychiatric
professional) or iWatch proposals and any program that causes gun owners to be investigated by law
enforcement or appear before a judge when there is no reasonable cause of a crime committed. We oppose
increased background checks, as they are highly prone to “false positives” and hinder law-abiding citizens’ ability
to defend themselves, rather than reduce crime.
74. Firearms Storage​: We oppose mandates on personal firearms storage, maintaining that it is the responsibility of
an individual to safely store his or her firearms and choose responsibly when and how to make them available to
minors.
75. Weapons Restrictions​: We support all legislation and policies that reduce restrictions on legal gun owners to
purchase, own, or carry any type of gun, ammunition, accessory, knife, or other weapon, and oppose all that
hinder the same.
76. Amend Texas Constitution​: We call for the Texas Legislature to propose to the people of Texas a Constitutional
Amendment to strike the following words from Article I Section 23 of the Texas Constitution: “but the Legislature
shall have power, by law, to regulate the wearing of arms, with a view to prevent crime.”
77. Responsible Gun Owners​: We call upon gun owners of Texas to regulate themselves through exercising safe
handling procedures, voluntarily receiving training and helping others to train others, and safely carrying firearms
as a deterrent to crime.
78. Gun Owner Age​: We believe law-abiding citizens 18 years and older have the right to purchase, possess and
carry firearms, including hand guns.
79. National Reciprocity​: We support national reciprocity and call upon Congress to pass it.
80. TSA​: ​We urge Congress to abolish the TSA.
81. Term Limits​: We support term limits of twelve years for federal and state offices.

 82. Unfunded Mandates​: Unfunded mandates are unacceptable. Therefore, the State of Texas must fully fund the
cost of indigent criminal defense, as it has cost local taxpayers $2.4 billion since its passage in 2001.
83. Texas Speaker Issues: ​Republicans in the Texas House should select their Speaker nominee by secret ballot in
a binding caucus without Democrat influence.
84. The Rights of a Sovereign People​: The Republican Party of Texas supports the historic concept, established by
our nation’s founders, of limited civil government jurisdiction under the natural laws of God, and we oppose the
concept that the state is sovereign over the affairs of men, the family, and the church. We believe that
government properly exists by the consent of the governed and must be restrained from intruding into the
freedoms of its citizens. The function of government is not to grant rights, but to protect the unalienable,
God-given rights of life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness of all, including the unborn. Texans should
be free to express their religious beliefs, including prayer, in public places.
85. Habeas Corpus​: We oppose any bill or provision that would suspend habeas corpus for American citizens,
except as addressed by the US Constitution.
86.

War Powers: ​Congress shall not abdicate the war powers to the executive branch except when under imminent
threat and not to be used as a preemptive strike unless approved by Congress.

Criminal and Civil Justice
87. Abortion Homicide Exemption:​ We support repeal of the physician homicide exemption of the Texas Penal
Code Section 19.06 unless it is absolutely required to save the life of the mother.
88. Parents’ Rights:​ We support legislation ensuring that the parents' rights to raise and educate their children are
protected in Texas law as a fundamental, constitutional right and that there is a presumption that fit parents act in
the best interest of their children. So long as the parent is fit, there will normally be no reason for the state to
interject in the private realm of the family to question the ability of that parent to make the best decisions
concerning the rearing of that child.

 89. CPS​: We call for the eventual abolishment of CPS, and in the interim we support reform and any legislation that
would support due process in family court proceedings and fully support a jury determining the outcome of any
case if requested by either party.
90. Capital Punishment​: Properly applied capital punishment is legitimate, is an effective deterrent, and should be
reasonably swift and unencumbered.
91.

Police Appreciation and Accountability​: We express our gratitude and appreciation for police officers, first
responders, armed forces, and veterans. And furthermore we support local law enforcement agencies and
associated personnel to the extent local and state police officers are properly and adequately trained and
supervised or otherwise internally and individually held accountable for any conduct which is found to violate
state law or the Texas State Constitution.

92. No Jail for Non-Jailable Offenses​: We call upon the Texas Legislature to end the practice of jailing individuals
for offenses for which jail is not an allowable consequence under the law.
93. Obscenity Exemption​: We urge repeal of the Texas Penal Code “Obscenity Exemption” that allows children
access to harmful, explicit, or pornographic materials under the guise of education materials.
94. Civil Asset Forfeiture​: We call upon the Texas Legislature to abolish civil asset forfeiture and to ensure private
property only be forfeited upon a criminal conviction. We also request the State Party Chair and the SREC
consider the abolishment of civil asset forfeiture as a legislative priority for the Republican Party of Texas for the
2019 legislative session and to utilize reasonable Party resources necessary to promote and support its passage.
95. Driver Responsibility Program​: We call upon the Texas Legislature to abolish the Driver Responsibility Program
and to immediately restore the driver licenses of the citizens whose licenses were suspended by the DRP and to
cancel their debt.
96. Administrative Justice​: Citizens have a right to full participation in administrative law processes and courts not
of record.
97. Victims of Human Trafficking​: We call upon the Texas Legislature to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to
allow victims of human trafficking to have convictions within the previous five years for prostitution offenses set
aside, if they received these convictions as a direct result of being trafficked.

 98. Government Surveillance​: We oppose all forms of warrantless government surveillance of United States
citizens and businesses.
99. Freedom Act and Government Spying​: We support the repeal of the Freedom Act. Spying on law-abiding
Americans must stop immediately. We support court-ordered warrants on an individual basis in cases directly
involving national security.
100. ​Written or Recorded Consent:​ We call upon the Texas Legislature to require officers to get written or recorded
consent (i.e., body cams) to conduct a search and inform motorists that they can decline to give such consent.
101. ​Location and Data Privacy​: We call upon the Texas Legislature to protect citizens' current and historic
technologically available location data by requiring a warrant based on probable cause for governments to
request access, except in the case of an immediate, life threatening situation. We also call on the Texas
Legislature to require appropriate policies regarding the disclosure of data collection when no criminal case is
filed.
102. ​Hate Crimes​: We urge the complete repeal of the Hate Crimes Law since ample laws are currently in effect to
punish criminal behavior towards other persons.
103. ​Right to See Charge​: Defendants charged with violating a governmental regulation should have the right to see
the enabling law.
104. ​Indefinite Detention​: We oppose the indefinite detention of United States citizens without due process. We urge
our government to terminate detention without due process, including, but not limited to, any military enforcement
of federal law within the State of Texas, under NDAA Sections 1021 and 1022.
105. ​Juries​: We support the right to privacy and security of prospective jurors. Courts must show relevance in
questioning jurors and balance the prospective juror’s right to privacy and lawyers’ need to know. We support the
right to inform the jurors of their common law power to judge law (jury nullification), as well as the evidence, and
to vote on the verdict according to their conscience.
106. ​Frivolous Lawsuits​: We support further reform to discourage frivolous lawsuits. We oppose the abusive use of
class action lawsuits.

 107. ​Civil Penalty​: We support a change in the law to make it a civil, and not a criminal, offense for legal adults only
to possess one ounce or less of marijuana for personal use, punishable by a fine of up to $100, but without jail
time.
108. ​Marriage Officiation​: We believe religious institutions have the freedom to recognize and perform only those
marriages that are consistent with their doctrine.
109. ​Law Enforcement Equipment​: We call upon the Texas Legislature to implement reporting and training
standards to disclose how much military-grade material is sent to local law enforcement under the Department of
Defense’s 1033 program and ensure that it is being used appropriately and to require the local governing
authority over a police force to approve, by vote, an application or grant request prior to the request being made
to a federal agency.
110. ​Photo Enforcement Cameras​: We urge the Texas Legislature to enact legislation for the statewide ban of all
photo enforcement ticket cameras, such as red light cameras, speed cameras, and external-facing cameras on
buses.
111. ​Raise the Age​: We call upon the legislature to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 17 to 18 years.
112. ​Abby’s Law​: We believe that rape victims should gain justice for the sexual assault crimes committed against
them within 90 days, that Texas will rightly prioritize the inalienable right of the victims’ safety and justice, and
that Texas will establish a standard protocol to be followed in regards to claims of sexual assault, and the funding
of rape kit processing where the assailant is unknown will be continuous with mandatory annual reporting to
ensure that the money is being allocated for this intent.
113. ​Warrant Validity​: The filers of search warrants should be held responsible for the validity of the information
used to obtain the warrants.
114. ​Unborn Child Protection​: We believe that a person who injures or kills an unborn child should be subject to
criminal and civil litigation.
115. ​Debtor’s Prison​: We call upon the Texas Legislature to enact laws that end the incarceration of individuals
because they cannot pay tickets, fines, and fees for Class C Misdemeanors, including traffic violations.

 Education Subcommittee
116. ​Campus Speech​: We urge the Texas Legislature to recognize the rights of those on college campuses to
practice their faith and their right to free speech. We further urge that the Texas Legislature write legislation to
protect the right of anyone who steps onto college campuses, to prohibit college campuses from stripping away
their First Amendment rights of free speech and practicing their religion. We support withdrawal of public funding
from any college or university within this state that actively or passively discriminates or permits discrimination
against the free speech of either students or guest speakers. Student groups shall have the unfettered right to
elect their leaders, choose their members, and set their organization’s mission, purpose, and standard of
conduct. ​[Federal, State]
117. ​Foreign Charter Schools​: Charter schools should have accountability and transparency to local parents,
taxpayers, and the State of Texas, as do current public schools, including United States citizenship of public
school trustees. We oppose public funding of charter schools that receive money from foreign entities. We urge
the Texas Legislature to enact legislation that requires charter school operators to be American citizens. ​[State]
118. ​Supporting Military Families in Education​: Existing truancy laws conflict with troop deployments. We believe
that truancy laws should be amended to allow a 5-day absence prior to deployments. We support the waiver of
out-of-state tuition for any dependent of military personnel stationed in Texas. ​[State, Local]
119. ​Abolish Department of Education​: Since education is not an enumerated power of the federal government, we
believe the Department of Education should be abolished, and prohibit the transfer of any of its functions to any
other federal agency. ​[Federal]
120. ​School Health Advisory Councils:​ Until the legislature removes sex education from the curriculum of public
schools, the State of Texas should adopt changes to Texas Education Code 28.004 to require every member of
the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) to be appointed by the Board of Trustees; require every school
district to post SHAC meeting minutes, full and fair disclosure of the contents of the human sexuality instruction,
and proposed changes to health education; close loopholes and prohibit contraception distribution and
demonstration; and expand the grievance process to cover the entire section of Texas Education Code 28.004.
[State, Local]

 121. ​Sexual Education:​ We demand the state legislature pass a law prohibiting the teaching of sex education,
sexual health, or sexual choice, or identity in any public school in any grade whatsoever, or disseminating or
permitting the dissemination by any party of any material regarding the same. All school districts, individual
schools, or charter schools are prohibited from contracting with or making any payment to any third party for
material concerning any of the above topics. Until this prohibition goes into effect, sexual education shall only
utilize sexual risk avoidance programs and promote abstinence outside of marriage. ​[State, Local]
122. ​Extracurricular Opportunities:​ We encourage nonpublic school parents to create extracurricular opportunities
for their children where they are not readily available and in a manner that they can be free from discriminatory
testing, intrusive government oversight, or harmful school policies regarding mixed-gender students in bathrooms
and locker rooms. We encourage the legislature to find ways to allow nonpublic school students’ participation.
Any home school student that does not participate will be unaffected. ​[State, Local]
123. ​Religious Freedom and Public Schools:​ We urge school administrators and officials not to infringe on Texas
school students’ and staffs’ rights to pray and engage in religious speech, individually or in groups, on school
property without government interference. We urge the legislature to end censorship of discussion of religion in
our founding documents and encourage discussing those documents, including the Bible as their basis. Students
and district personnel have the right to display religious items on school property. ​[State, Local]
124. ​Special Treatment​: Our state universities and public schools shall not make special concessions based on
religious practices, which create undue burdens and costs for the institution. ​[State, Local]
125. ​Equal Access​: All Texas students shall have equal access to all state-supported grants, scholarships, and
loans, based upon measurable academic criteria. Illegal aliens shall not be eligible for state or federal grants. We
support the suspension of federal funding from universities that prohibit military recruitment on campus. We
support Texas college admissions based solely on merit. ​[State]
126. ​Tenure​: We support certification of tenure requirements every five years to maintain the quality of the teaching
staff. ​[State]
127. ​College Tuition​: We call upon the Texas Legislature to take reasonable measures to curtail tuition increases.
The Legislature should pass a law clearing the way for all Texas public universities to adopt at least one applied
major through the “Affordable Baccalaureate Program.” ​[State, Local]

 128. ​Student Loans: ​Congress shall amend the law governing underwriting the student loans to require the amount
of cumulative loans guaranteed for any individual by any government program shall be less than or equal to one
year of the average annual earnings actually paid in the marketplace by those with that degree. ​[Federal]
129. ​College Tuition: ​We oppose in-state college tuition for illegal aliens. ​[State]
130. ​Juvenile Daytime Curfew​: We strongly oppose juvenile daytime curfews. We believe truancy laws or
harassment by any school district, education agency, or child protective services employee are a real threat to
our liberty, and we will defend the educational liberties we have gained in Texas with diligence and urgency.
[State, Local]
131. ​Local Control for Education​: We believe that all children should have access to quality education. Under the
US Constitution, the power to regulate education is reserved exclusively to the States and to the people. Parents
have the primary right and responsibility to educate their children. The classroom should be a place where all
viewpoints are welcomed, free speech is celebrated, and “person before politics” beliefs are preached. We
support the right of parents to freely choose public, charter, private, parochial, or home schooling for their
children. We support the right of parents to choose the specific public school that their children attend. No child
should be forced to attend a failing school. We reject the imposition of federal education standards and the tying
of any government funding to the adoption of federal education standards. We reject the intrusion of government
in private, parochial or home schools. We affirm that the policies, procedures, activities, and finances of public
education in Texas at all levels should be fully transparent. To ensure transparency, the check register of all
traditional school districts and charter schools should be posted online with the link on the homepage. We
respect parental authority regarding sex education. We believe that abortion providers and affiliates should be
prohibited from providing any curriculum or instruction in schools. ​[State, Local]
132. ​Elected SBOE​: We believe that the SBOE should continue to be an elected body consisting of fifteen
members. Their responsibilities must include:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Appointing the Commissioner of Education.
Maintaining constitutional authority over the Permanent School Fund.
Maintaining sole authority over all curricula content.
The state adoption of all educational materials. This process must include public hearings.

 The SBOE should be minimally staffed out of general revenue. ​[State]
133. ​School Options​: Texas families should be empowered to choose from public, private, charter, or homeschool
options for their children’s education, using tax credits or exemptions without government constraints or intrusion.
[State, Local]

134. ​Basic Standards​: The educational system should focus on basic standards which include, but is not limited to a
curriculum of reading (with an emphasis on phonics), spelling, writing, civics, the arts, music, literature,
mathematics, science, geography, economics, and United States and world history. We encourage teaching
critical thinking skills, including logic, rhetoric and analytical sciences within these subjects. ​[State, Local]
135. ​Scientific Theories​: We support objective teaching of scientific theories, such as life origins and environmental
change. These should be taught as challengeable scientific theories subject to change as new data is produced.
Teachers and students should be able to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these theories openly and
without fear of retribution or discrimination of any kind. ​[State, Local]
136. ​National Core Curriculum​: We oppose the use of national or international standards in the State of Texas (i.e.
Common Core, CSCOPE, United Nations Inclusion, etc.) We also oppose the modification of college entrance
exams to reflect any national core philosophies. Any school district that violates state law banning the use of a
national core curriculum or standards shall lose all state funding until said curricula or standards are removed
and no longer utilized in classrooms. ​[Federal, State, Local]
137. ​Textbook Approval and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)​: The Texas Education Code (TEC) must
be amended to empower the State Board of Education (SBOE) to require each school district that adopts
non-state approved instructional materials to conform to the SBOE higher approval process to protect citizens’
right to petition, correct factual errors, prevent corruption and fulfill legislative intent in the TEC. Local school
district boards must hold public hearings prior to adoption on such materials and citizens should have access to
review classroom materials upon request at any time. We encourage the Texas Legislature to develop a review
and compliance process to ensure that Texas’s local school districts’ curriculum complies with the TEKS
standards, and, if not, funding should be denied. ​[State, Local]

 138. ​American Identity​: We favor strengthening our common American identity, which includes the contribution and
assimilation of diverse racial and ethnic groups. Students shall pledge allegiance to the United States and Texas
flags daily to instill patriotism. Students have the right to display patriotic items on school property. ​[State, Local]
139. ​Bilingual Education​: We encourage non-English speaking students to transition, via best practices, to English
within one year, allowing them to quickly assimilate and succeed in American society. ​[State, Local]
140. ​Gender Identity​: The official position of the Texas schools with respect to transgenderism is that there are only
two genders: male and female. ​[State, Local]
141. ​Healthcare in Public Schools​: Legislators shall prohibit reproductive health care services, including counseling,
referrals, and distribution of condoms and contraception through public schools. We support parents’ right to
choose, without penalty, which medications are administered to their minor children. We reaffirm that the age of
consent in Texas is 17 years old. ​[State, Local]
142. ​School Security​: The Texas Legislature shall pass a statute that allows Texas school teachers, or other school
employees, who are certified and insured, to be authorized to carry a concealed gun on the premises of their
assigned school for security and protection purposes. The Texas Republican Party supports teachers and staff,
who obtain concealed carry licenses, and obtain additional training required by the district, to have the right to
carry firearms on school premises. ​[State, Local]
143. ​School Security Plan​: The Legislature is urged to adopt as a legislative priority to mandate by state law that all
publicly funded school districts be required to submit a viable school security plan as part of an accountability
program. The school security plan must explicitly provide for the personal security of students and staff by
responding with an equal and opposite force to an aggressor that uses deadly weapons or devices. In an effort to
customize plans for each district, a parent oversight commission will be consulted and advised as to the threat
assessment status of schools at all times and must be allowed to partake in strategy sessions for the creation of
the school security plan. ​[State, Local]

Finance Subcommittee

 144. ​Government Spending: ​Government Spending is out of control at the federal, state, and local levels, and action
is needed. We urge Congress to become fiscally responsible by immediately enacting the following items:
1.

Adopt zero-based budgeting.

2.

Adopt a policy of requiring private sector efficiency commision for each governmental department.

3.

Oppose the use of “earmarks” as a part of the budget and spending process.

4.

Prohibit Congress from passing appropriations bills unless each appropriations group is considered and passed
separately.

145. ​Economic Stabilization Fund​: Amend the Texas Constitution to narrow the permissible uses of the Economic
Stabilization Fund to cover revenue shortfalls in the current biennium and expenses related to a state of disaster
as declared by the Governor.​ [State]
146. ​School Property Tax Abatements: ​We support repealing Tax Code Chapter 313 school property tax
abatements. ​[Local]
147. ​Bailouts and Subsidies: ​We encourage government to divest its ownership of all businesses that should be run
in the private sector and allow the free market to prevail; this includes all businesses run by school boards and
Texas Educational Service Centers. We oppose all bailouts of domestic and foreign government entities, states,
and all businesses, public and private. ​[Local]
148. ​Community Reinvestment Act: ​We support the repeal of the Community Reinvestment Act. ​[Federal]
149. ​Lending Institutions​: We support the sale of the federal government’s interest in Federal National Mortgage
Association (Fannie Mae) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). ​[Federal]
150. ​Special Funds​: We urge the Texas legislature to abolish the Major Event Trust Fund and the Moving Image
Industry Incentive Program. ​[State]
151. ​Government Pensions​: The Texas legislature shall enact new rules to begin to transition government pensions
for ERS and TDCRS members from a defined benefit pension to a defined contribution retirement plan similar to
a 403(b). ​[State]

 152. ​Pro Stadiums​: Tax dollars should not be used to fund the building of stadiums for professional or
semi-professional sports teams. ​[State, Local]
153. ​Gambling​: We oppose the expansion of legalized gambling.
154. ​Line-Item Veto​: We support strengthening the line-item veto authority of the Governor. ​[State]
155. ​Veto Session​: We support a constitutional amendment permitting the Legislature to return for a three-day
session in response to the Governor’s veto. ​[State]
156. ​Management Districts​: We oppose the creation of management or special purpose districts with the authority to
impose taxes and bonded debt, and we oppose the use of eminent domain by these districts. ​[State, Local]
157. ​Permanent School Fund​: Since the Permanent School Fund is not paid by taxpayers, the principal balance
should be safeguarded and not used as a source of additional funding for our state budget, but for its
constitutionally intended purposes of instructional materials that have been approved by the State Board of
Education. ​[State]
158. ​Homeowners Association​: We urge the Legislature to enact legislation to allow dissolving a homeowners
association by a majority vote of the association’s voting members. ​[State]
159. ​Real Estate Transaction Tax​: We oppose any creation of a real estate transaction tax. ​[Federal, State]
160. ​Diversion of Property Taxes​: We oppose the diversion of property taxes to build, subsidize, and/or guarantee
the loans of toll projects, which is primarily being done through transportation reinvestment zones. The State
needs to properly fund the Texas state highway system to prevent the use of local property taxes being diverted
to state roads. ​[Local]
161. ​Abolish Property Tax​: We urge replacing the property tax system with an alternative other than the income tax
and requiring voter approval to increase the overall tax burden.
162. ​Property Tax Rollback Elections​: We urge the Legislature to establish a property tax revenue growth trigger of
2.5% per year that can only be exceeded by a vote held on a November uniform election date while working to
eliminate and replace the M&O school property tax.

 163. ​Homestead Appraisals​: We support allowing homeowners to contest their homestead appraisals in Justice of
the Peace court.
164. ​School Finance​: We support a simple, fair, and efficient method for financing our public school system. We
oppose the "Robin Hood" system of public school finance and believe the Texas Legislature, not the courts,
should determine the amount of money spent on public education and the distribution thereof. We oppose the
Edgewood I and II decisions that legislate school finance from the bench.
165. ​Additional School Funding​: Before receiving additional dollars through the school finance formulas, school
districts must spend at least 65 percent of their current funding in the classroom.
166. ​School Maintenance and Operation Property Tax​: We call upon the Texas Legislature to use surplus revenue
to buy down the school maintenance and operation property tax rate as a prelude to replacing it with a broader
based consumption tax.
167. ​Social Security​: We support reform of Social Security that allows people to opt out. We oppose taxation of
Social Security benefits.
168. ​Spending Limit:​ adopted under the heading budget federal.
169. ​Spending Limitations​: Amend the Texas Constitution and state statute with a stricter spending limitation based
on US census population growth plus inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index and apply the new limit
to Texas’s total government budget.
170. ​Tax Burden​: We in the Republican Party of Texas believe in the principles of constitutionally limited
government based on federalist principles. To this end we encourage our elected officials at all levels of
government to work to reverse the current trend of expanding government and the growing tax and debt burdens
this places on “We the People.” We believe the most equitable system of taxation is one based on consumption
and wish to see reforms towards that end at all levels of government.
171. ​State Income Tax Ban​: We support maintaining the current ban on state income taxes in Texas.
172. ​Truth in Taxation​: We urge that taxes established for a particular purpose shall not be used for any other
purpose.

 173. ​Public Posting​: We support statewide, local taxing entities, and government entities compiling and publicly
posting their current debt, future obligations, financial statements, check registers, and local government
contracts on their official websites. ​[State, Local]
174. ​Transportation and Fuel Taxes​: We resolve that tax revenue derived from gasoline taxes and all other
taxes/fees on our vehicles (including vehicle sales tax) should only be used for road construction and
maintenance, and not be diverted to any other use, including mass transit, rail, restrictive lanes, and bicycle
paths. ​[State, Local]
175. ​Special Taxing Districts​: We support restricting the authority of special taxing districts, such as Municipal Utility
Districts and Municipal Management Districts, so that they are accountable to the people they serve and may not
incur bonded debt without a vote of their residents. We support a change to the property tax and exemptions
section to allow special taxing districts to freeze their property tax assessment for taxpayers 65 or older or
disabled. ​[State, Local]

Government and Foreign Affairs
176. ​Bond Elections​: State and local bond election ballots should be required to include the amount of debt currently
outstanding, current debt service payments, current per capita debt obligations, the amount of new debt being
proposed, estimated debt service for the new debt, and estimated per capita burden being proposed. Any bond
election (state or local) must pass with at least a ⅔ majority of voters to affirm the bond. The bond issue must
obtain a yes vote of a minimum of 20% of registered voters. All elections of personnel responsible for adopting a
budget and a property tax rate and all elections involving bond indebtedness shall be held on the November
uniform election date and administered by the County Clerk or the County Elections Administrator. No public
funds are to be spent influencing a bond election. We oppose bundling of items on bond election ballots.
177. ​Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)​: We hereby call on all law enforcement and governmental
agencies in Texas to avoid and suspend all contact and outreach activities with the Council on American-Islamic
Relations (CAIR), named unindicted co-conspirators in the Holy Land Foundation Trial, with ties to terrorist
groups such as Hamas.

 178. ​Candidate Eligibility​: A candidate running for office should be required to reside within the geographical
boundaries of the office sought. The Secretary of State shall be required to certify that state and federal
candidates placed on ballots proffered in Texas meet the statutory requirements for the office sought. For federal
offices, all candidates must submit written authorization for the Secretary of State to obtain a certified copy of the
candidate’s birth certificate from the original issuing authority, so as to prove they are constitutionally eligible, in
order to have their name placed on the general election ballot.
179. ​Judicial Candidate Speech​: We support a state constitutional amendment that would enable judicial candidates
to express their beliefs in general terms before elections to thus inform voters of their views.
180. ​Campaign Endorsements​: We oppose the buying and selling of endorsements in all elections.
181. ​Statute Reduction​: We support efforts to eliminate duplicative and unnecessary government statutes.
182. ​Cybersecurity​: We support government efforts in cybersecurity to safeguard for privacy, election, intellectual
property, and public safety while respecting civil rights.
183. ​Cybersecurity Voter Registration​: The State of Texas should use any undedicated federal election funds
received to improve the security of our online voter registration data.
184. ​Elected Appraisal Boards​: We support the election, by registered voters in the geographically affected area, of
appraisal boards and appraisal review boards.
185. ​Conflicts of Interest​: We support legislation prohibiting the influencing or voting of any elected official or
appointee where a conflict of interest exists.
186. ​Elected Removal​: ​We support that any state elected official convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for
a felony or misdemeanor that constitutes a crime of moral turpitude while in office be permanently removed from
office.
187. ​Sexual Harassment​: RPT supports a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment.
188. ​Early Voting​: We support that early voting will be limited to 7 days, ending on the Friday before Election Day.
189. ​Fair Election Procedures​: We support modifications to and the strengthening of election laws to ensure ballot
integrity and fair elections. We support the Secretary of State strictly enforcing printing of results tapes for

 electronic voting for early voting and Election Day at polling locations after the polls close for all counties. We
support increased scrutiny and security in balloting by mail, prohibition of internet voting and any electronic voting
lacking a verifiable paper trail, prohibition of “rolling polling” for bond and tax rate increase elections, prosecution
for election fraud with jail sentences, repeal of the unconstitutional Help America Vote Act, and assurance that
each polling place has distinctly marked, where possible, separate locations for Republican and Democrat
primary voting. We support all means of protecting the integrity of our elections, including the optional use of
paper ballots. We oppose countywide polling locations due to heightened potential for fraud.
190. ​Offense Enforcement for In-Person Voting​: We support raising to felony status infractions of the Texas Election
Code during in-person voting, including allowing persons not in the poll book to vote a regular ballot, willfully
misclassifying the reason for a provisional ballot, giving one voter multiple ballot access codes or multiple ballots,
and all forms of voter assistance not compliant with TEC, especially “assistants” who force themselves on voters
to influence their votes.
191. ​Residency Requirements​: We support legislation that defines voter and candidate residency and is enforced by
the Secretary of State.
192. ​Felon Voting​: We support the constitutional authority of state legislatures to regulate voting, including
disenfranchisement of convicted felons.
193. ​Voter Photo ID​: We continue to fight for meaningful voter ID requirements for all elections and support other
states’ attempts to pass the same.
194. ​Actual Residence​: We support changes to the appropriate sections of Texas law that would deny or cancel
Homestead Exemptions, driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, License to Carry, and hunting and fishing
licenses if the addresses on those documents DO NOT match the address on the voter’s registration.
195. ​Consolidated Elections​: All public elections, with the exception of specially called elections, should be
consolidated to Primary and General Election days and locations.
196. ​Voter Registration​: We support restoring integrity to the voter registration rolls and reducing voter fraud. We
support the repeal of all motor voter laws, re-registering voters every four years, requiring photo ID of all
registrants, proof of residency and citizenship, along with voter registration application, retention of the 30-day
registration deadline, and requiring that a list of certified deaths be provided to the Secretary of State in order that

 the names of deceased voters be removed from the list of registered voters. We should give the Secretary of
State enforcement authority to ensure county registrar compliance with Secretary of State directives. Revise the
Title 19 funding to avoid incentivizing retention of ineligible voters.
197. ​Nursing Home Voting​: County election officials should provide an Election Judge, Alternate Judge, and
Election Clerk for an in-person voting time during the early voting period in every healthcare/nursing
home/retirement facility in the county. This will allow bedside voting, if necessary, and the ability to provide
fraud-free elections for handicapped and elderly voters.
198. ​Campaigning at Poll Sites​: We encourage free speech at polling sites outside of the existing boundaries. The
right to campaign, including the display of signage, with respect to current state law, at an appropriate distance
(100 feet) from the polling place, shall not be infringed.
199. ​Voting Rights​: We support equal suffrage for all United States citizens of voting age who are not felons. We
oppose any identification of citizens by race, origin, or creed and oppose use of any such identification for
purposes of creating voting districts. We urge that the Voting Rights Act of 1965, codified and updated in 1973,
be repealed and not reauthorized.
200. ​Direct Elections of State Judges​: We support our right to select our judges by direct vote.
201. ​Government Authority​: We believe any government authority that has the ability to level a tax or fee on the
people should be accountable to those who pay the taxes via the electoral process, from the local level to the
federal level.
202. ​English Only Ballots​: English, and only English, shall appear on any ballot for any election in the United States
of America and in the State of Texas
203. ​Foreign Policy​: We support a foreign policy that relies on peace through the strength of our national defense
and avoids foreign deployments or entanglements. We support free market enterprise, private humanitarian aid
to developing countries, continued favorable treatment of proven allies, censure of adversarial entities that seek
destruction of other countries, and strong policy on confronting terrorists. We strongly oppose religious or ethnic
cleansing. We oppose US aid to any foreign entity that consistently votes against our interests or is openly
hostile to our nation.

 204. ​China​: We strongly recommend the removal of Communist China’s “Most Favored Nation” status.
205. ​Foreign Aid​: We support foreign aid in non-monetary form (goods and services) only to our allies in cases of
national defense or catastrophic disasters, with congressional approval.
206. ​Iran and North Korea​: We oppose development of nuclear weapons by Iran and North Korea, and oppose
easing sanctions on either country until their hostile behavior and nuclear proliferation cease.
207. ​I​srael​: ​We are grateful that the U.S. Embassy in Israel has been moved to Jerusalem. We believe that
Jerusalem should remain Israel’s undivided capital, accessible to people of all faiths. The United States should
continue to support Israel militarily, financially and technologically. We oppose any pressuring of Israel to make
concessions they believe would jeopardize their security. We strongly oppose the anti-Semitic Boycott,
Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, on all levels, including and especially on college campuses, at the
United Nations and by anti-West Non-Governmental Organizations. We believe there should not be a Palestinian
state within the historical borders of Israel. Our policy is inspired by God’s biblical promise to bless those who
bless Israel and curse those who curse Israel and we further invite other nations and organizations to enjoy the
benefits of that promise.
208. ​Israel’s Sovereignty​: We further insist upon Israel’s right to exist, its right to secure borders, and its right to the
land secured by practicing self-defense from aggressive enemies. We strongly encourage other nations of the
world to respect Israel’s sovereignty, right of self-determination, and right of self-defense.
209. ​Taiwan​:​ We call upon the United States to move toward full diplomatic recognition of Taiwan as an
independent and sovereign nation and to renew our commitment to defend our security interests in the Western
Pacific region in the face of China's military provocations which threaten its neighbors and critical maritime trade
routes.
210. ​UN Arms Trade Treaty​: The United States should withdraw from the UN Arms Trade Treaty.
211. ​UN Treaty on the Rights of Child​: We unequivocally oppose the United States Senate’s ratification of the
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
212. ​Taxation by a Foreign Entity​: We believe that any attempt to allow the United Nations or any other foreign
entity to levy taxes on United States citizens or governments should be rejected.

 213. ​United Nations​: The United Nations is a detriment to the sovereignty of the United States and other countries,
and because of this we support:
1.

Our withdrawal from the current United Nations.

2.

The removal of the United Nations from United States soil.

3.

The rejection of all Agenda 21 and Agenda 2030 policies and programs.

4.

The rejection of all related NGOs, councils, and environmental programs.

A zero budget allotment of American tax dollars to any United Nations programs.
5.

The opposition of any designation of World Heritage Sites in the United States and especially in Texas.

214. ​Federal Land in Texas​: All federal land in Texas should be returned to and administered by Texas, except for
land specifically authorized in the Constitution, (military bases, federal buildings, post offices).
215. ​Federal Offices Location​: Offices attached to the seat of the Federal Government should not be required to
exercise their offices in the District of Columbia. It is no longer necessary for all Federal agencies to be located in
the District of Columbia and we call on both the Senate and Congress to expunge Chapter 3 of Title 4, Section
72, United States Code and the President to sign such change.
216. ​Lobbying Limitation​:​ We support legislation to prohibit former officials and government employees from
lobbying for a foreign government and/or any business for five years after leaving public service. We support
legislation to prevent lobbying by any organization receiving federal grants except that relating to its tax status.
217. ​Tax-Funded Lobbying​: We urge that the Texas Legislature enact legislation that prohibits tax-funded contract
lobbying.
218. ​Texas Speaker of the House​: We oppose the use of pledge cards and call for the Republican members to
caucus after each November general election to determine by secure secret ballot, their candidate for Speaker.
We also call for the Republican members to vote as a unified body for their selected speaker candidate when the
legislature convenes in regular session.

 219. ​Ghost Voting​: We expect the Texas House of Representatives to enforce house rules and prevent ghost
voting.
220. ​Updating Texas House Rules​: ​We request the House Republican Caucus work with the Republican Party of
Texas on House rule changes prior to the next legislative session that would facilitate the passage of legislation
based on the Republican platform and Legislative Priorities. Such changes should not have the result of
disenfranchising the minority party, but should ensure that the majority party can get its own business done.
These changes should include, but not be limited to, changing House Rule 6 Section 21(2017 House Rules) to
allow for a motion to place a bill on the calendar after 7 days instead of 30 days.
221. ​Calling for Open Calendar Committee Meetings​: The Calendars Committee of the Texas House of
Representatives should be open to the public.
222. ​Government Shutdown​: In the case of United States government shutdown, the only salaries to be suspended
are for the United States Senate and House of Representatives.
223. ​Closed Primary​: We support protecting the integrity of the Republican primary election by requiring a closed
primary system in Texas.
224. ​Remove Gender Requirements​: We suggest that the Chair, Vice Chair and members of the SREC be elected
on merit and not based on gender (Sec. 171.002 of the Texas Election Code).
225. ​Enforcing the Platform​: Every Republican is responsible for implementing this platform. Party candidates
should indicate their positions on platform planks before their acceptance on the ticket, and such information
should be available on the Party website.
Candidate Support​: The Republican Party of Texas should provide financial support only to those candidates who
support the right-to-life planks.
226. ​Texas Protecting Texans​: We support federal legislation remanding all authority over abortion back to the
individual states and removing all standing on this issue from the federal judiciary as given by Article III in the US
Constitution. We also support family control of end-of-life decisions.

 227. ​Protecting Active Military Right to Vote​: We urge the Texas Secretary of State and the United States Attorney
General to ensure that voting rights of our armed forces will neither be denied nor obstructed, and all valid
absentee votes shall be counted.
228. ​Unelected Bureaucrats​: We oppose the appointment of unelected bureaucrats, and we support defunding and
abolishing the departments or agencies of the Internal Revenue Service; Education; Energy; Housing and Urban
Development; Commerce; Health and Human Services; Labor; Interior (specifically, the Bureau of Land
Management); Transportation Security Administration; Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and National
Labor Relations Board. In the interim, executive decisions by departments or agencies must be reviewed and
approved by Congress before taking effect.
229. ​Sunset Commission​: We support a majority citizen-led Sunset Commission.
230. ​Legislative Accountability​: We support a transparent and accountable legislative process which includes a
recorded and published vote and prohibits a legislative change without a recorded vote. All content of any bill
must be germane to the title of the act. We support that all bills presented in the United States Congress and
Texas Legislature include citations to the authorizing constitutional provision, cost to implement, and impact on
the family. We oppose omnibus legislation and the insertion of “pork barrel” funding for special interests. We
oppose the use of signing statements by the President to circumvent the law.
231. ​Permanent Voting Record​: We support Texas House and legislative rules that prohibit the practice of changing
the actual recorded votes of Texas legislators after the vote on final passage.
232. ​Public Information Act​: We support legislation that would close contractor and trade secret loopholes in the
Texas Public Information Act, while providing due process protections for private companies wishing to keep
trade secrets private.
233. ​Cell Network Access​: Cell phone network access is a needed and important tool in emergency situations,
especially for first responders; we support the state facilitating first responder access to clear cell phone channels
for emergency use.

Health and Human Services

 234. ​Caring for Our Mentally Disabled Citizens​: We urge the Legislature to continue funding and operating all
state-supported living centers for mentally disabled legal Texas residents, and to continually seek common sense
improvements to increase efficiency.
235. ​Mental Health​: We request that the Texas Legislature provide appropriate funding for the improvement of
mental health services for children and adolescents. This includes funding for training everyone who touches the
life of a child in the foster care system in trauma and trauma-informed care.
236. ​Welfare Reform​: Welfare reform should encourage partnerships with faith-based institutions, community, and
business organizations to assist individuals in need. We encourage welfare reform in the following areas:
1.

Denying benefits to individuals who cannot prove citizenship.

2.

Reforming welfare programs to require recipients to work, learn, and train.

3.
4.
5.

Reforming welfare programs to require recipients to remain substance-abuse free in exchange for temporary
benefits not exceeding two years.
Requiring all welfare recipients to to submit to random drug testing in order to receive benefits.
Requiring that money provided through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) be used only
for nutritious foods consistent with those included under the WIC program, and be released only with a photo ID
of the approved user.

6.

Implementing a non-monetary-based assistance program for providing supplemental food benefits.

7.

Removing prisoners from welfare rolls.

237. ​Federal Welfare Programs​: We support the abolition of all federal welfare programs, as they are not an
appropriate role of the Federal Government.
238. ​Defunding HUD’s AFFH​: We support defunding HUD’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH).
239. ​Child Support Related to Welfare​: Mothers applying for government financial support, exempting rape victims,
should provide the verifiable name and any known contact information of the birth father, which information shall
be turned over to the State of Texas Attorney General’s Office within 30 days for collection of child support.

 240. ​Gender Identity​: We oppose all efforts to validate transgender identity. We call upon our legislature to enact
laws prohibiting the use of hormones before the age of 18 in an attempt to change gender. We believe it should
be illegal to remove healthy body parts in minors in an effort to try to transition to the opposite sex.
241. ​No Taxpayer Funding for Sex Change​: We oppose the use of taxpayer funds for any type of gender dysphoria
treatments or sex change operations and/or treatments.
242. ​Addiction​: We oppose legalization of illicit and synthetic drugs. We also oppose any needle exchange
programs. Faith-based rehabilitation programs should be considered as a part of an overall rehabilitation
program.
243. ​Healthcare Decisions​: Health care decisions, including routine preventative care such as immunizations,
should be between a patient and health care professional and should be protected from government intrusion.
Texas public schools have a duty to inform parents they can opt out of CDC recommended vaccinations for their
children. ​Abortion is not healthcare. Government has no right to mandate specific medical procedures or
methods of healthcare.
244. ​Healthcare Choice​: We urge the passage of healthcare reform which results in more affordable healthcare
through a market-based, competitive, and transparent healthcare system, including tort reform, interstate
competition, health savings accounts, genuine accountability and oversight.
245. ​Fluoride in Water Supply​: The Republican Party of Texas supports banning the fluoridation of the Texas water
supply.
246. ​Compassionate Use Act​: We call upon the Texas Legislature to improve the 2015 Compassionate Use Act to
allow doctors to determine the appropriate use of cannabis to certified patients.
247. ​Cannabis Classification​: Congress should remove cannabis from the list of Schedule 1 and move to Schedule
2.
248. ​Medicaid Reform​: We support Medicaid block grants to the states and returning Medicaid to its original
purpose to be a temporary assistance. We oppose any further expansion of Medicaid.
249. ​Medicare Reform​: Medicare Part A should have a parallel opt-out to Part B for those who have health
insurance through their employer and continue to work. Part A will then kick in when they retire.

 250. ​Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”)​: We demand the immediate repeal of the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act, which we believe to be unconstitutional.
251. ​Medical Records and Informed Consent​: We oppose any state or federal medical record computer database or
registry (with exception to diseases that are a public health threat, i.e., HIV and/or Tuberculosis), which stores
personal identifiable records on citizens without their written consent.
252. ​Right to Try​: We urge the Texas State Legislature and Governor to enact laws that allow patients and their
doctors to have access to experimental medications and procedures that can potentially be lifesaving or improve
quality of life.
253. ​Healthcare Savings Accounts​: All individuals should be allowed to establish health savings accounts.
Individuals should be allowed higher annual contributions to health savings accounts, and employers should be
allowed to offer "portable" health savings-linked insurance that workers could take with them if they change jobs
or retire.
254. ​Texas HSA​: ​We recommend the creation of the State of Texas Health Savings Account, with funds in excess
of those needed in the Rainy Day fund with the purpose of enabling the state to develop reserves sufficient to
exit the federal Medicaid program.
255. ​Fetal Tissue Harvesting and Stem Cell Research​: We support legislation prohibiting experimentation or
commercial use of human fetal tissue, which requires or is dependent upon the destruction of human life. We
encourage adult stem cell research using cells from umbilical cords, from adults, and from any other means that
does not kill human embryos.
256. ​Homosexuality​: We believe there should be no granting of special legal entitlements or creation of special
status for homosexual behavior, regardless of state of origin, and we oppose any criminal or civil penalties
against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction, or belief in traditional values.
257. ​Parental Rights and Responsibilities​: Local, state, or federal laws, regulations, or policies that limit parental
rights in the rearing of both biological and adopted children shall not be enacted. Parents have the God-given
right and responsibility to direct and guide their children’s moral education.
258. ​Parental Consent​: We support parental consent for all medical care, counseling, etc., for all minors.

 259. ​Conscience Clause​: All persons and legal entities have the right of conscience, and should be protected under
Texas law if they conscientiously object to participate in practices that conflict with their moral or religious beliefs.
This includes, but is not limited to, abortion, the prescription for and dispensing of drugs with abortifacient
potential, human cloning, embryonic stem cell research, eugenic screenings, euthanasia, assisted suicide,
harmful futile procedures, and the withdrawal of nutrition and hydration.
260. ​Alternatives to Abortion​: Until abortion is made illegal in Texas, we urge the Republican Party of Texas and the
Texas Legislature to assist in educating the public regarding alternatives to abortion, especially adoption.
261. ​Discriminatory Abortion​: We support legislation such as the “Preborn NonDiscrimination Act” (PreNDA), to
close existing discriminatory loopholes that fail to protect unborn children suspected of having a "fetal anomaly"
or disability and to enact anti-discriminatory language to apply additional protections to unborn children at risk of
being aborted because of their sex, race, or disability, in addition to providing families with information about
life-affirming social and medical services available to them in Texas, such as perinatal palliative care.
262. ​Planned Parenthood​: We support completely eliminating public funding for Planned Parenthood and any other
abortion providers and all their affiliates, and we oppose their digital or physical presence in our schools and
other public institutions. We also support elimination of public funding for embryonic stem cell research, research
on fetal tissue, or human cloning.
263. ​Human Embryos​: We support the adoption of human embryos and the banning of human embryo trafficking.
264. ​End-of-Life Patient Protection​: We support patients’ rights, especially near the end of life, and call for reform of
existing legislation so that:
1. Texas law should provide that medical personnel may not deny care, change advanced directives, or originate
directives for any patient without the permission of the patient or the patient’s designate.
2. We also support the passage of legislation to amend the Advance Directive Act by requiring hospitals intending
or threatening to withdraw life-sustaining treatment against the patient’s wishes or their advance directive to
continue all treatment and care for such patients pending transfer to another facility.

 3.

We also support legislation repealing the unethical “Ten-Day Rule” in Section 166.046, Health and Safety
Code, that allows physicians to withdraw basic life-sustaining treatment (like a ventilator) after an impending
countdown.

265. ​Home and Community-Based Services​: We call on the Texas Legislature to support Home and
Community-Based Services (HCBS) as a pro-life alternative, and to enact language to apply additional
protections and to address any loopholes that fail to protect or provide appropriate home and community-based
alternatives for children and people with disabilities, in addition to providing families with information about
life-affirming social and medical services available to them in Texas as alternatives to abortion and costly
institutional care.
266. ​Modernized Social Security Card​: We support the improvement of our 1936 Social Security Card to use
contemporary anti-counterfeit technology. The Social Security card will not be considered a National ID card for
United States citizens.
267. ​Social Security Disability​: We support appropriate limits on the length of time to receive Social Security
Disability benefits for all but those truly not able to do ANY kind of paid employment.
268. ​Toxic Exposure​: We support the passage of the Toxic Exposure Act of 2015 which will ensure that the Federal
Government will establish a database on all exposed veterans and their families.
269. ​VA Medical Benefits Not Limited:​ Allow veterans to use VA medical benefits at private medical providers and
not be limited to VA Hospitals.
270. ​Replace the VA​: Replace the Veterans Administration with a commercial insurance plan that allows eligible
veterans to obtain health services from any licensed provider.

National Defense and Border Security
271. ​Support of Our Armed Forces​: The men and women who wear our country’s uniform, whether on active duty or
in the Reserves or National Guard, are the most important assets in our military arsenal. They and their families
must have the pay, health care, housing, education, and overall support they need. Injured military personnel
deserve the best medical, mental health, and rehabilitative care our country has to offer. We must always

 remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice; their families must be assured meaningful financial
assistance. It is the solemn duty we owe and honor we give to those who bravely don the uniform of freedom.
We support our government in continuing to seek and act upon all information concerning our military personnel
and other citizens listed as missing in action or prisoners of war. Veterans Administration monetary benefits shall
match present national price index value in all programs.
272. ​Proof of Legal Residency for Public Services​: Texas requires proof of legal residency for obtaining a Texas
driver’s license and enrolling in public school, and requires proof of citizenship for obtaining voter registration and
public benefits.
273. ​Strong National Defense​: We support a strong national defense that protects United States interests, freedoms
and sovereignty at home and abroad.
274. ​Reject NDAA​: We reject the unconstitutional provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), that
includes (but is not limited to) indefinite detention without trial and detention in military custody. We demand the
state’s congressional delegation to immediately commence efforts to repeal the unconstitutional provisions
contained in this act, which are repugnant to the sovereign rights of the citizens of this state and are usurpations
of authority by the federal government.
275. ​No Gender Norming in Military​: We oppose gender norming in the military. Transgendered persons should not
serve in the military as a special class; no special considerations or medical treatment shall be required or
offered.
276. ​Self-Protection on Military Bases​: We call for base commanders to provide sufficient armament of military
personnel on military bases to provide for their self-defense.
277. ​Missile Defense​: We urge the United States Congress to continue funding the Strategic Defense Initiative for
missile defense. We further call for continued efforts and funding for nuclear shield development and for its
immediate implementation for the United States, and possibly our allies when in our national interest.
278. ​National Guard Deployment​: Congress shall not abdicate the war powers to the executive branch except when
under imminent threat and not to be used as a preemptive strike unless approved by Congress. The Texas

 National Guard and the Texas Air National Guard should only be deployed to overseas combat zones under
authorization of Congress through a declaration of war.
279. ​Military Rules of Engagement​: Military Rules of Engagement, as defined by the President or Congress, should
not preclude the safety nor deny the immediacy of tactical decision-making of the military personnel in the field.
Military personnel shall not be criminally or civilly liable for reasonable actions taken in the field.
280. ​Military Readiness​: We support a military force of sufficient strength and readiness to deter any threat to our
national sovereignty or to the safety and freedom of our citizens. We oppose placement of US troops under
command of the United Nations.
281. ​Defeat Terrorism​: We support an aggressive war on terrorism, including radical Islamic terrorists, cooperating
with our allies, and sanctioning nations that sponsor terrorists. We support the reasonable use of profiling, the
prosecution of national security breaches, and the revision of laws or executive orders that erode our liberties.
We call on the federal government to designate the Muslim Brotherhood a foreign terrorist organization, and we
call on governmental agencies to avoid and suspend all activities with all radical Islamic organizations, such as
the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
282. ​All-Volunteer Force​: We call for the removal of draft registration and to continue to have an all- volunteer
armed forces.
283. ​Women in Combat​: We oppose the use of women in military combat units.
284. ​Abolish Refugee Resettlement Program: ​We call for the abolition of the refugee resettlement program.
285. ​Citizenship Qualification​: We call on the United States Congress to pass a constitutional amendment that
defines citizenship as those born to a citizen of the United States or through naturalization.
286. ​Amnesty​: Any form of amnesty with regard to immigration policy should not be granted, including the granting
of legal status to persons in the country illegally.
287. ​Border Security Funding​: We expect both the Texas Legislature and the United States Congress to make a
priority of allocating funds to effectively secure the border through whatever means necessary, including but not
limited to barriers, a border wall, or fence everywhere along the border where it is feasible and useful, as well as
personnel and technology over land, sea, and air.

 288. ​Interstate Compact:​ The State of Texas shall establish an interstate compact allowing the participating states
to enforce existing federal immigration laws, and the State of Texas shall support all efforts to enter into a border
security interstate compact and gain control of the border.
289. ​Citizenship Identification​: We propose that every Texas driver’s license shall indicate whether the driver is a
United States citizen. Licenses shall not be issued to anyone illegally in the country. The State of Texas shall not
recognize as valid any state driver’s license photo where the person’s face is obscured.
290. ​Eliminate Illegal Immigration Magnets​: No tax dollars should be provided for social or educational programs for
illegal aliens. All existing laws providing for in-state tuition and non-emergency medical care shall be rescinded.
All non-verifiable foreign-issued identification cards shall be legally invalid in the United States.
291. ​E-Verify​: Texas should require all employers to screen new hires through the free E-Verify system to prevent
the hiring of illegal aliens and of anyone not legally authorized to work in the US, and to protect jobs for American
workers. We call upon the 86th Texas Legislature to pass legislation to this effect.
292. ​Priority​: We call on the Republican Party of Texas to make eliminating magnets for illegal immigration a
legislative priority for the 86th Texas Legislature, beginning by eliminating the employment magnet by requiring
all employers to screen new hires through the free E-Verify system to prevent the hiring of illegal aliens and of
anyone not legally authorized to work in the US.
293. ​Sanctuary Cities​: S
​ tate and federal funds shall be denied to any public or private entity, including but not limited
to sanctuary cities, that are not in compliance with immigration laws.
294. ​Immigration System​: We demand that state and federal law enforcement officers enforce our immigration laws,
implement an entry/exit tracking system for visa-holders, and expedite hearings on deporting both violent and
non-violent illegal immigrants and visa overstays. Chain migration and the diversity visa lottery should be
eliminated. Our legal immigration system should be strictly merit based, and the total number of new immigrants
should be limited to a level that facilitates assimilation.
295. ​Reintegration of Veterans​: We support the accommodation and reintegration of our troops once their military
commitment has expired. Returning veterans must have access to educational benefits, job training, and a wide
variety of employment options.

 State Affairs
296. ​Alamo​: We believe the Alamo should be remembered and not “reimagined.” We believe Texas's authority
regarding the Alamo shall not be infringed upon by any organization or authority, including but not limited to local
governments, the federal government, the United Nations, or UNESCO. We demand that the decision-making
authority for the Alamo never be removed from Texas, and the custodians of the Alamo be required to: 1) affirm
and emphasize the intrinsic significance of the 1836 battle in telling the story of the Alamo, and 2) maintain
transparency in finances and operations of the Alamo. Specific protection shall be afforded the site, including all
land and existing monuments, including the Cenotaph, which SHALL NOT be moved from its present site.
297. ​Campaign Finance Transparency​: We support laws requiring full disclosure by political candidates of the
amounts and sources of any campaign contributions, whether contributed by individuals, political action
committees, or other entities. We oppose reporting requirements that infringe on the free-speech rights of
citizens. We urge immediate repeal of all limits on campaign contributions by American citizens to the candidates
or causes of their choice.
298. ​No Restrictions on Charities​: We oppose any restrictions by any government agency on individual taxpayer
contributions to churches, faith-based charities, and other non-profit organizations.
299. ​Citizenship Definition​: We call on the United States Congress to pass a constitutional amendment that defines
citizenship as those born to a citizen of the United States or through naturalization.
300. ​Honor Our Flags​: We appreciate and honor our flags and what they represent and strongly advocate for all
public schools to display the US and Texas flags in every classroom and to begin each school day with the
Pledges to both.
301. ​Freedom of Assembly​: Because we believe in the freedom of assembly, we urge repeal of the Freedom of
Access to Clinic Entrances Law. Those who assault peaceful protesters acting under the Constitution should be
vigorously prosecuted. Picketing and literature distribution do not fall under the Racketeering Influence and
Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

 302. ​Freedom of Speech on University Campuses​: We support the protection of free speech rights on public
universities, including the elimination of politically correct speech codes and “bias-response teams.”
303. ​Religious Freedom for Business Owners​: We support the removal of laws and regulations that are used to
force business owners and employees to violate their sincerely held beliefs.
304. ​Public Accommodations​: We support legislation at the state and federal level that concretely defines public
accommodations as originally defined and understood in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, that it prohibit any
expansion of that legal definition by any federal, state, or local law to expand government control to restrict any
First Amendment rights; and to proscribe any law that requires any private business or individual to create or
provide a custom product or service, or any kind of expressive work, or enter into a contract, or be coerced into
any speech that is not their own.
305. ​Religious Freedom of Speech and Practice​: We call on the Texas Legislature to repeal the Johnson
Amendment that assaults the free speech of pastors and religious organizations. We further resolve to protect
the First Amendment rights of any citizen to practice their religion and exercise their right to free speech in the
public square, as well as in religious organization affiliations.
306. ​Religious Freedom​: As America is a nation under God, founded on Judeo-Christian principles, we affirm the
constitutional right of all individuals to worship as they choose.
307. ​Daylight Saving Time​: ​We urge the Texas Legislature to enact legislation to end Daylight Saving Time in
Texas.
308. ​Electoral College​: We support the Electoral College.
309. ​Fairness Doctrine:​ We oppose any attempt by Congress or any federal agency to implement any policy
comparable to the Fairness Doctrine as terminated in 1987.
310. ​Gender Identity Facilities in Businesses:​ We support enacting legislation in the State of Texas ensuring no
government entity in the state be allowed to take it upon itself to define for any private business or private entity
how it must segregate its restrooms, changing facilities, or showers; nor may any government agency be allowed
to require businesses to profess, espouse, or adopt specific views on sex, sexuality, gender, or gender identity,
other than to guarantee that views and positions on these matters are not used as a basis to deny access to

 public accommodations, as defined by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, nor to deny employment, or discriminate in
employment decisions, solely on the basis of a person’s views on these matters.
311. ​Child Rights:​ We call on the Texas Legislature to pass legislation to protect privacy in public schools and
government buildings as allowed by Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, by ensuring multi-use facilities, including
showers, changing rooms, and bathrooms, are designated for and used only by persons based on the person’s
biological sex.
312. ​No Sexuality Indoctrination​:​ We call on the state legislature to pass legislation so that no public school or other
educational institution may force, require, or pressure any child or student to profess, espouse, or adopt, or
otherwise be indoctrinated without explicit parental consent, specific views on sex, sexuality, gender, or gender
identity.
313. ​Gender Identity Pronouns​: ​We oppose any attempt to criminalize and/or penalize anyone for the wrong use of
pronouns.
314. ​Heritage​: ​We call upon governmental entities to protect all symbols of our American and Texan heritage. We
oppose governmental action to remove the public display of the Ten Commandments or other religious symbols.
We support the Pledge Protection Act. We urge that the national motto “In God We Trust” and National Anthem
be protected from legislative and judicial attack. Penalties should be established for any form of desecration of
the American or Texas Flag. We support adoption of American English as the official language of Texas and of
the United States. Holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Columbus Day, St. Valentine’s Day, St.
Patrick’s Day, Good Friday, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the 4th of July as historical holidays
should remain on our governmental and public school calendars. We support preservation of Texas history and
historical sites. Visitors to the Alamo should conduct themselves with decorum and reverence inside the shrine
out of respect for the sacrifice of the heroes who are honored there. We call for restoration of plaques honoring
the Confederate Widow’s Pension Fund contribution that were illegally removed from the Texas Supreme Court
building.
315. ​Historical Monuments​: ​We believe all historical war memorials including Confederate monuments in Texas
should be protected from future removal or defacement and that those monuments that have been removed
should be restored to their historical locations.

 316. ​Homosexual Behavior​: W
​ e affirm God’s biblical design for marriage and sexual behavior between one
biological man and one biological woman, which has proven to be the foundation for all great nations in Western
Civilization. We oppose homosexual marriage, regardless of state of origin. We urge the Texas Legislature to
pass religious liberty protections for individuals, businesses, and government officials who believe marriage is
between one man and one woman. We oppose the granting of special legal entitlements or creation of special
status for ​homosexual behavi​or, regardless of state of origin. We oppose any criminal or civil penalties against
those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction, or belief in traditional values.
317. ​Definition of Marriage​: We support the definition of marriage as a God-ordained, legal and moral commitment
only between one natural man and one natural woman.
318. ​State Authority over Marriage​: We support withholding jurisdiction from the federal courts in cases involving
family law, especially any changes in the definition of marriage.
Spousal Benefits​: We shall not recognize or grant to any unmarried person the legal rights or status of a spouse,
including granting benefits by political subdivisions.
No-Fault Divorce​: We urge the Legislature to rescind no-fault divorce laws and support covenant marriage.
319. ​Overturn Unconstitutional Ruling​: We believe this decision, overturning the Texas law prohibiting same-sex
marriage in Texas, has no basis in the Constitution and should be reversed, returning jurisdiction over the
definition of marriage to the states. The Governor and other elected officials of the State of Texas should assert
our Tenth Amendment right and reject the Supreme Court ruling.
320. ​Pro-life​: ​Until the abolition of abortion is achieved, we support laws that restrict and regulate abortion including,
but not limited to:
1.

Parental and informed consent.

2.

Prohibition of abortion for gender selection.

3.

Prohibition of abortion due to the results of genetic diagnosis.

4.

Prohibition of licensing, liability, and malpractice insurance for abortionists and abortion facilities.

5.

Prohibition of financial kickbacks for abortion referrals.

 6.

Prohibition of partial-birth, late-term abortions.

7.

Prohibition of abortions after the time an unborn child’s heartbeat is detected.

8.

Prohibition of the manufacturing and sale of abortifacients (e.g., morning after pill).

9.

Elimination of causes of action for “wrongful birth.”

10. Enactment of any other laws which will advance the right to life for unborn children.
11. Health insurance coverage for abortion services and abortifacients, which under Texas law should be
considered supplemental coverage and billed to the beneficiary.
321. ​Abolish Abortion​: We call upon the Texas Legislature to enact legislation stopping the murder of unborn
children; and to ignore and refuse to enforce any and all federal statutes, regulations, executive orders, and court
rulings that would deprive an unborn child of the right to life.
322. ​Dismemberment Abortion​: ​We strongly support the prohibition of elective dismemberment abortions, a type of
dilation and evacuation abortion, which take the life of preborn children by removing their limbs.
323. ​State Authority over Abortion​: ​We urge the federal congressional delegation from Texas to take immediate
action, under the authority extended to them in Article III of the Constitution of the United States, to put forth
legislation remanding all authority over abortion to the individual states and removing all standing on the issue of
abortion from the federal judiciary.
324. ​Fundamental Right to Life​: ​All innocent human life must be respected and safeguarded from fertilization to
natural death; therefore, the unborn, the aged, and the physically or mentally challenged have a fundamental
individual right to life, which cannot be infringed.
325. ​Reverse Roe v Wade​: ​We are resolute in our support of the reversal of Roe v. Wade.
326. ​Property Annexation​: ​Homeowners and landowners in an area proposed for annexation should have the right
to vote to approve or reject the annexation, regardless of the population of the county. No annexation can occur
within 45 days of any election.

 327. ​HOA Open Meetings​: ​We support legislation to require ALL homeowners associations to comply with the Texas
Open Meetings Law. We further support legislation prohibiting HOAs from using “policies” to bypass the process
of residents’ voting on changes in Deed Restrictions. ​[Local]
328. ​Property Rights​: ​Property ownership and free enterprise, the foundation of our collective wealth, must not be
abridged nor denied by government. We support legislation to protect these bedrock rights. Areas of concern are:
annexation, eminent domain (including foreign entities), property forfeiture, extraterritorial jurisdiction, seizure for
public or private development, natural resources and conservation easements, groundwater and/or mineral
rights, nationalization of lands, and the preservation of our 4th Amendment right to privacy. Property owners
should be notified of their rights with regard to condemnation, annexation, or easement; and the condemner
should be required to petition a court of jurisdiction to show public necessity. Taking of property should result in
immediate compensation of fair market value to the owner. These issues should be administered by elected
officials accountable to voters. ​[State, Local]
329. ​Eminent Domain​: The use of Eminent Domain must exclude the seizure of private property for private
economic development or increased tax revenue. ​[State/Local]
330. ​Save the USS Texas​: Since the USS Texas was given to the State of Texas in 1948, the Republican Party of
Texas supports the previous and future allocation of funds that are necessary to preserve the USS Texas as a
permanent monument to the ship, her crew of two world wars, and the history of the State of Texas. ​[State]
331. ​Unfunded Mandates​:​ ​We urge the legislature consider the impact on taxpayers for any mandate they pass.

Resolutions
1.

​ he Texas Republican Party concurs in the censure of Texas State Representative Byron R. Cook, pursuant
T
to Texas Republican Party General Rules for Conventions and Meetings, for committing three (3) or more acts in
contravention of the Republican Party of Texas Core Principles. Further, we the delegates of the Texas
Republican Party impose any and all sanctions, penalties, or punishments available upon Texas State
Representative Byron R. Cook, Pursuant to Texas Republican Party General Rules for Conventions and
Meetings, Rule #44.

 MINORITY REPORT
(received 10:48 pm, Platform Committee Adjourned 10:22 pm)
PREFACE
Our platform planks should be strong, clear assertions of the contemporary principles of our
party membership. They should unite our membership under shared ideals rather than divide the membership
with fractious detail.
These assertions should be tailored for brevity, clarity, unity, and to distinguish our positions from
those of our opponents.
This platform has planks that define the principles of the Republican Party. In addition to this
platform we have included specific action items that would help implement principles in our platform.
​1.

PREAMBLE

On “the seventeenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred eighty-seven,
and in the independence of the United States of America the twelfth”, the thirteen colonies constituting the United
States of America, came together to form a more perfect union. A union predicated on the conviction that all men are
created
equal, endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. They
entered into a covenant, the Constitution of the United States of America, to “establish justice, ensure domestic
tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare” and secure their God given Rights to
themselves and their posterity. Today, as man rebels against the God of our fathers, seeking to remove every vestige
of Him from the public eye, our Constitution and freedoms face an unparalleled assault. The Republican Party of Texas

 is unequivocally committed to the spirit and intent of our founding fathers, and defense of the written Constitution so
bravely undertaken by them.
THE PROPER ROLE OF GOVERNMENT
2. We believe government properly exists by the consent of the governed and must be restrained from intruding
into the freedoms of its citizens. No office holder should be granted privileges or provisions greater than that of his
constituents.
3. We believe that one proper function of government is to protect and support the unalienable, God-given rights
of life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness, which rights extend to the unborn from conception.
4. We believe one proper role of government is to establish and defend a capitalist system that preserves the
individual’s ability to improve his or her quality of life through productivity and personal achievement.
PRIVATE PROPERTY
6.

We recognize the right of the individual to own property.

7.

We resist any effort by government to take private property without a demonstrable public need.

8.
use.

We strongly oppose civil forfeiture of private property absent the conviction of its owners for a crime involving its
REAFFIRMATION OF STATES’ RIGHTS

9. We oppose congressional, judicial, and executive abrogation of the principle that the powers not delegated to
the Federal Government by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively,
or the people.
10.

​We oppose unreasonable and intrusive federal mandates.
ETHICS AND STANDARDS

11.

​We demand honesty, integrity, morality, and accountability of our public officials.

 12.

​We expect our Republican public officials to strongly and faithfully support our platform.

13.

​We will work to expose and stop corruption.

14.

​We reject the buying and selling of endorsements in all elections.

15. ​We believe that both state and federal elected officials must be subject to the same laws, regulations and
ordinances as their constituents.
NATIONAL SECURITY AND PUBLIC PROTECTION
16. ​We support a military force of sufficient strength and readiness to deter any threat to our national sovereignty
or to the safety and freedom of our citizens.
17.

​We support the Constitutional mandate to protect and secure our national borders.

18.

​We oppose placement of United States troops under any foreign command, including the United Nations.

19. ​We support lawful efforts of local law enforcement agencies to protect citizens in their homes and in their
communities.
20. ​We urge reform of the legal system to accomplish a swift and balanced administration of justice, including the
consideration of rights of the victim.
21.

​We support capital punishment as a sentencing option for violent crimes.

22.

​We support efforts in cyber-security to safeguard for privacy, election, intellectual property, and public safety.
SELF DEFENSE

23. ​Americans have the right to be safe in their homes, on their streets, and in their communities; and both the
responsibility and unalienable right to defend themselves and their neighbor, wherever they may be, with no duty to
retreat. The right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

FREEDOM OF RELIGION

 24. ​We uphold freedom of religion for every citizen and expect the protection of government in securing to us this
unalienable right.
25.

​We affirm the right to religious expression, including prayer, in both private and public.

26. ​We acknowledge that the Church is a God-ordained institution with a sphere of authority separate from that of
civil government and thus the Church is not to be regulated, controlled or taxed by any level of civil government.
FAMILY VALUES
27.

​We recognize the family as the fundamental unit of society.

28. ​We support the definition of marriage as a God-ordained, legal and moral commitment only between one
natural man and one natural woman.
29. ​We affirm that parents have the fundamental right and primary responsibility to direct the upbringing of their
children and to provide nurturing care, discipline and training in moral values.
RIGHT TO LIFE
30.

​We believe all human life is sacred and must be protected from conception to natural death.
HUMAN SERVICES

31.

​We support requiring welfare recipients to work towards self-sufficiency.

32. ​We reject the notion that the federal government may mandate the purchase of any insurance or other
products or penalize the failure to do so.
EQUALITY UNDER THE LAW
33. ​We believe that no citizen deserves nor requires special legal entitlements. All citizens should be considered
equal under the law. Therefore, there should be no granting of special legal entitlements or creation of special status
for any person, regardless of religion, race, age or sex.
34. ​We oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who refuse to do business with any person out of faith,
conviction, or belief in traditional values.

 ​EDUCATION
36. ​Having a well educated population is critical to American prosperity, but traditional colleges are becoming more
renowned for the breeding of social unrest, and anti-American propaganda, than their educational acumen. No federal
money should be extended to such institutions.
37. ​Under the US Constitution, the power to regulate education is reserved exclusively to the States and to the
people.
38.​

Parents have the primary right and responsibility to educate their children.

39. ​We support the right of parents to freely choose public, charter, private, parochial, or home schooling for their
children.
40. ​We support the right of parents to choose the specific public school that their children attend. No child should
be forced to attend a failing school.
41. ​We reject the imposition of federal education standards and the tying of any government funding to the
adoption of federal education standards.
42.

​We reject the intrusion of government in private, parochial or home schools.

43. ​We affirm that the policies, procedures, activities, and finances of public education in Texas at all levels should
be fully transparent.
44. ​We respect parental authority regarding sex education including full and fair disclosure of school district health
education and health committees.
45. ​We believe that abortion providers and affiliates should be prohibited from providing any curriculum or
instruction in schools.
TAXATION
46. ​We encourage further simplification of tax systems, the elimination of the estate tax, elimination of all taxation
marriage penalties, the indexing for inflation of all currently fixed IRS taxation thresholds, and broad-based rate
reduction.

 47. ​We reject the imposition of a state income tax and support all taxing authorities in their efforts to provide a
meaningful cap on increasing property taxes.
48.

​We urge the repeal of the state franchise tax.
REGULATION

49. ​Regulatory power now improperly exercised by the federal government must be eliminated and returned to
state and local governments.
IMMIGRATION
50. ​America is a nation of immigrants, and its doors should be open to all who come to it lawfully, respecting its
heritage and laws, desiring to become a contributing part of its success, desiring to be “American”. There are no
white, black, yellow, brown, red or any other color or hyphenated American. One is either an American or not. We are
proud of our Christian heritage and its work ethic, and will not respect or welcome anyone that will abase it. Those who
seek to immigrate here and transplant their failed systems, either of laws or traditions, should be permanently returned
to from whence they came. Our official language is English, and while we may individually speak many languages,
there shall be no law mandating a plurality of languages either in private or in public governance.
51.

​We oppose granting government benefits to those illegally present in the US.

52.

​We believe that current laws against employing illegal immigrants should be vigorously enforced.

53

​We support expeditiously deporting residents with expired visas.
TEXAS STATE SOVEREIGNTY

54. ​It is the sacred responsibility of the States as creators of the Federal Government to keep the federal powers
within the limits set by the Constitution.
55. ​We recognize that any usurpation of State Sovereign Powers by the Federal Government should be corrected
by the State Legislature and enforced by the Governor’s office thus protecting Texas State Sovereignty.
​Action Items:

 CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES
56. ​We encourage the adoption of legislation that reinforces that a CPS investigation of a family should be done
only upon probable cause of harm to a child, and that the removal of a child from his home should be done only as a
last resort to protect the child from clear and imminent physical or psychological harm.
***Reference Plank 1. ​The Proper Role of Government​***
TEXAS DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY
57. ​We urge the Texas Legislature to enact legislation repealing the Texas Driver Responsibility Program and
immediately restore the driver licenses of the citizens whose licenses were suspended by the DRP and canceling their
debt.
***Reference Plank 1. ​The Proper Role of Government​***
PERSONHOOD
58. ​We encourage the Congress to define by law human life as beginning at conception, thus giving the unborn
child the status of personhood.
***Reference Plank 9. ​Right to Life​***
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT AKA OBAMACARE
59.

​We call upon Congress to repeal ObamaCare.
***Reference Plank 10. ​Human Services​ ***
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

60. ​We call upon Congress to pass legislation which would allow Health Savings Accounts for all health plans and
encourage businesses to promote and participate in them for their employees.
***Reference Plank 10. ​Human Services​***
ABOLITION OF ABORTION

 61. ​We believe that the Supreme Court of the United States acted beyond its authority when it struck down the
Texas law prohibiting abortion, and we therefore call upon all members of the legislative, judicial, and executive
branches at all levels of government to ignore and refuse to enforce any and all federal statutes, regulations, executive
orders, and court rulings which would deprive an unborn child of the right to life.
***Reference Plank 9. ​Right to Life​***
FEDERAL RESERVE
62.

​The Republican Party of Texas urges that the Federal Reserve be audited.
​BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP

63. ​We urge Congress to make explicit that Birthright Citizenship does not apply to those here illegally or those
here on a visa.
STATE SOVEREIGNTY
64. ​We urge the Texas Governor to recognize the existing right to nullify as described in the SCOTUS Ruling in
1997 Mack-Prinz vs. US, Justice Scalia delivering majority opinion, and to use this power immediately to limit federal
government overreach.
***Reference Plank 16 ​Texas State Sovereignty ​***
END DEBTOR’S PRISON
66. ​We call upon the Texas Legislature to enact laws that end the incarceration of individuals because they cannot
pay tickets, fines, and fees for minor infractions, including traffic violations.
TREAT DRUG ADDICTION AND REDUCE CRIME
67. ​We call upon the Texas Legislature to reclassify possession of very small quantities of addictive drugs from a
felony to Class A misdemeanor and use some of the savings to support increased access to drug addiction treatment.
SCOTT WALKER JUVENILE JUSTICE MODEL
68. ​We call upon the Texas Legislature to close Texas’ five remaining youth prisons and follow Scott Walker’s
model in Wisconsin, shifting youth to smaller facilities closer to family and focused on rehabilitation.

 CONSENT SEARCHES AT TRAFFIC STOPS
69. ​We call upon Texas Legislature to enact legislation to require officers get written or recorded consent to
conduct a search, and inform people that they can decline to give such consent.
MEDICAL CANNABIS
71. ​We call upon the Texas Legislature to improve the Compassionate Use Program to allow doctors to determine
the appropriate use of cannabis for the patients.
PRE-TRIAL RELEASE
73. ​We call upon the Texas Legislature to ensure jurisdictions rely on data about risk in making release decisions
and set the least restrictive release conditions on each defendant eligible for pre-trial release.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
74. ​We call upon the Texas Legislature to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow victims of human
trafficking to have convictions within the previous five years for prostitution offenses set aside, if they received these
convictions as a direct result of being trafficked.
PROTECTING PRIVACY OF STUDENT INFORMATION
76. ​We call upon the Texas Legislature to change the default of the statute concerning Student Directory
Information to OPT-OUT unless a parent or guardian specifically requests for directory information about their student
to be included in the Student Directory Information.
SCHOOL DISTRICT ACCOUNTABILITY FOR CAMPUS SECURITY
77. ​We urge the Texas Legislature to mandate by state law that all publicly funded school districts be required to
submit a viable school security plan as a part of an accountability program that includes personnel armed with equal
and opposite deadly force weapons and must report monthly threat assessments to the local school board of trustees.
***Reference Plank 12. ​Education​***
WINDFALL ACT

 78. ​We urge the Congress to modify the Windfall Act so that all workers who have paid into social security and a
private retirement system receive a larger portion of their social security pension payments.
PROLIFE
79. ​We call upon the Texas Legislature to close existing discriminatory loopholes that fail to protect pre-born
children suspected of having a “fetal abnormality” or disability and enact anti-discriminatory language to apply
additional protections to pre-born children aborted because of their sex, race, or disability, in addition to providing
families with information about life-affirming social and medical services available to them in Texas, such as perinatal
palliative care.
CONTRACEPTION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
80.

​We urge the Texas Legislature to prohibit contraception distribution and demonstration in public schools.

​81. ABBY’S LAW
We believe that rape victims should gain justice for the sexual assault crimes committed against them
within 90 days, that Texas will rightly prioritize the inalienable right of the victims’ safety and justice, and that Texas will
establish a standard protocol to be followed in regards to claims of sexual assault, and the funding of rape kit
processing where the assailant is unknown will be continuous with mandatory annual reporting to ensure that the
money is being allocated for this intent.
We the undersigned to agree to and submit this Minority Report to the convention for consideration as a
replacement for the full committee report.
Undersigned by:

Steven Armbruster, SD5
Henry Peyton Inge, SD12
Todd Gallaher, SD18
Brandey Batey, SD20

 Brian Hill, SD21
Stephen Broden, SD23
Beth Cubriel, SD25
Morgan Graham, SD27
Mark Dunham, SD29