LEGISLATURE 101
The Immunization Partnership educates lawmakers about the importance of raising statewide immunization rates to ensure vaccine-preventable diseases do not gain a foothold in Texas. This advocacy involves meeting with legislators to discuss vaccines role in protecting public health, explaining the role of The Immunization Partnership in disseminating proven, science-based information and dispelling myths, and encouraging support for sound public policies that protect all Texans.
The Texas Legislature meets for 140 days every odd-numbered year. During this time, lawmakers consider hundreds of bills, formulate the state budget, and revise laws already in effect. The Legislature has two chambers: the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate. The Texas House has 150 members who serve two-year terms. They choose one of their own members to be Speaker of the House. The Speaker appoints House committees, committee chairs, and vice-chairs. The current House Speaker is Dade Phelan, from Beaumont. The Texas Senate has 31 members who serve four-year terms. The Lieutenant Governor, who is elected by Texas voters, presides over the Senate and appoints its committees, committee chairs, and vice chairs. Dan Patrick of Houston currently holds this position.
TEXAS SENATE
TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
COMMITTEES OF INTEREST
Texas Senate
Texas House
- Appropriations – S/C on Article II Committee
- Human Services
- Public Education
- Public Health
- State Affairs
THE PROCESS