In the latest episode of the True Texas Project Podcast, hosts Fran and Julie welcomed leaders from Texas grassroots groups to discuss key legislative priorities, challenges at the Capitol, and how Texans can take action. With the Texas legislative session in full swing, the group provided a comprehensive update on efforts around border security, abortion laws, transportation issues, medical freedom, property taxes, and more.

[0:00] The podcast kicked off with introductions, featuring leaders from:

  • Texans for Strong Borders – Focused on strengthening Texas border security, immigration enforcement, and policies that prioritize American sovereignty.
  • Texas Right to Life – A pro-life organization committed to protecting the rights of unborn children and promoting legislation to defend life.
  • Texas Family Project – Advocates for traditional family values, faith-based living, and cultural initiatives that support the well-being of children and families.
  • Texans for Fiscal Responsibility – Promotes conservative economic policies, including government spending transparency, tax reform, and property tax relief.
  • Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom (TURF) – A watchdog group focused on transportation policy, opposing toll roads, road “diets,” and government overreach in vehicle regulation.
  • Texans for Vaccine Choice – Champions medical freedom, informed consent, and privacy rights, especially concerning vaccine mandates and exemption access.
  • Abolish Abortion Texas – Seeks to eliminate all legal allowances for abortion in Texas, advocating for equal protection for unborn children under state law.

Each explained their focus areas and goals this session.

[4:03–10:01] Abortion Legislation
Bradley Pierce (Abolish Abortion Texas) and Dr. John Seago (Texas Right to Life) addressed current efforts to strengthen anti-abortion laws. Seago emphasized Senate Bill 2880, which targets mail-order abortion pills and taxpayer-funded abortion travel. Pierce promoted House Bill 2197, seeking to remove legal exceptions that allow mothers to avoid prosecution under existing homicide laws.

[10:01–13:07] Legislative Allies
The panelists highlighted lawmakers actively supporting their efforts, including Senators Bob Hall, Mayes Middleton, Bryan Hughes, and Representatives Briscoe Cain, Nate Schatzline, Brian Harrison, and others.

[13:13–18:30] Protecting Families and Education
Brady Gray (Texas Family Project) discussed bills like SB 412 to remove legal loopholes for sexually explicit content in schools, SB 18 to restrict drag performances in public spaces, and HB 3 promoting school choice. Other bills would require the Ten Commandments in classrooms and mandate instruction on the dangers of communism.

[18:30–20:01] Procedural Obstacles
Participants noted new subcommittees in the House may become bill graveyards, slowing progress even when support exists.

[20:01–24:04] Transportation Challenges
Terry Hall (TURF) explained that toll road bills continue to stall under long-standing leadership. She called for action to eliminate tolls once roads are paid off and criticized how surplus toll revenues are used to finance other projects.

[24:04–36:13] Border Security and E-Verify
Chris Russo (Texans for Strong Borders) highlighted support for universal E-Verify to reduce job incentives for illegal immigration. He also explained the 287(g) program that allows local law enforcement to assist with immigration enforcement.

[36:13–40:57] Medical Freedom and Vaccine Choice
Rebecca Hardy (Texans for Vaccine Choice) noted a significant post-COVID shift, with over 60 supportive bills addressing informed consent, religious exemptions, and protections for students and healthcare workers.

[40:57–46:05] Budget Surplus and Property Taxes
Andrew McVeigh (Texans for Fiscal Responsibility) criticized the Legislature’s use of Texas’ $24 billion surplus, noting only about $6 billion is proposed to be returned to taxpayers. He urged stronger local engagement to combat wasteful spending.

[46:05–54:12] Toll Road Reforms
Hall returned to explain issues with never-ending toll contracts and the toll billing crisis. She supported bills to cap fines and remove tolls after debt is paid.

[54:12–1:04:26] Kill Switch Technology in Vehicles
A major concern was raised over a federal mandate requiring vehicle “kill switches” by 2026. Bills in Texas aim to block this, citing privacy, safety, and abuse of power concerns.

[1:04:26–1:08:11] Local “Road Diets” and Right to Repair
Hall also discussed “road diets” where cities reduce car lanes for bikes and buses, and legislation protecting Texans’ rights to repair their own vehicles.

[1:08:11–1:16:02] Wrap-Up and Call to Action
Each guest provided their website and a final message, encouraging Texans to engage, attend hearings, and support priority legislation. Key themes included resisting federal overreach, ending taxpayer abuse, and prioritizing family and freedom.

[1:16:02–1:22:09] Texas Grassroots Groups on Local Activism and Final Remarks
Fran and Julie reminded viewers to check local election recommendations, attend satellite meetings, or start their own TTP at Home groups. They emphasized how Texas grassroots groups play a vital role in driving local change and holding officials accountable.

The full episode is a call to action for Texans to engage in state and local government, support Texas grassroots groups, and reinforce conservative values and policies across the state.

***DISCLAIMER*** Austin County News Online strives to provide our readers with access to a broad range of perspectives, especially on topics that are actively shaping our communities and state. The following article and embedded video from the “True Texas Project” podcast are shared for informational purposes only. This episode features a wide variety of viewpoints from several grassroots organizations active during the current Texas legislative session.

We recognize that our readers hold diverse beliefs and interests. Whether you’re currently involved with these topics, considering becoming more informed, or simply want to better understand the positions and players involved, we hope this content serves as a helpful introduction.

As a news platform, ACNO does not endorse the views expressed in this podcast. Our goal is to present information that informs and encourages thoughtful civic engagement across all perspectives.

 

 

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