Top 5 Best and Worst Moments of the 2023 Legislative Session

The 2023 legislative session in Texas was filled with highs and lows, from significant wins to disappointing setbacks. The session started with a massive budget surplus and promises of positive changes, but quickly derailed due to scandals and infighting among Republican lawmakers. The session culminated in the impeachment of corrupt Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, highlighting the chaos within the majority party.

Despite the challenges, progressive lawmakers and Texans showed up to make their voices heard. Here are the top 5 best and worst moments of the session:

The Best:
1. Medicaid coverage extended to 1 year for new moms: Rep. Toni Rose’s HB 12 extended postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months, addressing a critical need for new mothers in Texas.
2. Natural hair protection: The passage of the CROWN Act protected students and employees wearing natural hair styles from discrimination, a significant win for civil rights in Texas.
3. Gun safety legislation advances: Efforts to raise the age to purchase military-style rifles to 21 made progress, thanks to bipartisan support and grassroots mobilization.
4. Elimination of the “pink tax”: Rep. Donna Howard’s bill to eliminate sales tax on period products and essential family care items was finally approved, addressing a long-standing issue of gender-based pricing.
5. Expulsion of Rep. Bryan Slaton: In a historic move, the Texas Legislature expelled a member for misconduct, setting a precedent for accountability.

The Worst:
1. Bans on trans Texans: Legislation passed that restricted healthcare decisions for trans youth, infringing on their rights and autonomy.
2. Abortion bans remain: Extreme abortion bans in Texas continued to harm women, with legal challenges seeking clarity on medical emergency exceptions.
3. Local control takeovers: Efforts to undermine local elected officials and consolidate power at the state level intensified, threatening local governance.
4. Vigilante border force: Proposals for a border protection unit raised concerns about citizen-led enforcement and potential harm to asylum seekers.
5. Subsidies for polluters: Legislation providing tax breaks for polluting industries while excluding renewable energy sources raised environmental and equity concerns.

Despite the challenges and setbacks, the 2023 legislative session in Texas showcased the power of grassroots activism, bipartisan cooperation, and the resilience of progressive values in the face of adversity.