How to get a Rep to Introduce a bill...

[bayleem13]

I was looking over the HB1271 (I believe that's correct) and if it would of passed, it would of allowed all inmates (except the ones with capital offenses) to accrue good time towards making parole earlier. Unfortunately, it didn't pass this year.. But I am wondering how do we go about getting a Rep to re-introduce it the next year? Do we need to call or email? Or what? Honestly, I feel like if it made it to the governor, he would of passed it.. But this time it didn't leave the House.

[patchouli]

Organize like-minded folks to write letters, send emails and call their representatives; or join an already existing criminal justice reform organization.

Any campaign that you organize, get the word out about what you're doing and the information necessary for others to contact their reps - phone numbers, email addresses, physical addresses for mailing letters. Organize or attend other orgs rallies.

It isn't easy, it can be very time consuming even over-whelming. Do as much as you are able, whatever that is....the more voices, the louder the noise Good luck!!

[Firebrand]

Legislation that benefits those in prison or on parole is not the political philosophy of those that pass laws nor has been for quite some time. When George Bush became governor in 1994 the Republican Party made concerted effort to pass and amend all legislation or as much legislation to do with putting the State's foot on a convicted felon's neck as much as possible. What transpired in the aftermath of the David Ruiz class action lawsuit that took affect in 1989 when the Republicans took control of the State where upon Bush became governor is what we see and experience these days. Maybe it's always been like that and many of us just didn't know it.
I would not be hopeful of any legislation that would benefit us coming about until the Democratic Party is the majority in Texas and even then, people are often not what they say they are before being elected. Keeping people locked up or on paper is big money and that's not likely to change anytime soon.
I don't mean to sound negative concerning your question because it's a good one and I know you care, but we have a very, very, very, very long way to go in this state where political philosophies and beliefs concerning what is best for the general public that are not in existence just now.