86th Legislative Session: TNOYS Legislative Agenda
The agenda we designed outlines our goals for the 86th Texas Legislature, which are informed directly by our experience with young people and those who serve them.
86th Texas Legislative Session Recap Report
The 86th Texas Legislative Session resulted in several bills and budget decisions that TNOYS believes will truly make a difference in the lives of youth across systems. In this recap report, we provide a summary to give youth and those who work with them an overview of the key policy changes from the session that will impact them and their work.
Webinar: 86th Texas Legislative Session Recap
In this July 2019 webinar, TNOYS’ Director of Public Policy Lauren Rose shared a recap of policy changes from Texas’ 86th Legislative Session that impact youth and the providers who serve them. Lauren also explained how TNOYS utilized youth voice to advance our legislative agenda and highlighted some of the biggest wins for youth, including new state funding to support youth experiencing homelessness.
Webinar Recording: Youth Services Issues in the 2019 Texas Legislative Session
In this webinar from December 2018, TNOYS’ Director of Child Welfare Policy Dr. Katherine Byers provided a preview of policymaking activity to expect around youth services issues during the 86th Texas Legislative Session. Katherine also shares TNOYS’ legislative agenda to give a better idea of the issues our organization and our members will be advocating for.
Strengthening Texas’ Commitment to Youth Who Are Homeless
Understanding and Supporting the Unique Needs of Texas’ Homeless Youth
Preparing Youth Exiting Foster Care for Adulthood
Invest in Prevention to Support Youth and Families and Save Taxpayer Money
Strengthening Accountability for Foster Care
Ensure Foster Youth Have A Safe Place to Stay
Expand Evidence-Based Programming and Practices
Ensure Cross-System Youth Have Opportunities for Success
Out-of-School Suspensions Harm Students Experiencing Homelessness
Senate Committee on Finance Hearing on Article 7 (regarding funding to support youth experiencing homelessness), January 31, 2019:
- Testimony of Christine Gendron, TNOYS; Leslie Bourne, Covenant House; Danielle Owens, LifeWorks; Franklin Fisher and Justin Hayward, youth with lived experience (Video clip – relevant testimony begins at 4:20:26)
House Appropriations Committee Hearing on Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs Budget (regarding funding to support youth experiencing homelessness), February 11, 2019:
House Human Services Committee Hearing on HB 45, February 19, 2019:
Innovation and Excellence in Youth Services
This biennial event provides an opportunity for TNOYS’ member organizations to make their voices heard during Texas’ Legislative Session. The first half of the day included opportunities for TNOYS members to meet directly with legislators and their staffers. In the afternoon, TNOYS hosted a showcase of innovative and excellent member programs at the Capitol Grill that was open to members of the Texas Legislature and the public to attend. Read a recap of the 2019 event on our blog.
This biennial event provides youth and young adults with opportunities to learn about the policymaking process and directly advocate for causes that are important to them. Every two years, hundreds of youth and adults, representing cities and regions from across the state, come together at the State Capitol during the Texas Legislative Session to share policy concerns and recommendations with each other and legislators. Click here to learn more