Take Action

The 88th Texas Legislative Session opens on January 10, 2023 for its regular 140-day session.

• November 14, 2022 is the first day for legislators to file bills for the 88th Session.
• March 10, 2023 is the last day bills can be filed.
• The session adjourns May 29, 2023.

The Texas Library Association’s legislative vision is to empower Texas libraries to build essential community infrastructure by focusing our efforts on the following areas:

• Access
• Economic Development
• Education

We expect this to be a very active session for libraries as legislators respond to  concerns about content in school and public libraries, curriculum related to racism, academic tenure, and more.

What can you do?  Check out TLA’s Advocacy Resources.

• Connect with your elected officials.  Email them to introduce yourself and offer to be a resource; engage with them on social media; invite them to participate in a virtual program or event
• Unified messaging.  Use the TLA priorities as a framework or starting point for interactions with legislators; as session progresses and TLA begins reaching out asking for you to take action on a particular bill, we will provide talking points
• Compelling story. Data is important, but stories are as critical, and can be more memorable. Be prepared to share specific stories of how your library has helped individuals.