This update is being sent to you with recent information regarding a proposed upgrade to the current Texas child passenger occupant protection law during the 2005 Texas Legislative Session. Over the next several weeks, communications and important updates will continue to be emailed as state advocates increase activities to support passage of this measure. The following document contains several key items which should be helpful to you and/or your organization.
First, the proposed upgrade to the current child passenger occupant protection law is being carried by Senator Judith Zaffirini (D), of Laredo, filed as Senate Bill 153, and Representative Fred Brown (R), of Brazos (College Station), filed as House Bill 183 (HB 183) and can be viewed at the following web address: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/
(A few Texas advocates expressed recent concern about a bill that had been submitted with incorrect language for this effort. THAT BILL WILL NOT BE INTRODUCED! Please reference the correct language in SB 153 and HB 183 and the above link for information relating to the "booster bill"! Thanks for your vigilance and support!)
Secondly, the passage of these bills are an important measure to child occupant protection initiatives across the state of Texas. In receiving this communication, you are among a group of advocates who have come together once again to provide strength to this important measure. Because this group of advocates continues to grow, three main organizations have stepped up to be a reference point in maintaining continuity, clarity, and up-to-date communications into the 2005 Legislative Session. The thought process is to have a central point of reference making this effort stronger and more cohesive. These contacts are:
Susan Douglass: susan.douglass@uhs-sa.org
University Health Systems, San Antonio, TX (210) 358-4272
Laura Weiss: lweiss@seton.org
Children's Hospital of Austin, Austin, TX (512) 324-8110
Paula Yuma: paula.yuma@childrens.com
Children's Medical Center Dallas, Dallas, TX (214) 456-7936
If you have immediate questions, comments, or concerns regarding SB 153 or HB 183, please contact one of the above advocates for additional information.
An official "Need to Know" document is attached with a current list of all supporting organizations that have signed on to support the bill. All organizations who have offered their official support to the passage of these bills and are "on file" will be given credit for their support to this measure, as communicated through the Texas Child Occupant Protection Safety Advocates committee. The advocate list will remain open for any and all additional organizations to sign on their support as communications continue throughout the session, until the bill is passed. If you would like to confirm your support, or want to add your organization to the current list of advocates, please contact Laura Weiss at lweiss@seton.org, or phone at 512-324-8110, where the master list is being maintained.
Finally, if you have additional ideas you would like to share, or you would like to be more actively involved with lobbying efforts regarding this initiative, please contact one of the above listed committee advocates for additional information and support documents to assist with your individual efforts, if needed. Again, be on the lookout for updates, information, and supportive documents to follow via email very soon! The 2005 Legislative Session is underway, and your support is crucial!
|
