Texas Library Association - Legislative Program Overview

Legislative Committee and Development of TLA's Legislative Program

What are the responsibilities of the Legislative Committee?
Established and maintains an effective network for contacting legislative representatives
Keeps the association informed on state and federal legislation affecting libraries
Promotes legislative support for library legislation
Works closely with the TLA legal counsel to examine existing laws and proposed legislation in order to make recommendations to the Executive Board
Determines ways to cooperate with the state government agencies affecting library services
Coordinates activities with the ALA Washington office through the TLA Legislative Committee chair
Presents requests for legislative help to the Board, Council, or Legislative Committee. Requests from only one type of library must come as a result of official action of the division
Awards the Sam Gerald Whitten Memorial Legislative Grant to cover the expenses of a delegate to attend the Texas Library Association's Legislative Day in Austin during the odd numbered years, and the American Library Association's Legislative Day in Washington, D.C. during an even numbered year
Appoints as ex-officio, non-voting members the following representatives of agencies and other organizations who have an interest in TLA's legislative programs as they are recommended by the TLA Executive Board
Appoints as ex-officio, voting members all TLA unit Legislative Chairmen

How does the Legislative Committee develop a legislative program?

Units in TLA route all issues pertaining to legislative action to the Legislative Committee in the form of resolution. These resolutions must be passed by the unit's Executive Board before presentation to the Legislative Committee.
The Legislative Committee considers each resolution. If the resolution is approved by the Legislative Committee it is sent to the Bylaws and Resolutions Committee for presentation to TLA Council.
If the resolution is approved by TLA Council it is included in the association's legislative program for presentation to the Texas legislature.

If an issue develops during the legislative session or in between conferences and annual assembly, how can an issue be included on the association's legislative program?

The TLA Executive Board assumes responsibility for addressing legislative issues not included in the TLA legislative platform. Actions shall be based on the advice of the TLA Legislative Committee.

If a TLA member would like to present a resolution regarding legislative action concerning one type of library, how should this request be presented?

Requests from only one type of library must come as a result of official action of the division (Public Library Division, College and University Division, Special Library Division, Texas Association of School Libraries Division). The TLA member needs to approach the chair of the division's legislative committee or the executive board of the division. If approved by the division, the chair of the division's legislative committee presents the resolution to the Legislative Committee.

What has TLA accomplished through its very proactive role in working with the state legislature to improve libraries in the state of Texas?

Since its first Legislative Day in 1985, the Texas Library Association through the Legislative Committee, the Executive Board, the Texas Libraries PAC and the hard work of the association's members, has established an outstanding rapport with the Texas legislature. The 1995 legislative session was the most successful session to date for libraries.

TLA and its members successfully got libraries included in House Bill 2128 (de-regulation of utilities) and added as recipients of the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund.
TLA worked to support the continuance of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the sunset review. This was accomplished with the addition or $2.5 million to the state library budget for Internet connections to public libraries.
The school library connection project was funded along with TexShare for academic libraries.
The school library standards were not deleted as originally recommended by the Texas House Public Education Committee. Instead the responsibility for school library standards was given to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
The inclusion of school librarians on the revised teachers salary schedule.

How can you get involved in TLA's legislative process?

Know your legislators and get to know their staff members. Attend your legislator's local meetings. Let your legislator know you are a librarian and gain his/her support of libraries. Read the brochure "Who, me? A lobbyist?"
Attend District 8's legislative reception held in October in even numbered years. Encourage your legislators to attend this reception. This reception offers TLA the chance to personally deliver to all the legislators in the Houston area TLA's legislative program. Consider sponsering a reception if you live in another part of the state.
Attend the Legislative Committee meetings at annual conference and annual assembly.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the TLA Legislative Committee, contact Pat Smith, Executive Director of TLA.
Attend TLA's Legislative Day held in February in odd numbered years. Volunteer to help at Legislative Day.
Donate to the Texas Libraries Political Action Committee (TLPAC), an organization of library supporters that is entirely separate from the TLA.

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