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Joan Huffman — Republican State Senator for Texas District 17 (official headshot)

Joan Huffman Voting Record & Scorecard | National Democrat Platform

TX Senator

District: 17 • Republican

2023 DEM Alignment:

58.93%

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Voting Alignment with DEM Platform – by Chapter

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Provided by Transparency USA

Sen. Joan Huffman (R-TX-17) earned a 59% National Democrat Platform score for 2023, showing moderate alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. Joan Huffman voted on 112 of the 112 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2023. Joan Huffman represents the 17th District in the Texas State Senate.

Title

Lawmaker Position

HB 1Senate 20231x

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through a $321.3 Billion Budget (21.3% Increase) with Countless Provisions that Further Grow the Size and Scope of Government.

Against DEMs
This bill, the Fiscal Years 2024-2025 Operating Budget, represents a 21.3% increase over the prior budget, and the largest in state history. Some of the major new and increased spending initiatives within the bill include $1 billion for land acquisition for parks (3603.7% increase over the $27 million appropriated in the previous budget), an additional $100 million for the Texas Water Development Board Economically Distressed Areas Program, and $45.9 billion for business and economic development (25.8% increase). Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as the budget is chock-full of countless wasteful and unnecessary spending initiatives which directly violate limited government principles and far exceed the basic and necessary functions of government. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country. Democratic lawmakers who opposed the bill for not containing even greater levels of spending were recording as opposing the limited government position.
HB 1058Senate 20231x

Expanding Cronyism and Diluting the Tax Base Through Additional Subsidies under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program.

Against DEMs
This bill provides additional state subsidies ($25 million) to builders and purchasers of housing under the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. The LIHTC program subsidizes the acquisition, new construction, and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income tenants. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone. This and other central planning and tax cronyism schemes merely dilute the tax base which results in higher taxes on all other individuals and businesses to make up for the lost revenue. Instead, lawmakers should make housing truly "affordable" by working to eliminate excessive building and zoning mandates as well as work to cut property taxes by reducing spending.
HB 12Senate 20231x

Increasing Government Dependency and Ballooning Medicaid Welfare Spending by an Additional $381 Million by Hiking Postpartum Benefits from 60 Days to 12 Months.

Against DEMs
This bill extends the duration of postpartum coverage provided under Medicaid (government-provided healthcare) from 60 days to 1 year, which is estimated to cost an additional $381 million over the next five years. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill further grows government dependency under the state''s Medicaid welfare program. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
HB 1243Senate 20231x

Strengthening Election Integrity by Increasing the Penalty for Knowingly Engaging in Voting Fraud.

With DEMs
This bill increases penalties on individuals who knowingly engage in vote fraud, such as voting more than once in an election or impersonates another person when submitting a ballot. Under the bill, the penalty is increased from a Class A misdemeanor to a Felony of the Second Degree, which can carry a 2 to 20 year prison sentence. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as maintaining strong safeguards against voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation''s constitutional republic.
HB 1287Senate 20231x

Growing Government Dependency by Increasing the Vehicle Asset Allowance Under the SNAP Welfare Program from $15k to $22.5k.

Against DEMs
This bill provides an increase in the vehicle asset allowance under the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP). As a result, an individual may now own a vehicle valued at up to $22,500 (previously $15,000) and still be eligible for the welfare program. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this measure further grows government dependency, which oftentimes leads to intergenerational poverty. Instead of increasing welfare eligibility, lawmakers should work to reduce government barriers to employment and help empower the private sector to care for individuals who are in need.
HB 1515Senate 20231x

Fueling Tens of Millions in Wasteful Spending by Extending the Unnecessary Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office for Another 12 Years.

Against DEMs
This bill extends the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office for an additional 12 years, until September 2035. This office is focused on "marketing and promoting the state of Texas." Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as promoting tourism is not a core nor necessary function of government. The free-market and private industry - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is many times more effective in attracting visitors to the state and growing the economy.
HB 1595Senate 20231x

Raiding the State''s Rainy Day Fund to Channel over $3.4 Billion in Additional Funding to Woke Universities.

Against DEMs
This bill serves as the enabling legislation for constitutional amendment HJR 3. Through this bill and the constitutional amendment, a $3.4 billion research endowment is created for Texas State University, Texas Tech University, the University of Houston and the University of North Texas. The funds for the bill will come from the state''s Economic Stabilization Fund, commonly referred to as the "rainy day" fund. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as any excessive monies within the state''s rainy-day fund should be returned to taxpayers through tax cuts, not woke universities. While it is a necessary role for government to provide quality K-12 education - ideally through school choice - college and university-level education should be funded through user fees (i.e. tuition) by those who wish to pursue their selected career path. These enormous costs should not be imposed on individuals who elect to pursue activities other than higher education, such as those who start their own businesses or work in the trades.
HB 1696Senate 20231x

Expanding Government Power to Shutdown Competition within the Optometry Industry.

Against DEMs
This bill primarily targets a business model within the optometry industry which has been deployed by Visionworks of America, which is owned by an insurance company called Vision Services Plan (VSP) Insurance Co. The bill prevents VSP from incentivizing its enrollees to utilize the optometry company it owns (Visionworks) through the offering of discounts or other value-added benefits. Other optometry companies have alleged that since VSP owns its own optometry company and can "steer patients" it is provided an unfair competitive advantage in the industry. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this measure represents one of the worst examples of cronyism and utilization of government power to stifle competition. This protectionism merely enriches select businesses and prevents the free market from expanding competition and lowering costs for consumers.
HB 17Senate 20231x

Strengthening Public Safety by Allowing Courts to Remove Rogue DAs which Refuse to Prosecute Crime.

With DEMs
This bill allows courts to remove district attorneys for misconduct if they refuse to prosecute certain types of crime. The bill is largely in response to cases of "reform-minded" prosecutors that have refused to prosecute crime or uphold the state''s abortion laws. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as ensuring public safety and protecting property rights serve as essential components of government. Unfortunately, this bill is necessary to combat many of the so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.
HB 1745Senate 20231x

Reducing Frivolous Litigation by Providing Liability Protections to Rideshare Companies.

With DEMs
This bill provides rideshare companies (such as Uber and Lyft) with legal immunity from any harm or injury caused by a driver, provided the company has followed all applicable laws, unless a person can show gross negligence by "clear and convincing evidence." Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as protecting business operators from frivolous litigation due to factors outside of their control is critical to ensuring their operation and maintaining low consumer costs.
HB 1750Senate 20231x

Protecting Farmers from Government Overreach by Preventing Local Governments from Imposing Additional Regulations on the Agricultural Industry.

With DEMs
The bill prevents localities from imposing additional regulations on farmers and ranchers engaging in agricultural operations. Under the bill, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is directed to develop a list of "generally accepted agricultural practices" that do not pose a threat to public health, which cities also may not prohibit or restrict. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill strengthens property rights by combatting overreaching local regulations. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.
HB 1755Senate 20231x

Fueling Runaway Spending and Enriching Government-Favored Educational Entities through the Creation of the "Lone Star Workforce Future Fund".

Against DEMs
This bill creates the "Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund" which provides grants to select public junior colleges, technical institutes, and nonprofits for workforce training programs. The bill allows the grants to be utilized for a wide range of purposes including staff salaries and curriculum development, with entities eligible to receive a grant of up to $15,000 per participant. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is best equipped to determine the most in-demand career fields and direct resources to the most effective training entities. This measure merely enriches government-favored entities (some which may be ineffective) while further increasing out-of-control spending.
HB 1759Senate 20231x

Strengthening Individual Liberties and Charitable Giving by Authorizing Professional Sports Team Charitable Foundations to Offer Raffle Tickets Online.

With DEMs
This bill allows professional sports team charitable foundations to sell raffle tickets at their home venue or rodeo venue through a website or mobile application, provided the person is physically located at the venue. The bill also requires the use of a third-party vendor to ensure nobody under 18 purchases tickets. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this measure strengthens individual liberties and helps expand charitable giving. While the bill should expand the raffle ticket offerings to individuals beyond just the physical location, the bill still serves as a strong step in the right direction.
HB 1760Senate 20231x

Strengthening Self-Defense and Second Amendment Rights by Limiting School "Gun-Free Zones" to Only School-Owned Property.

With DEMs
This bill amends the existing state law which prohibits firearms on school grounds or buildings when a school-sponsored activity is taking place. Under this bill, the "gun free zone" only applies to the actual premises owned by a school (not off-campus locations). Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as "gun free zones" do not protect communities, rather they place individuals in defenseless positions against criminals who do not abide by the law. While the restriction should be eliminated entirely, this measure serves as a step in the right direction.
HB 1825Senate 20231x

Expanding Individual Liberties and Tax Revenue by Allowing the Sale and Consumption of Alcohol at a Fine Arts Performing Venue in Arlington.

With DEMs
This bill permits the Arlington Independent School District to allow the sale and consumption of alcohol at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts facility. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill expands consumer choice and individual liberties while also generating additional sales tax revenue for taxpayers.
HB 1859Senate 20231x

Reducing Employment Barriers and Expanding Competition Through an Alternative Licensing Pathway for HVAC Technicians.

With DEMs
This bill amends the licensing requirements for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technicians by establishing an alternative pathway to become licensed. The bill recognizes completion of a career and technology education program at a public school or institution of higher education as satisfying the certification training program requirements for licensure. The bill also provides for a waiver of any renewal fee and reduction in the number of required continuing education hours for technicians who provide instruction in a career and technology education program. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill serves as a step in the right direction to reducing unnecessary employment barriers. Ultimately, the private sector, via certifications, rating systems, and the free market, is much better equipped to provide consumer protection while also ensuring competition and low consumer costs. Most government licensing entities are overly restrictive and are largely advocated by special interests seeking to restrict competition in the marketplace.
HB 19Senate 20231x

Improving the State''s Business Climate by Creating a Specialized Business Court to Hear Cases and Expedite Legal Proceedings.

With DEMs
This bill establishes a specialized "Business Court" to hear cases involving certain business transaction and governance matters, with the judges appointed by the Governor. Judges are required to have at least 10 years of experience practicing complex civil business litigation or business transaction law, or as a judge of a court with civil jurisdiction. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill will help improve the state''s legal and business climate by making the legal process more efficient, reducing legal expenses for businesses, and also cut the caseload on other courts.
HB 2022Senate 20231x

Reducing Frivolous Litigation by Updating the Residential Construction Liability Act to Limit Liability and Provide Clarifications.

With DEMs
This bill updates the Residential Construction Liability Act to provide additional liability protections for contractors. Under the bill, contractors are not liable for residential construction defects unless actual physical damage occurs, part of a building is unable to be used for its intended purpose, or there is a verifiable danger to the residents. Contractors are also not liable for damages that result from a failure to provide timely notice of a defect. The bill also amends various provisions related to lawsuits arising from construction defects, such as allowing contractors additional time to make a settlement offer. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this measure helps maintain housing affordability by reducing frivolous construction related litigation which drives up costs for developers and consumers.
HB 2026Senate 20231x

Growing Government Central Planning and Runaway Spending by Forcing Taxpayers to Pay Off the Student Loan Debt of Veterinarians in Additional Regions of the State.

Against DEMs
This bill expands the Rural Veterinarian Incentive Program, which provides taxpayer-funded loan repayment to veterinary students and recent graduates who agree to work in counties with populations below 150,000. Previously, eligibility was limited to counties with populations below 100,000. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as the free market - not central planning by politicians - is the best mechanism to determine the need and distribution of veterinarians across the state. Taxpayers in urban areas should not be forced to subsidize the amenities of individuals who choose to locate in rural or other portions of the state where veterinarians may not be as accessible.
HB 2209Senate 20231x

Forcing Taxpayers to Pay up to $5 Million Annually for a New Rural College and Career Pathways Program.

Against DEMs
This bill establishes the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership Program to "expand opportunities for underserved students to succeed in school and life while promoting economic development in rural areas." The bill provides up to $5 million in funding annually for rural school districts to partner on college and career pathway programs, with districts receiving outcome bonuses based on whether a student is considered economically disadvantaged. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as taxpayers in urban areas should not be forced to subsidize educational programs for individuals who choose to locate in rural or other portions of the state.
HB 2263Senate 20231x

Hiking Natural Gas Utility Costs for Texans to Enrich Utility Companies and Create New Energy Conservation Programs.

Against DEMs
This bill creates a statewide framework for natural gas utility companies to offer energy conservation programs. These programs typically involve subsidies for purchasing higher energy efficiency appliances or for retrofitting a home or business to increase energy efficiency. The programs are paid for by raising natural gas utility rates on all customers through "rate recovery" which also provides utility companies a larger guaranteed profit. Additionally, the bill allows utility companies (which heavily lobbied for the bill) to receive additional profit for designing, marketing, administering, and delivering an energy conservation program. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this and many other energy efficiency schemes are largely designed to enrich select product manufacturers, service providers and utility companies at the expense of all other Texans. Such cronyism is especially harmful to low-income and elderly individuals on fixed incomes who can''t afford rising utility costs.
HB 2291Senate 20231x

Strengthening Self-Defense and Public Safety by Authorizing Retired Judges to Carry a Firearm into Courthouses and Other Restricted Places.

With DEMs
This bill allows retired judges who have a handgun license to carry a firearm into restricted places, such as courthouses, schools, and polling locations. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as disarming individuals through pointless "gun control" measures merely make law-abiding citizens targets to criminals who do not abide by the law. And while all law-abiding individuals should be permitted to exercise their Second Amendment rights and defend themselves in these locations, this bill serves as a step in the right direction in helping protect individuals who may be at elevated safety risks.
HB 2313Senate 20231x

Expanding Government Overreach through New Annual Mandates on Ridesharing Drivers Pertaining to Human Trafficking Training.

Against DEMs
This bill requires all individuals who provide ridesharing services (through companies such as Uber and Lyft) to undergo annual training on human trafficking awareness and prevention. The training materials provided by rideshare companies must meet a long list of requirements and be approved by the Attorney General. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as while human trafficking is certainly a tragedy which society should work to combat, the solution is not the further expansion of the government regulatory state and imposition of new mandates and costs onto the private sector. A much more laudable approach is for the private sector and companies within to invest and establish their own individual procedures to solve societal problems as opposed to the imposition of one-size-fits all government mandates.
HB 2727Senate 20231x

Growing Government Dependency by Expanding the Medicaid Welfare Program to Now Cover Home Telemonitoring Services.

Against DEMs
This bill expands coverage under Medicaid (government-provided healthcare) by directing the Health and Human Services commissioner to adopt rules to cover home telemonitoring services under the state''s Medicaid program. Previously, this was optional if the commissioner determined that such coverage would be "cost-effective and feasible." Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill further traps individuals into government dependency by growing benefits under the government welfare state. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
HB 3137Senate 20231x

Protecting Second Amendment Rights by Preventing Localities from Imposing Liability Insurance Mandates on Firearm Owners.

With DEMs
This bill prohibits local governments from enacting any ordinances which require a firearm owner to obtain liability insurance for "damages resulting from negligent or willful acts involving the use of the firearm." Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as James Madison and our nation''s other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure provides an additional layer of protection for individuals to exercise their Second Amendment rights without being unduly restricted by government.
HB 3297Senate 20231x

Providing Significant Regulatory Relief to Car Owners by Eliminating the State''s Mandatory Annual Vehicle Safety Inspection.

With DEMs
This bill eliminates the state''s mandatory vehicle safety inspection effective January 1, 2025. As a result, car owners will no longer be forced to annually take their vehicle in for an inspection, however a $7.50 annual fee (the current inspection fee) will still be assessed on vehicle owners. Texas was one of only 13 states which required annual vehicle inspections. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill provides significant regulatory relief to motorists by no longer being burdened to take their vehicle in for inspection and sometimes sold to perform unnecessary repairs. This bill also helps drive "automotive freedom" by reducing a significant burden for owners of multiple collector vehicles and the likelihood of damage due to the inspection process.
HB 3323Senate 20231x

Growing Government Bureaucracy by Establishing the Texas Food System Security and Resiliency Planning Council.

Against DEMs
This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to hire an additional government employee to establish the Texas food system security and resiliency planning council. The bill also requires the establishment of a state food system security plan for purposes such as to "provide for the orderly development and management of food system security" and recommend legislation "needed or desirable to facilitate the resilience and availability of food." Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill further grows government bureaucracy and spending and will likely lead to additional government intervention in future years. The federal government already spends billions on stockpiling food and planning for natural disasters. Additionally, the free market and private sector is far more effective in solving all other non-emergency related supply-chain issues as opposed to central planning by government bureaucrats.
HB 3447Senate 20231x

Growing Government Bureaucracy and Wasteful Spending through the Creation of the Texas Space Commission and the Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium.

Against DEMs
This bill creates both the "Texas Space Commission" and the Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium to promote innovation in the space, aeronautics, and aviation industry. The new entities are expected to require the hiring of at least 10 additional state employees at an estimated cost of $3.4 million over the next two years. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as the federal government (National Aeronautics and Space Administration already spends tens of billions of dollars advancing innovation in this field. This new entity is not only unnecessary but will likely enrich select government-favored entities and further distort the private sector and free marketplace. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
HB 3660Senate 20231x

Empowering the Private Sector to Help Humanely Control the Pet Population by Providing Legal Protection for the "Trap-Neuter-Release" Program.

With DEMs
This bill provides legal protection from the state''s animal cruelty law to individuals participating in the "Trap-Neuter-Release" program. Under the program, stray cats are trapped, evaluated by a veterinarian, vaccinated and sterilized, marked, and then returned to the wild. The program helps humanely control the pet population and reduce the euthanasia of animals. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this measure helps empower the private sector to improve the well-being of animals and control the pet population. The program has proven extremely effective and prevented the euthanasia of tens of thousands of animals.
HB 4218Senate 20231x

Protecting Truck Rental Companies from Frivolous Litigation for Not Retrofitting Trucks with Safety Equipment Upon their Sale.

With DEMs
This bill provides that a person who sells or leases a vehicle weighing at least 6,000 lbs. is not liable for not retrofitting the vehicle with equipment, or selecting certain equipment, that was not required under federal regulations when the vehicle was manufactured or sold. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this measure helps protect against frivolous litigation devised by ambulance chasing plaintiffs'' attorneys which ultimately drives up costs for businesses and consumers.
HB 4219Senate 20231x

Expanding Borrowing and Lending Opportunities by Raising the Maximum Allowable Interest Rate on Consumer Loans by Including the Federal Funds Rate in the Calculation.

With DEMs
This bill raises the maximum allowable interest rate which lenders may charge on consumer loans, by now allowing the federal funds rate to be included in the calculation. While existing law currently caps consumer loan interest rates between 18% and 30%, the addition of the federal funds rate could allow lenders to charge another 5% to 6% depending on the rate of inflation. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as the free-market - not government price controls - is the best mechanism to ensure the lowest borrowing rates and greatest available credit options for all borrowers. This slight regulatory relief will help expand borrowing and lending opportunities, especially during periods of high inflation.
HB 4539Senate 20231x

Worsening Cronyism by Making it Even Easier for Woke Hollywood Production Companies to become Enriched through Taxpayer Subsidies.

Against DEMs
This bill makes it easier for movie production companies to receive a grant under the moving image industry incentive program by reducing the percentage of production crew, actors, and extras who must be Texas residents from 70% to 55%. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as it is not the proper role of government to subsidize the film production costs of private companies - especially considering this measure enriches woke Hollywood production companies that are antagonistic to limited government principles. Lawmakers should eliminate this grant program entirely, much less expand the ability of movie production companies to receive taxpayer funds.
HB 4779Senate 20231x

Fueling Lawlessness and Business Closures by Making it Harder to Prosecute and Punish Cases of Organized Retail Theft.

Against DEMs
This bill generally raises the bar to prosecute organized retail theft by now requiring a person to steal at least $100 of merchandise and be found to have "intent for the redistribution of that merchandise into the supply chain" to be guilty. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as ensuring public safety and protecting property rights serve as essential components of government. Unfortunately, this bill represents one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.
HB 4885Senate 20231x

Expanding Cronyism and Government Interference in the Energy Sector through a New Hydrogen Vehicle and Infrastructure Grant Program.

Against DEMs
This bill creates the Texas Hydrogen Infrastructure, Vehicle, and Equipment Grant Program within the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan. The bill allocates up to $8 million for the Hydrogen program while also making a few other funding reallocations within the bill. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as while the bill does make some reallocations to offset some of the spending for the new program, the bill still creates yet another avenue for new spending and government interference in the marketplace. The free market - not government central planning - is the best mechanism to advance energy development. The state should instead eliminate the entire grant fund as well as take additional actions to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
HB 5Senate 20231x

Expanding Cronyism and Enriching Government-Favored Corporations through a New Property Tax Exemption Scheme.

Against DEMs
This bill, the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act, provides select businesses which meet certain investment thresholds and job requirements with property tax exemptions. Under the bill, businesses will receive tax exemptions ranging between 50% and 75% for a period of 10 years, and a 100% tax exemption during the construction phase. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone. This and other tax cronyism schemes merely dilute the tax base which results in higher taxes on all other individuals and products to make up for the lost revenue. The free market (by lowering taxes for all businesses) can provide much greater returns on investment than this central planning by politicians.
HB 5174Senate 20231x

Worsening Cronyism and Government Central Planning by Creating the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium to Enrich Certain Companies.

Against DEMs
This bill creates the "Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium," to, among other purposes, "develop a comprehensive strategic plan to ensure ongoing semiconductor innovation" and expand workforce training. The bill also creates the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund to provide grants to state government entities and semiconductor manufacturing and design companies in the state "to encourage economic development." Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as not only does this measure further grow the size of government and central planning, but also worsens corporate welfare and cronyism by providing competitive advantages to select industries and businesses at the expense of taxpayers. Additionally, this bill is on top of other federal spending programs for the industry, such as the CHIPS and Science Act which provided $52.7 billion for "semiconductor research, development, manufacturing, and workforce development."
HB 5178Senate 20231x

Increasing Taxation and the Growth of Government by Allowing Angelina County to Impose New Taxes on Hotels for Wasteful Tourism Promotion Initiatives.

Against DEMs
This bill authorizes Angelina County to impose a new hotel tax, with the revenue to be used to promote tourism, conventions, and hotels. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone. Additionally, it is not the proper role of government to fund tourism promotion and taxpayer funds should not be utilized to advance government-favored industries.
HB 54Senate 20231x

Further Growing Medicaid Welfare Spending by Hiking the Monthly Personal Needs Allowance at Long-Term Care Facilities.

Against DEMs
This bill increases the personal needs allowance provided to Medicaid welfare recipients at long-term care facilities (nursing homes). Under the bill the monthly allowance is increased by 25 percent to $75 from $60, which is more than double the federal $30 monthly minimum. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as the private sector (charitable entities) is best equipped to provide any additional needs or services to residents not provided by their long-term care facility. While this measure continues to grow government spending, it most concerningly serves as yet another incentive for government dependency over lifelong saving and personal fiscal responsibility.
HB 567Senate 20231x

Increasing Frivolous Litigation and Legal Liabilities by Making "Hair Texture and Style" a Protected Characteristic in Employment and Housing.

Against DEMs
This bill, the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act, makes a person''s hair texture or hairstyle a protected characteristic if is commonly associated with a particular race. CROWN applies to public schools and institutions of higher education, employment, and housing. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill serves as a new tool by plaintiffs'' attorneys to subject business owners and housing providers to frivolous litigation. Such actions merely drive-up costs for consumers and can be particularly devastating for small businesses and landlords.
HB 7Senate 20231x

Strengthening National Security and Helping to Combat Illegal Immigration and Human Trafficking Through Additional Border Security Funding and Property Owner Compensation.

With DEMs
This bill provides $100 million in funding to establish a new state border policing unit made up of commissioned peace officers. Funding is also directed to a number of initiatives designed to boost border security such as detention facility upgrades, temporary border barriers and compensation to certain property owners impacted. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to secure our nation''s border not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues ranging from welfare to the education system.
HB 9Senate 20231x

Enriching Comcast and other Woke Corporations by Forcing Taxpayers to Provide "Broadband Equity" through a Government Central Planning Scheme.

Against DEMs
This bill contains a major provision which requires taxpayers to fund "expanded access to broadband services in economically distressed communities". The new spending will unlock additional funds under the federal "Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program" and is expected to provide significant new revenue to Comcast which lobbied for the bill. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as the private sector and free market are best equipped to determine where broadband is most needed and which expansion projects are most economically viable. This measure forces taxpayers to enrich woke corporations such as Comcast for infrastructure which may soon be unnecessary due to significant advances in satellite technology from Comcast''s competitors such as Elon Musk''s Starlink.
HB 900Senate 20231x

Protecting K-12 Students from Pornographic Content by Prohibiting the Sale or Distribution of Obscene Materials to Public Schools.

With DEMs
This bill, the Restricting Explicit and Adult-Designated Educational Resources (READER) Act, prohibits school libraries from purchasing or possessing material that is harmful, sexually explicit, or "pervasively vulgar or educationally unsuitable." The bill also requires vendors to issue ratings for sexually explicit materials and schools must obtain parental consent before students may check out such materials from a school library. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as children - especially without the knowledge of their parents - should not be exposed to obscene material at public schools.
HB 916Senate 20231x

Hiking Health Insurance Premiums by Mandating Insurance Companies Cover a 12-Month Supply of Contraceptive Drugs.

Against DEMs
This bill establishes a new health insurance mandate which requires most healthcare policies offered in the state, including Medicaid (government-provided healthcare), that cover prescription contraceptive drugs to cover a 3-month initial supply and subsequent 12-month supplies of the drugs. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.
SB 1001Senate 20231x

Growing Government to Now License and Regulate Electric Vehicle Charging Devices.

Against DEMs
This bill establishes a new regulatory framework for electric vehicle chargers under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Under the bill, most electric vehicle chargers made available to the public for a fee must be registered with the state and are subject to inspections, fee disclosures, and maintenance standards. Additionally, the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation is empowered to establish rules and impose fees to cover administrative costs. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill further grows government power and the regulatory state. This measure will increase costs to electric vehicle owners as the fees charged by the commission will be passed along in the form of higher rates and surcharges.
SB 1017Senate 20231x

Protecting Consumer Choice by Preventing Localities from Imposing any Ordinance which Restricts or Bans Gas-Powered Engines or a Source of Energy.

With DEMs
This bill prohibits local governments from enacting any ordinances which bans or restricts the sale or use of an engine based on the type of fuel used. Additionally, the bill prevents localities from banning any energy source infrastructure (such as gas stations). Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill helps protect individual liberties as well as automotive freedom. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.
SB 1039Senate 20231x

Strengthening Election Integrity through a System for Candidates and Election Judges to Inquire About Election Irregularities and Seek Review by the Secretary of State.

With DEMs
This bill implements a system in which political candidates, election judges and proponents/opponents of a measure can inquire about identified election irregularities and ultimately raise the issue with the Secretary of State. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as maintaining strong safeguards against voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation''s constitutional republic.
SB 1070Senate 20231x

Strengthening Election Integrity through an Additional Voter Crosscheck.

With DEMs
This bill, the Alan Vera Memorial Act, contains several provisions related to election integrity. The bill expands the required cooperation of the Secretary of State with other states to identify ineligible voters. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary to contract with a private sector data system to identify voters whose addresses have changed, are registered to vote in more than one state, are deceased, or who are not eligible to vote due to a felony conviction. Finally, the Secretary is required to use the National Change of Address database to identify voters whose addresses have changed to prevent multiple registrations. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as maintaining strong safeguards against voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation''s constitutional republic.
SB 1072Senate 20231x

Strengthening Integrity of the Education System by Prohibiting Discussion of Sensitive Issues Surrounding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in K-12 Classrooms.

With DEMs
This bill prohibits discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in K-12 classrooms. The bill also requires school districts to adopt a policy related to school employees communicating with students outside of a human sexuality course and that directs employees to refer students to discuss such topics with a parent, counselor, or the student''s teacher. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as strong parental rights in their child''s education is a critical element of a free society. This measure prevents discussion of sensitive topics in which it is the role of parents to address with their child, not government employees.
SB 1083Senate 20231x

Hiking Automobile Insurance Premiums by Imposing New Mandates which Require Usage of OEM Parts for Vehicle Repairs.

Against DEMs
This bill imposes a series of new insurance mandates requiring automobile insurance policies offered in the state provide coverage for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts as opposed to less costly aftermarket parts. The bill applies to all policies covering vehicles 36 months old or newer. Additionally, the bill forbids policies from restricting the repair facility or persons performing repairs. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as like Obamacare and mandates on health insurance, this measure infringes the right for consumers to select less costly insurance offerings. This bill is largely designed to enrich vehicle repair facilities at the expense of higher insurance premiums for owners of newer vehicles.
SB 1120Senate 20231x

Restricting Competition by Prohibiting Estheticians and Cosmetologists from Injecting Botox.

Against DEMs
This bill prohibits estheticians and cosmetologists from administering injections such as Botox, which they are currently permitted to do under a physician''s authority. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this government overreach restricts competition and the availability of services such as Botox, which ultimately drives up consumer costs.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sen. Joan Huffman's voting record?

Sen. Joan Huffman (R-TX-17) earned a 59% National Democrat Platform score for 2023, showing moderate alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. Joan Huffman voted on 112 of the 112 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2023. Joan Huffman represents the 17th District in the Texas State Senate.

How aligned is Joan Huffman with Democratic Party Platform principles?

Joan Huffman earned a 59% National Democrat Platform score in 2023, showing moderate alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles.

What is Joan Huffman's Dem Platform score?

Joan Huffman has a 59% Dem Platform score for 2023.

Where does Joan Huffman serve?

Sen. Joan Huffman (R-TX-17) represents the 17th District in the Texas State Senate as a Republican.

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