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HLA Day at the Texas Capitol is a pivotal event where we bring together attorneys, law students, and community leaders to advocate for policies that shape the future of our state. On this day, we align our efforts with the Texas Legislative Black Caucus’ advocacy day to maximize resources and impact. As part of this initiative, we are also launching the Legislative Student Research Task Force, offering law students a unique opportunity to contribute to our advocacy efforts by researching key legislative issues. Law students will work alongside experienced attorneys to analyze and track important bills that align with our mission. Together, these efforts allow us to not only engage directly with lawmakers but also empower the next generation of legal professionals to play an active role in shaping impactful policy.
OUR LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
HLA’s legislative agenda is a call to action for justice, equity, and systemic change. We are committed to advocating for policies that uplift the Black community during the 89th Legislative Session, focusing on critical issues that will dismantle barriers and expand opportunities. By uniting our efforts, we ensure the voices of the Black community are amplified, and that impactful, lasting change is realized at the legislative level. Together, we can create a more just and equitable future for all.
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HLA is committed to advocating for policies that ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion in all sectors of society. We support initiatives aimed at increasing representation and opportunities for underrepresented communities, particularly African Americans, in the legal profession, business, and government. Diversity and inclusion are vital to fostering a fair and just society where every individual can thrive. Additionally, economic justice is a core component of DEI. We advocate for policies that promote economic empowerment, such as access to capital for Black-owned businesses, funding opportunities for entrepreneurs, and equitable government contracting. Ensuring financial equity is essential to closing the racial wealth gap and achieving long-term stability for Black communities.
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We envision a criminal justice system that is fair, transparent, accountable, and free from racial disparities. HLA is focused on advocating for comprehensive reforms that address systemic bias and promote rehabilitation over incarceration. We are committed to advocating for more just policies that ensure equitable treatment for all, especially marginalized communities. Key initiatives include police reform, the elimination of discriminatory practices, and the promotion of rehabilitation programs that support formerly incarcerated individuals through education, job training, and reentry support. We believe that reintegrating these individuals into society reduces recidivism and contributes to long-term public safety.
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HLA stands firm in the belief that access to quality education is a fundamental right for all individuals. We support policies that provide equitable educational opportunities for African American students and those from underserved communities. This includes advocating for improved funding for public schools, supporting college and career readiness programs, and fighting against policies that perpetuate educational inequalities. We also oppose school vouchers and other initiatives that divert resources away from public schools and undermine the quality of education for Black children and other vulnerable students. Ensuring that public education remains a strong pillar of opportunity is essential to empowering the next generation and providing them with the tools to succeed.
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The right to vote is a cornerstone of democracy, and HLA is dedicated to ensuring that every eligible voter, particularly those from historically disenfranchised communities, has access to the ballot box. We advocate for policies that protect voting rights, fight against voter suppression, and promote fair and accessible elections for all individuals, regardless of race, economic status, or background. This includes the restoration of voting rights for former felons, advocating for automatic restoration of voting rights upon release from incarceration, which is critical to reintegrating individuals into civic life and strengthening the democratic process.
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HLA believes in protecting the health and well-being of all individuals, with a focus on ensuring equitable access to healthcare services. We support policies that ensure access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare, including reproductive health services, mental health services, and general healthcare access. We advocate for policies that address the social determinants of health, such as income, education, and access to healthcare facilities, to reduce the significant disparities that exist in Black communities. This includes addressing maternal health disparities, which disproportionately affect Black women, and ensuring access to culturally competent care. We also believe in expanding access to mental health services, which are crucial for addressing the long-term effects of trauma and systemic inequality in the Black community. Ensuring that all individuals can receive the care they need is a key part of building a just and healthy society.
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Housing insecurity disproportionately impacts Black families due to discriminatory practices such as redlining, predatory lending, and exclusionary zoning. HLA advocates for policies that increase access to affordable housing and prevent unfair evictions, while promoting solutions like community land trusts to help preserve homeownership within Black communities. Additionally, we work to address homelessness by supporting initiatives that ensure all families have access to stable and safe housing. Affordable housing is essential to building stable, thriving communities and reducing economic inequality.