“WORD” Bill Dies In The House

Senator Judith Zaffirini’s “WORD” bill, also known as Senate Bill 965, died Tuesday in the house of representatives.

SB 965 was reported out of the house committee favorably with four “ayes” and two “nays.” However, the bill did not meet the deadline to make it to the House calendar.

The legislation would allow commissioners courts of Texas counties establish water recreation safety zones along the San Marcos River.

The zones would authorize the implement of recreation fees for use of areas that border or include part of the river.

In an effort to get the bill passed, it was attached to House Bill 4180. SB 965 was one of 48 amendments connected to HB 4180.

But the bill was killed Wednesday taking several bills with it including the “WORD” bill and the “bathroom bill,” which would require transgender individuals to use the bathroom of their biological gender.

On May 8, the senate voted and passed SB 965 with 23 yeas, 8 nays; the bill was sent to the house the same day and referred to the Natural Resources Committee on May 16.

The Culture, Recreation and Tourism Committee saw and passed the bill on May 17 with a vote of 4-2.

To see the full history of SB 965 this legislative session go here.