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Relating to compensation and leave for certain peace officers.
HB 2037 would allow peace officers to lobby the Texas legislature during their work hours without any individual financial liability. It is not a legitimate role of government for public employees whose salaries are paid by taxpayers to influence the independent Texas legislature on the taxpayers' time. This does not encourage the self-responsibility of individuals to pay their own expenses and use their own paid leave to discuss their concerns with lawmakers about issues before the legislature.
Private individuals testify before the legislature or visit lawmakers' offices on issues of importance to them on their own time and at their own expense. Public employees interested in visiting the legislature to influence bills of consequence to their own interests should be expected to do so on the same terms as their private sector counterparts. Additionally, this will increase government spending. We oppose this bill for violating our limited government principle and discouraging personal responsibility.