The first session of Patriot Academy was held on August 7-9, 2003. It was an incredible experience to see young men and women passionately debating issues on the House Floor, laying out their ideas in committee, and constantly working the room for votes – even during meals! We made a lot of new friends, learned the nuts and bolts of policy making, and had a great time! Below are some of the highlights of those three days.
Walking to the Capitol after registering at the hotel
Justice Wainwright giving the students a tour of the courthouse
Orientation
Public speaking workshop
Texas Speaker of the House Tom Craddick welcoming us to the Capitol, and presenting a gavel to our Speaker, Daniel J. Deslatte
The students were sworn into office by Texas General Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson.
Committee hearings went late the first night. Deals were being cut everywhere!
On the House Floor
Eating – we did a lot of that!
There was activity wherever you looked on the House floor!
Representative Dan Flynn coaching the students
It got pretty active at the microphones!
This is one impromptu Calendars Committee meeting that got in trouble the next day on the House Floor for not posting their meeting ahead of time. A point of order was called, the House had to adjourn, and the Calendars Committee had to state their intention to meet, and did another quick meeting, then the House reconvened. It’s those little procedural tricks that trip you up!
Voting on the House floor
Tallying votes for who will be Governor, Lt. Governor and Speaker for Patriot Academy 2004 – the successful candidates were: Emily Richter for Governor, Jonas Nelson for Lt. Governor, and Seth Guess for Speaker
Signing Ceremony with Governor John Morrison
One last group shot before we had to say goodbye!
Bills Passed at Patriot Academy 2003
Click on the bill number to see the text of the engrossed version of the bill.
H.B. 5
by Fischer
Relating to the use of race in the admissions process of institutions of higher education.
H.B. 7
by Guess
Relating to prohibiting discrimination against homeschoolers regarding the distribution of awarding state scholarships or other financial aid for higher education based on a person’s high school attendance or achievement.
H.B. 8
by Jones
Relating to prayer in public schools and at public school functions.
H.B. 10
by Machiavello
Relating to juvenile curfews in municipalities and counties.
H.B. 15
by Nelson, C.
Relating to the top ten percent law.
H.B. 20
by Nelson, J.
Relating to the implementation of Certified Academic Language Therapists in all elementary and primary schools.
H.B. 22
by White, D.
Relating to the property taxes of farm property and homesteads.
H.B. 23
by White, B.
Relating to the eradication of the legal but unconstitutional killing of unborn children by means of abortion.
H.B. 24
by Turner
Relating to human cloning.
H.B. 26
by Swanson
Relating to the discipline of legislators who are absent from sessions in order to break quorum and disrupt the business of the legislature.
S.B. 2
by Morrison
Relating to repealing the offense for the unlawful carrying of weapons.
S.B. 6
by Deslatte
Relating to the fiscal policy of this state; providing limitation on appropriations.
H.R. 7
by Nelson, C.
Resolution honoring Ms. Phyllis Campbell.
H.R. 9
by Nelson, C.
Resolution honoring the Torch of Freedom Foundation board of directors and volunteers involved in Patriot Academy 2003.
