Primary Election Day: March 1, 2016 Early Voting: February 16-26 ...

Primary Election Day: March 1, 2016 Early Voting: February 16-26, 2016

We surveyed candidates seeking the Democratic and Republican nominations for the Texas House and Senate. These are the candidates who want to represent you at the

Capitol in Austin. Answers provided have been unedited.

This Voters’ Guide was compiled, published, and funded by members of Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy, a broad coalition of organizations, activists, and community leaders dedicated to 1) enacting a comprehensive and compassionate medical marijuana law; 2) removing penalties for adults’ possession of marijuana for personal use; and/or 3) replacing the illicit market for cannabis with a safe, legal, and accountable market. Texas NORML originated the guide in 2012, and we'd like to thank them for helping to put this year's guide together. Our goal is to help voters make educated decisions when they go to the polls to vote in the Democratic or Republican Primary.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016 Primary Voter Guide

www.TexasMarijuanaPolicy.org

Texas is one of the 27 states where voters cannot collect signatures and place a measure on the ballot to change state law. Instead, Texans must rely on our state representatives and state senators to set marijuana policies. With primary election day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to take a close look at candidates’ stances. If you’re not sure what state House or state Senate district you live in, you can look it up at http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx.

Here are the five questions we asked the all Republican and Democratic candidates for state senator and state representative: 1) Do you support or oppose changing state law to allow residents with debilitating medical conditions (e.g. cancer, multiple sclerosis, PTSD) to access whole plant medical marijuana with a physician's certification?

2) Under current Texas laws, individuals found in possession of less than one ounce of marijuana can be arrested and given a criminal record, and they face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Do you Support or Oppose changing state law to make possession of less than one ounce of marijuana a civil offense punishable by a fine and no time in jail?

3) Do you support or oppose changing state law to allow adults 21 and older to possess limited amounts of marijuana and establishing a system in which marijuana is regulated and taxed similarly to alcohol? Under such a system, it would remain illegal to consume marijuana in public or drive under the influence of marijuana.

4) Industrial hemp is genetically similar to marijuana but contains less than 0.3% of the psychoactive chemical in marijuana (THC). Although it is illegal to grow in the U.S., it is cultivated around the world for its seed and fiber, which are used in many legal products, such as paper, textiles, construction materials, and fuel. Do you support or oppose changing state law to allow the cultivation of industrial hemp?

5) Do you agree or disagree that states should be able to carry out their own marijuana policies without interference from the federal government?

(Key: Support/Agree or Oppose/Disagree )

Thank you for your interest in reforming marijuana laws in Texas! Please feel free to share this voter guide far and wide.



Table of Contents

SECTION I: Candidate Responses....................................................................................Pages 4-15

SECTION II: Non-Responsive Candidates* (Includes email addresses.)............................Pages 16-31

*These candidates declined to respond to our survey. We strongly recommend you contact them directly about their position on marijuana policy.

REMEMBER: Be courteous in your contact. Sample email:

SECTION III: Incumbent Voting Records........................................................................ Pages 32-35

If a candidate running in your district resonates with your views, please consider contacting them to see how you can assist with their campaign.

If a candidate in your district does not have a very informed opinion, please contact them to educate them.

When reaching out to the candidates running in your district, please be sure to mention that you found them through the Marijuana Policy Voter Guide 2016.

"Hello, my name is ________. I'm a voter in your district and I'd like to know where you stand on marijuana policy reform. This is an issue that's very important to me because _________________________________________________________.

If elected, can I count on you to support legislation that reduces penalties for low-level possession and allows Texans with serious medical conditions to access medical marijuana?

I look forward to your response and will cast my vote accordingly on March 1st.

Respectfully,

[NAME] [ADDRESS] [ADDRESS]



Candidate Responses

Office Sought Candidate Information Penalty

Reduction

Medical Marijuana

Access

Legal Market

for Adults

Hemp Cultivation

States’ Rights

House District

018

Name: Van Brookshire Party: Republican Comments: Medical forms are avaliable now to my understanding.

House District

054

Name: Austin Ruiz Party: Republican Comments: None.

House District

055

Name: Molly White (Incumbent) Party: Republican Comments: I supported the medical marijuana bill authored by Rep. Klick. That was a big stretch for me. I will oppose the legalization of whole plant marijuana for recreational and medicinal purposes.

House District

055

Name: Hugh D. Shine Party: Republican Comments: None.

House District

071

Name: Isaac M. Castro Party: Republican Comments: None.



Candidate Responses


Reduction

Medical Marijuana

Access

Legal Market

for Adults

Hemp Cultivation

States’ Rights

House District

117

Name: San Carlos Antonio Party: Democrat Comments: It clearly appears to me after seeing the negative impact it have on friend and family, this is a very complex chemical substance, and when we tell young people it is just like drinking a beer, we are not telling them the truth.

House District

118

Name: Robert A. Casias Party: Republican Comments: Marijuana is a STARTER drug which leads to worse drugs and eventual addiction.

House District

011

Name: Stephen J. Wright Party: Democrat Comments: The last question's answer depends on what the federal policy may be.

House District

013

Name: Cecil R. Webster Party: Democrat Comments: Reference the last question pertaining to state vs federal, there are obvious situations where federal rules prevail (e.g., federal land within states, use of federal dollars by states for activities prohibited by federal statutes).

House District

018

Name: J. Turner Party: Republican Comments: None.



Candidate Responses


Reduction

Medical Marijuana

Access

Legal Market

for Adults

Hemp Cultivation

States’ Rights

House District

019

Name: James White (Incumbent) Party: Republican Comments: Sentencing reform is definitely needed. Possession of small amounts should only carry the punishment of a Class C and no jail time or arrest.

House District

027

Name: Chris Henderson Party: Democrat Comments: Although I believe in the complete legalization of marijuana, I also believe that we should seek to compromise by reducing marijuana to a class midemeanor punishable by fine only. No one should receive jail time for possessing marijuana.

House District

029

Name: John T. Floyd Party: Democrat Comments: None.

House District

033

Name: Cristin Padgett Party: Democrat Comments: None.



Candidate Responses


Reduction

Medical Marijuana

Access

Legal Market

for Adults

Hemp Cultivation

States’ Rights

House District

046

Name: Gabriel Nila Party: Republican Comments: I am currently opposing changing state law to allow cultivation of hemp for two main reasons. At this time, the Federal Reserve is not accepting money from pot sales as the federal government still considers it an illegal drug. The money would have to go off shores since the Texas Bullion Depository make not be able to make loans to the new hemp businesses. In addition, there is a concern for federal seizures of these businesses. TRMP needs to ensure there is literature to ensure the protection of these businesses before I can comfortably change my view on hemp.

House District

047

Name: Jay Wiley Party: Republican Comments: "I support medical cannibis for severely debilitating illnesses such as autism, cancer, etc.), as well as decriminalizing the possession of small amounts. However I am not convinced about the wisdom of full legalization yet. Members of groups such as MAMMA are supporting me because of my position and because I would be far better than the incumbent Paul Workman on these issues."

House District

049

Name: Aspen Dunaway Party: Democrat Comments: Decriminalizing marijuana is one of my top priorities laid out in my Formula for HD 49. I will introduce legislation regarding this during the first 100 days in office.



Candidate Responses


Reduction

Medical Marijuana

Access

Legal Market

for Adults

Hemp Cultivation

States’ Rights

House District

049

Name: Huey Rey Fischer Party: Democrat Comments: Marijuana should be legalized and taxed. Revenues should go towards public health and public education. re: last question -- Until marijuana possession is decriminalized at the federal level, yes, I suport state initiatives. www.HueyFischer.com

House District

049

Name: Gina Hinojosa Party: Democrat Comments: I support a phased-in approach to changing laws on marijuana as other states have done, starting with a change to the medical marijuana laws and the decriminalization of possession for less than one ounce. This would allow time to learn from the experience, give us the opportunity to create a framework within which to regulate and legalize marijuana, and ensure that public safety issues are addressed. What is most important to me is that under the current system, too many youth, especially youth of color, end up with a criminal conviction on their record for possession of small amounts of marijuana that stays with them for life. As a result, they will face serious barriers to education and employment. This is unacceptable and must change.

House District

049

Name: Blake Rocap Party: Democrat Comments: None.



Candidate Responses


Reduction

Medical Marijuana

Access

Legal Market

for Adults

Hemp Cultivation

States’ Rights

House District

049

Name: Matthew Shrum Party: Democrat Comments: I am the only candidate in this race with experience in law enforcement (I was a prosecutor here in Travis County) which will make me a far more effective advocate in the House for criminal justice reform. Check out my website www.MattShrumfor.com

House District

059

Name: Brent Graves Party: Republican Comments: None.

House District

064

Name: Connor Flanagan Party: Democrat Comments: As time goes on more and more of the public is in favor of legalization; however, our lawmakers seem to be set in old ways. This needs to change.

House District

064

Name: Read King Party: Republican Comments: I currently oppose changing state law to allow adults 21 and older to possess limited amounts of marijuana and establishing a system in which marijuana is regulated and taxed similarly to alcohol. I am intently watching the states where this has occurred and am very interested in the effects such policy produces both positive and negative.



Candidate Responses


Reduction

Medical Marijuana

Access

Legal Market

for Adults

Hemp Cultivation

States’ Rights

House District

070

Name: John Bryant Party: Democrat Comments: Colorado's system seems to be working pretty well at serving the people while delivering millions of dollars in new revenue to the State. In the face of declining oil revenues it may be time for the State of Texas to look at this. Texas has done a poor job of regulating tobacco and alcohol distribution for years and maybe the experience of setting up a legal marijuana system might also improve regulation of other substances.

House District

071

Name: Pierce LoPachin Party: Democrat Comments: It would be an honor to receive your endorsement. I believe Cannabis Sativa/Indica, and yes even Hemp, should be completely legalized not only here in Texas but all across the United States. I have incurable tumors in my spine, luckily they're not malignant but the tumors still hurt. Having Cannabis legalized and available here in Texas, I believe, would help many people with debilitating pain, cope.

House District

077

Name: Evelina "Lina" Ortega Party: Democrat Comments: Our local Congressman, Beto O'Rourke has strongly supported overhauling our country's drug laws and in a very responsible way control the sale of marijuana. Last session Texas State Representative Joe Moody introduced a bill that removed criminal penalties for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana and replace the criminal penalties with civil fines. It is time to revisit in Texas the current marijuana penalties and have a serious discussion on decriminalizing for many different reasons.



Candidate Responses


Reduction

Medical Marijuana

Access

Legal Market

for Adults

Hemp Cultivation

States’ Rights

House District

092

Name: Kim K. Leach Party: Democrat Comments: I live in Texas . My Governor opposes all things Federal. We would need oversight here.

House District

093

Name: Nancy Bean Party: Democrat Comments: If prescribed it should be regulated by FDA as other medicinal herbs. If used recreationally it should be regulated as tobacco and alcohol. But Federal prosecutors should not be involved in legal state commerce.

House District

096

Name: Sandra D. Lee Party: Democrat Comments: I believe legalizing marijuana would reduce the amount of drugs being sold on Middle and High School campuses. It would also produce tax dollars that could be used to fully fund education. If alcohol is legal substance, marijuana should be recognized as a legal substance. Marijuana can actually be used for medicinal purposes.



Candidate Responses


Reduction

Medical Marijuana

Access

Legal Market

for Adults

Hemp Cultivation

States’ Rights

House District

097

Name: Andrew T. McKernon Party: Democrat Comments: The justice system's war on drugs with regard to Marijuana has overburdened our Texas justice system with non-violent offenders and cost the Texas taxpayers untold sums. The majority of Texans support common sense legislative overhauls with regard to Marijuana. By creating a legal market that provides oversight and taxation, the illegal drug trafficking into Texas of marijuana will be overwhelmingly reduce without a black market for it. We must modernize marijuana laws in texas to reduce our burden on prisons, increase tax revenues, provide treatment to medical conditions that often have poor traditional pharmaceutical options, reduce illegal drug trafficking, and add a direct revenue stream to ailing educational institutions in Texas.

House District

098

Name: Maricela Sanchez Chibli Party: Democrat Comments: None.

House District

102

Name: Laura Irvin Party: Democrat Comments: None.

House District

111

Name: Chad O. Jackson Party: Republican Comments: None.



Candidate Responses


Reduction

Medical Marijuana

Access

Legal Market

for Adults

Hemp Cultivation

States’ Rights

House District

112

Name: Jack Blackshear Party: Democrat Comments: I support any state to have laws that do NOT violate federal law.

House District

115

Name: Dorotha M. Ocker Party: Democrat Comments: I think marijuana should be legal, and farmers should be the ones growing it. I've never smoked marijuana in my life, but even I can see that the laws are being enforced differently for white, middle-class Texans (like myself) and minority Texans.

House District

120

Name: Lou Miller Party: Democrat Comments: None.

House District

120

Name: Mario Salas Party: Democrat Comments: None.

House District

126

Name: Cris Hernandez Party: Democrat Comments: Cannabis Reform is something very near and dear to my heart. I have prominently displayed it as one of the first policy positions I published on my website Hernandezfortx126.com It is my hope that Texas is heading the right direction on this issue in both matters of criminal justice and in mental/physical health.



Candidate Responses


Reduction

Medical Marijuana

Access

Legal Market

for Adults

Hemp Cultivation

States’ Rights

House District

131

Name: Alma A. Allen (Incumbent) Party: Democrat Comments: None.

House District

131

Name: John Shike Party: Democrat Comments: "My name is John Shike. I am a candidate for Texas House of Representatives District 131. I believe it is a personal choice for one to use marijuana as long as they do so responsibly. I believe marijuana taxation can and will bring millions of dollars to Texas to help with education, health care and transportation. I support the legalization or to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana. There are several young persons being arrested and potentially hurting them with finding jobs preventing them to provide for themselves and their families. As your next State Represenative I will fight to decriminalize marijuana and push for legalization of marijuana in Texas! A vote for Shike is a vote for change."



Candidate Responses


Reduction

Medical Marijuana

Access

Legal Market

for Adults

Hemp Cultivation

States’ Rights

House District

139

Name: Jerry Ford Jr. Party: Democrat Comments: The deleterious effects of prohibition run from wasted resources to ruined lives. Our police devote thousands of hours to arresting, booking and imprisoning marijuana smokers, many of whom are otherwise law-abiding. The most unfortunate of these arrestees have spent over a decade in prison, in some cases for nothing more than possession of cannabis for personal use. I am a 22 year old candidate for Texas State House District 139 in Houston. Prohibition of marijuana is used to over criminalized communities of color. As a young African American male I am ready to lead this fight..

House District

144

Name: Gilbert Pena (Incumbent) Party: Republican Comments: We need to change our current views on the use, sell and criminations of marijuana. To many lives are being ruined for having less then an ounce of marijuana. Millions of tax dollars have been spend in an effort to control and stop marijuana. So, let's regulated and tax it.

House District

144

Name: Bernie Aldape III Party: Democrat Comments: None.

House District

149

Name: Bryan Chu Party: Republican Comments: None.



Candidate Responses


Reduction

Medical Marijuana

Access

Legal Market

for Adults

Hemp Cultivation

States’ Rights

House District

150

Name: Michael Shawn Kelly Party: Democrat Comments: None.

House District

150

Name: Theresa Hearn-Haynes Party: Republican Comments: None.

Senate District

019

Name: Carlos I. Uresti (Incumbent) Party: Democrat Comments: I voted in support of Senate Bill 339 which allowed the medical use of low-THC cannabis.

Senate District

019

Name: Helen Madla Party: Democrat Comments: None.

Senate District

020

Name: Velma A. Arellano Party: Republican Comments: None.

Senate District

022

Name: Michael Collins Party: Democrat Comments: None.



Non-Responsive Candidates District Candidate/Party E-mail

Texas House District 001 Gary VanDeaver (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 001 George Lavender Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 002 Dan Flynn (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 002 Bryan Slaton Republican arbcgarland.com

Texas House District 003 Cecil Bell (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 004 Stuart Spitzer (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 004 Lance Gooden Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 005 Randy Davis Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 005 Holly Coggins Hayes Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 005 Philip Hayes Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 005 Cole Hefner Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 005 Jay Misenheimer Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 006 Matt Schaefer (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 007 Jay Dean Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 007 David Watts Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 008 Byron Cook (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 008 Thomas McNutt Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 009 Chris Paddie (Incumbent) Republican [email protected].

Texas House District 010 John Wray (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 011 Travis Clardy (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 011 Tony Sevilla Republican [email protected]




Texas House District 012 Kyle Kacal (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 012 Timothy Delasandro Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 012 Michael Stanford Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 013 Leighton Schubert (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 014 John Raney (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 014 Jess Fields Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 015 Mark Keough (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 016 Will Metcalf (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 017 John Cyrier (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 017 Brent Golemon Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 018 Ernest Bailes Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 018 Wesley Hinch Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 018 James Morrison Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 018 Keith Strahan Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 020 Marsha Farney (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 020 Terry Wilson Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 021 Dade Phelan (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 022 Joe Deshotel (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 023 Wayne Faircloth (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 023 Lloyd Criss Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 024 Greg Bonnen (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]




Texas House District 025 Dennis Bonnen (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 026 D.F. "Rick" Miller (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 026 L. "Sarah" DeMerchant Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 027 Ron Reynolds (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 027 Angelique Bartholomew Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 027 Steve Brown Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 027 Ken Bryant Republican no email

Texas House District 027 Mary Walker Republican no email

Texas House District 028 John Zerwas, MD (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 029 Ed Thompson (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 030 Geanie W. Morrison (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 031 Ryan Guillen (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 032 Todd Hunter (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 033 Karen Jacobs Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 033 Justin Holland Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 033 John Keating Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 033 Lorne Liechty Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 034 Abel Herrero (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 035 Oscar Longoria (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 036 Sergio Munoz, Jr. (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 036 Abraham Padron Democrat [email protected]




Texas House District 037 Rene O. Oliveira (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 037 Don De Leon Democrat no email

Texas House District 038 Eddie Lucio III (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 039 Armando "Mando" Martinez (Incumbent) Democrat

[email protected]

Texas House District 040 Terry Canales (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 040 Maricela "Mari" De Leon Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 041 Bobby Guerra (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 041 Hilda Garza De Shazo Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 042 Richard Pena Raymond (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 043 J.M. Lozano (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 043 Marisa Yvette Garcia-Utley Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 044 John Kuempel (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 044 Robert M. Bohmfalk Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 045 Jason A. Isaac (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 046 Dawnna Dukes (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 047 Paul Workman (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 047 Ana Jordan Democrat [email protected].

Texas House District 048 Donna Howard (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 049 Kenton D. Johnson Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 049 Heather Way Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 050 Celia Israel (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]




Texas House District 050 Ceasar Ruiz Republican no email

Texas House District 051 Eddie Rodriguez (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 052 Larry Gonzales (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 053 Andrew S. Murr (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 053 Stephanie Lochte Ertel Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 054 Sandra Blankenship Democrat no email

Texas House District 054 Lan Carter Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 054 Scott Cosper Republican no email

Texas House District 054 Larry S. Smith Republican no email

Texas House District 056 Charles "Doc" Anderson (Incumbent) Republican

[email protected]

Texas House District 057 Trent Ashby (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 058 DeWayne Burns (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 058 Philip Eby Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 059 J.D. Sheffield (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 060 Kevin Downing Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 060 Mike Lang Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 061 Phil King (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 062 Larry Phillips (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 063 Tan Parker (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 064 Paul Greco Democrat no email

Texas House District 064 Rick Hagen Republican [email protected]




Texas House District 064 Lynn Stucky Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 065 Ron Simmons (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 065 Alex Mendoza Democrat no email

Texas House District 065 Ben Kissling Republican no email

Texas House District 066 Matt Shaheen (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 066 Gnanse Nelson Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 067 Jeff Leach (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 067 Scott Coleman Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 068 Drew Springer (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 069 James B. Frank (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 070 Scott Sanford (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 071 Chris Carnohan Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 071 Stan Lambert Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 071 Stacey Scaief Republican no email

Texas House District 071 Brian Scalf Republican no email

Texas House District 072 Drew Darby (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 073 Doug Miller (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 073 Kyle Biedermann Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 073 Chris Byrd Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 074 Poncho Nevarez (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 075 Mary E. Gonzalez (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]




Texas House District 075 Chente Quintanilla Democrat no email

Texas House District 076 Cesar J. Blanco (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 077 Adolfo Lopez Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 078 Joe Moody (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 078 Jeffrey Lane Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 079 Joseph C. Pickett (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 080 Tracy O. King (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 081 Brooks Landgraf (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 081 Joshua Crawford Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 082 Tom Craddick (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 083 Dustin Burrows (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 084 John Frullo (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 084 Jim Landtroop Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 085 Phil Stephenson (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 085 John Davis Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 086 John Smithee (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 087 Four Price (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 088 Ken King (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 089 Jodie Laubenberg (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 089 Denise Hamilton Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 089 Dalton Lytle Republican [email protected]




Texas House District 090 Ramon Romero Jr. (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 091 Stephanie Klick (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 092 Jonathan Stickland (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 092 Scott W. Fisher Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 093 Matt Krause (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 094 Tony Tinderholt (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 094 Andrew Piel Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 095 Nicole Collier (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 095 Albert G. McDaniel Republican no email

Texas House District 096 Bill Zedler (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 096 Wesley Nelson Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 097 Craig Goldman (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 097 Elizabeth Tarrant Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 098 Giovanni Capriglione (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 099 Charlie Geren (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 099 Bo French Republican no email

Texas House District 100 Eric Johnson (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 101 Chris Turner (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 101 Carlos "Charlie" Garza Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 102 Linda Koop (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 103 Rafael M. Anchia (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]




Texas House District 104 Roberto R. Alonzo (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 105 Rodney Anderson (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 105 Terry Meza Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 106 Pat Fallon (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 106 Trent Trubenbach Republican no email

Texas House District 107 Kenneth Sheets (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 107 Victoria Neave Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 108 Morgan Meyer (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 108 Joe Farkus Democrat no email

Texas House District 109 Helen Giddings (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 109 Dr. A. Denise Russell Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 110 Toni Rose (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 110 Sandra Crenshaw Democrat no email

Texas House District 111 Yvonne Davis (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 112 Angie Chen Button (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 112 Chris DeHart Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 113 Cindy Burkett (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 113 Rhetta Andrews Bowers Democrat no email

Texas House District 113 Jonathan Boos Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 114 Jason Villalba (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 114 Jim Burke Democrat no email




Texas House District 114 Dan Morenoff Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 115 Matt Rinaldi (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 115 Bennett Ratliff Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 116 Diana Arevalo Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 116 Martin Golando Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 116 Ruby Resendez Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 117 Rick Galindo (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 117 Philip Cortez Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 118 Gabe Farias Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 118 Tomas Uresti Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 118 John Lujan Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 119 Roland Gutierrez (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 120 Latronda Darnell Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 120 Barbara Gervin-Hawkins Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 120 Art Hall Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 120 Byron Miller "Educator" Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 121 Joe Straus (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 121 Sheila Bean Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 121 Jeff Judson Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 122 Lyle Larson (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 123 Diego Bernal (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]




Texas House District 124 Ina Minjarez (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 124 Sergio Contreras Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 125 Justin Rodriguez (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 126 Joy Dawson-Thomas Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 126 Kevin Roberts Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 127 Dan Huberty (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 127 Mitchell Bosworth Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 128 Wayne Smith (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 128 Briscoe Cain Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 128 Melody McDaniel Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 129 Dennis Paul (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 130 Tom Oliverson Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 130 Kay Smith Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 132 Mike Schofield (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 133 Jim Murphy (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 134 Sarah Davis (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 134 Ben Rose Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 134 David L. Palmer Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 135 Gary Elkins (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 135 Jesse A. Ybanez Democrat [email protected] (verified)

Texas House District 136 Tony Dale (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]




Texas House District 136 Paul R. Gordon Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 137 Gene Wu (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 137 Edward Pollard Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 137 Kendall L. Baker Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 138 Dwayne Bohac (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 139 Randy Bates Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 139 Jarvis D. Johnson Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 139 Kimberly Willis Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 140 Armando Lucio Walle (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 141 Senfronia Thompson (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 142 Harold V. Dutton, Jr. (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 143 Ana Hernandez (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 144 Mary Ann Perez Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 144 Cody Ray Wheeler Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 145 Carol Alvarado (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 146 Borris L. Miles (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 147 Garnet F. Coleman (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 147 Matt Murphy Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 148 Jessica Cristina Farrar (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 148 Dave Wilson Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 149 Hubert Vo (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]




Texas House District 149 Demetria Smith Democrat [email protected]

Texas House District 150 Debbie Riddle (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 150 Valoree Swanson Republican [email protected]

Texas House District 150 Al Zolli Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 001 Bryan Hughes (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 001 David Simpson (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 001 James K. Red Brown Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 001 Mike Lee Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 002 Bob Hall (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 003 Robert Nichols (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 004 Brandon Creighton (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 005 Charles Schwertner (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 006 Sylvia R. Garcia (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas Senate District 007 Paul Bettencourt (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 008 Van Taylor (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 009 Kelly Hancock (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 010 Konni Burton (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 011 Larry Taylor (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 012 Jane Nelson (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 013 Rodney Ellis (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas Senate District 014 Kirk Watson (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]




Texas Senate District 015 John Whitmire (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas Senate District 016 Don Huffines (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 017 Joan Huffman (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 018 Lois W. Kolkhorst (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 019 Peter P. Flores Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 020 Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas Senate District 021 Judith Zaffirini (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas Senate District 022 Brian Birdwell (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 023 Royce West (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas Senate District 024 Susan King (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 024 Virginia "Jennie Lou" Leeder Democrat [email protected]

Texas Senate District 024 Dawn Buckingham Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 024 Jon Cobb Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 024 Ryan Downton Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 024 Brent Mayes Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 024 Reed Williams Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 025 Donna Campbell (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 026 Trey Martinez Fischer (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas Senate District 026 Jose Menendez (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas Senate District 027 Eddie Lucio, Jr. (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas Senate District 027 O. Rodriguez Haro III Democrat [email protected]




Texas Senate District 028 Charles Perry (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 029 Jose Rodriguez (Incumbent) Democrat [email protected]

Texas Senate District 030 Craig Estes (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

Texas Senate District 031 Kel Seliger (Incumbent) Republican [email protected]

These candidates declined to respond to our survey. We strongly recommend you contact them directly about their position on marijuana policy.

REMEMBER: Be courteous in your contact. Sample email:

"Hello, my name is ________. I'm a voter in your district and I'd like to know where you stand on marijuana policy reform. This is an issue that's very important to me because _________________________________________________________.

If elected, can I count on you to support legislation that reduces penalties for low-level possession and allows Texans with serious medical conditions to access medical marijuana?

I look forward to your response and will cast my vote accordingly on March 1st.

Respectfully,

[NAME] [ADDRESS] [ADDRESS]



The Texas Legislature considered nearly a dozen marijuana-related bills in 2015. Of these proposals, both chambers of the Legislature voted on only one. Below you can find voting records for the House and the Senate and see who authored/sponsored the proposals. Civil Penalties (HB 507) – Championed by Rep. Joe Moody, sought to eliminated the arrest, jail time, and criminal record associated with the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana — replacing them with a fine. Amendment: PTSD Study – Offered in support of veterans, Rep. David Simpson proposed an amendment to HB 3404 seeking to study “the benefits of providing integrated care to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.” Compassionate Use Act (SB 339) – This restrictive program allows Texans with intractable epilepsy to access low-THC cannabis products. Most patients are left behind and the law contains flawed language that may prevent access for even those with epilepsy. Medical Marijuana (HB 3785) – Rep. Marisa Marquez stood strong for patients with this bill aimed to bring Texans suffering from debilitating conditions safe/legal access to medical marijuana. Unfortunately, there was no vote taken on this bill.

Incumbent Voting Records

House District Name Party

Civil Penalties (HB 507)

Amendment: PTSD Study

Compassionate Use Act

(SB 339)

Medical Marijuana (HB 3785)

1 Gary Van Deaver R n/a Absent

Yes 2 Dan Flynn R n/a No No 3 Cecil Bell R n/a No No 4 Stuart Spitzer R n/a Yes Yes 5 Bryan Hughes R Sponsor No Yes 6 Matt Schaefer R n/a No Yes 7 David Simpson R Sponsor/yes Yes Yes 8 Byron Cook R n/a No Yes 9 Chris Paddie R n/a No No 10 John Wray R n/a No No 11 Travis Clardy R n/a Absent Yes 12 Kyle Kacal R n/a No Yes 13 Leighton Schubert R n/a No No 14 John Raney R n/a No Yes 15 Keough Mark R n/a No No 16 Will Metcalf R n/a No No 17 John Cyrier R n/a No No 19 James White R n/a Yes Yes 20 Marsha Farney R n/a No Yes 21 Dade Phelan R n/a No Yes 22 Joe Deshotel D Sponsor Yes Yes 23 Wayne Faircloth R n/a No Yes








(SB 339)


24 Greg Bonnen R n/a No No 25 Dennis Bonnen R n/a No No 26 Rick Miller R n/a No Yes 27 Ron Reynolds D Sponsor Yes Yes 28 John Zerwas R n/a No Yes 29 Ed Thompson R n/a No No 30 Geanie Morrison R n/a Yes Yes 31 Ryan Guillen D Sponsor Yes Yes 32 Todd Hunter R n/a Absent

Yes

34 Abel Herrero D Chair/yes Yes Yes 35 Oscar Longoria D Sponsor Yes Yes 36 Sergio Munoz D n/a Yes Yes 37 Rene Oliveira D n/a Yes Yes 38 Eddie Lucio III D Joint author Yes Yes 39 Armando Martinez D n/a Yes Yes 40 Terry Canales D Sponsor/yes Yes Yes 41 Bobby Guerra D n/a Yes Yes 42 Richard Raymond D n/a Yes Yes 43 JM Lozano R n/a No Yes 44 John Kuempel R n/a Present, Not

Yes

45 Jason Isaac R n/a Yes Yes 46 Dawnna Dukes D n/a Absent Absent 47 Paul Workman R n/a No Yes 48 Donna Howard D Sponsor Yes Yes 49 Elliott Naishtat D Sponsor Yes Yes 50 Celia Israel D Sponsor Yes Yes 51 Eddie Rodriguez D Sponsor Yes Yes 52 Larry Gonzales R n/a Absent

Yes

53 Andrew Murr R n/a No No 55 Molly White R n/a No Yes 56 Charles "Doc" Anderson R n/a No Yes 57 Trent Ashby R n/a No No 58 DeWayne Burns R n/a No No 59 J.D. Sheffield R n/a Yes Yes 61 Phil King R n/a No No 62 Larry Phillips R n/a No No 63 Tan Parker R n/a No Yes 65 Ron Simmons R n/a No Yes 66 Matt Shaheen R n/a Absent No








(SB 339)


67 Jeff Leach R n/a No No 68 Drew Springer R n/a No Yes 69 James Frank R n/a No Yes 70 Scott Sanford R n/a No Yes 72 Drew Darby R n/a No No 73 Doug Miller R n/a No Yes 74 Poncho Nevarez D Sponsor Yes Yes 75 Mary Gonzalez D Sponsor Yes Yes 76 Cesar Blanco D Sponsor Yes Yes 78 Joe Moody D Author/yes Yes Yes Joint author 79 Joe Pickett D Sponsor No Yes 80 Tracy King D n/a Yes Yes 81 Brooks Landgraf R n/a No No 82 Tom Craddick R n/a No No 83 Dustin Burrows R n/a No Yes 84 John Frullo R n/a No Yes 85 Phil Stephenson R n/a No Yes 86 John Smithee R n/a No No 87 Four Price R n/a No No 88 Ken King R n/a No Yes 89 Jodie Laubenberg R n/a No No 90 Ramon Romero Jr. D Sponsor Yes Yes 91 Stephanie Klick R n/a No Yes 92 Jonathan Stickland R Sponsor Yes Yes 93 Matt Krause R n/a No Yes 94 Tony Tinderholt R n/a No Yes 95 Nicole Collier D Sponsor Yes Yes 96 Bill Zedler R n/a No Yes 97 Craig Goldman R n/a No Yes 98 Giovanni Capriglione R n/a No Yes 99 Charlie Geren R n/a No Yes

100 Eric Johnson D Sponsor Yes Yes 101 Chris Turner D Sponsor Yes Yes Joint author 102 Linda Koop R n/a No No 103 Rafael Anchia D n/a Yes Yes 104 Roberto Alonzo D Sponsor Yes Yes 105 Rodney Anderson R n/a No No 106 Pat Fallon R n/a No Yes 107 Kenneth Sheets R n/a No Yes








(SB 339)


108 Morgan Meyer R n/a No No 109 Helen Giddings D n/a Yes Yes 110 Toni Rose D Sponsor Yes Yes 111 Yvonne Davis D n/a Yes Yes 112 Angie Chen Button R n/a No Yes 113 Cindy Burkett R n/a No No 114 Jason Villalba R n/a No Yes 115 Matt Rinaldi R n/a No Yes 116 Trey Martinez-Fischer D Sponsor Yes Yes 117 Rick Galindo R n/a No Yes 119 Roland Gutierrez D Sponsor Yes Yes 121 Joe Straus R n/a Present, Not

Present, Not Voting

122 Lyle Larson R n/a No No 123 Diego Bernal D Sponsor Yes Yes 124 Ina Minjarez D n/a Yes Yes 125 Justin Rodriguez D Sponsor Yes Yes 127 Dan Huberty R n/a No Yes 128 Wayne Smith R n/a No Yes 129 Dennis Paul R n/a No No 131 Alma Allen D Sponsor Yes Yes 132 Mike Schofield R n/a Absent Yes 133 Jim Murphy R n/a No Yes 134 Sarah Davis R n/a No Yes 135 Gary Elkins R n/a No No 136 Tony Dale R n/a No No 137 Gene Wu D Joint author Yes Yes 138 Dwayne Bohac R n/a Absent Yes 140 Armando Walle D Sponsor Yes Yes 141 Senfronia Thompson D Sponsor Absent Yes 142 Harold Dutton Jr. D Joint author Yes Yes 143 Ana Hernandez D Sponsor Yes Yes 144 Gilbert Pena R n/a Yes Yes 145 Carol Alvarado D Sponsor Yes Yes 146 Borris Miles D Sponsor Yes Yes 147 Garnet Coleman D Sponsor Yes Yes Joint author 148 Jessica Farrar D Sponsor Yes Yes 149 Hubert Vo D n/a Yes No 150 Debbie Riddle R n/a No Absent (Excused)

Primary Election Day: March 1, 2016 Early Voting: February 16-26 ...

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