How Individuals Can Fight Racist Bills

Racist bills can have harmful and lasting effects on communities. Here are steps you can take to actively fight against such legislation:

URGENT: Testify against Racist Bills

  • ☎ HB17 hearing will be held this Wednesday, “property purchase ban and property confiscation” will become reality
    ☎ HB17本周三举行听证会，“禁购房产、没收房产”将成现实

  • Friends who can attend the hearing in Austin: There will be free buses departing from Houston Chinatown’s Dunhuang Plaza at 6:30 AM on Wednesday, going directly to Austin and returning the same evening. You must register in advance - please don’t just show up for the bus. This is mainly to prevent seating shortages if not reserved beforehand. Register to secure your seat: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUicoKy6D-PQ9s5Hdx_LxentoyRYp3jeHEP3eVyzjijAwtTQ/viewform
    如果能去奥斯汀参加听证会的朋友，休斯敦有免费大巴周三早上6:30从中国城敦煌广场出发 直达奥斯汀，当天晚上返回，请一定要报名，不要直接去坐大巴，主要是怕没有提前预定，座位不够，报名我们好确保您的座位： https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUicoKy6D-PQ9s5Hdx_LxentoyRYp3jeHEP3eVyzjijAwtTQ/viewform

  • Hearing training video link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ChjP_h7MKvU
    听证会培训视频链接：https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ChjP_h7MKvU

  • HB17 reference materials package and Talking Points: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TCB4Z2XmzumyCbUGN_eSstFZhiUL_3LB
    HB17 相关资料包以及Talking Points： https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TCB4Z2XmzumyCbUGN_eSstFZhiUL_3LB

  • If worried about English proficiency: 1) Read directly from script 2) We have volunteers who can provide on-site translation/script reading (you provide a one-minute Chinese script). The volunteer will accompany you to the podium - you sit while the volunteer reads.
    担心英语不好的话：1 直接念稿子 2 我们这里有志愿者可以提供现场翻译念稿（你们提供一个一分钟的中文稿子），志愿者和人一起上去，人坐着，志愿者念

  • The HB17 hearing is this Wednesday, and Tuesday is crucial. Friends who cannot go to Austin, let’s call the committee office together to make our voices heard!
    HB17本周三将进行听证会，周二至关重要。不能前往奥斯汀的朋友，让我们一起打电话到组委会办公室，发出我们的声音！

URGENT: Call to Oppose

SB17 已经火速通过了参议院，进入众议院，推进速度飞快

SB17 has swiftly passed the Senate and moved to the House of Representatives, progressing at a rapid pace.

这个提案将限制华人（非绿卡）和中国企业买房，仅豁免自住房（造成华人无法换房，购房时被区别对待）。

This proposal will restrict Chinese nationals (non-green card holders) and Chinese enterprises from purchasing property, with exemptions only for primary residences (resulting in Chinese nationals being unable to change homes and being treated differently when purchasing property).

HB17、HB1849 和 HB2536 是三个一模一样的提案

HB17, HB1849, and HB2536 are three identical proposals.

他们都禁止中国企业和中国公民（非绿卡）在德州购置任何房产（包括住宅物业、商业物业、工业物业、农田等），允许政府没收私人财产。如果违规买房，将遭遇刑事重罪加罚款。这个提案已经得到54位众议院共和党议员的联署支持。

They all prohibit Chinese enterprises and Chinese citizens (non-green card holders) from purchasing any property in Texas (including residential, commercial, industrial properties, farmland, etc.), and allow the government to confiscate private property. Violators will face criminal felony charges and fines. This proposal has already garnered the support of 54 Republican House members.

目前，HB17 等提案都被分到 House Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans’ Affairs

Currently, HB17 and other proposals have been assigned to the House Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans’ Affairs.

且 HB17 作者 Cole Hefner 就是该组委会主席。这些提案随时会举行听证会！

Moreover, Cole Hefner, the author of HB17, is the chairman of this committee. Hearings for these proposals could be held at any time!

请大家一定要积极行动起来！

Everyone must take action!

只要是德州居民，无论任何签证，都可以拨打电话给议员施压。接通电话以后告诉他们：

As long as you are a Texas resident, regardless of your visa status, you can call your representatives to pressure them. When you get through, tell them:

I am calling to oppose SB17, HB17, HB1849, and HB2536! If you vote for this bill, you are a racist, you hate Chinese Americans, and we will let everyone know.

先拨打自己选区的 Texas House Representative

First, call your district’s Texas House Representative.

联系方式可查询 https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home

再拨打组委会成员

Then, call the committee members:

URGENT: Send Emails to Oppose SB17

In addition to making phone calls, you can also express your opposition to SB17 by sending a mass email to the 31 Texas senators. Simply copy and paste the following information, and sending it to all senators takes just 1 minute. You can do it anytime, day or night!

除了打电话之外，您还可以通过群发邮件的方式向 31 位德州参议员表达对 SB17 提案的反对意见。复制并粘贴以下信息，发送给所有参议员仅需 1 分钟，白天黑夜，任何时间都可以发送！

Senator Email Addresses 参议员邮箱地址

Bryan.Hughes@senate.texas.gov,  
Bob.Hall@senate.texas.gov,  
Robert.Nichols@senate.texas.gov,  
brandon.creighton@senate.texas.gov,  
Charles.Schwertner@senate.texas.gov,  
Carol.Alvarado@senate.texas.gov,  
Paul.Bettencourt@senate.texas.gov,  
Angela.Paxton@senate.texas.gov,  
Kelly.Hancock@senate.texas.gov,  
phil.king@senate.texas.gov,  
mayes.middleton@senate.texas.gov,  
tan.parker@senate.texas.gov,  
Borris.Miles@senate.texas.gov,  
Sarah.Eckhardt@senate.texas.gov,  
molly.cook@senate.texas.gov,  
Nathan.Johnson@senate.texas.gov,  
Joan.Huffman@senate.texas.gov,  
Lois.Kolkhorst@senate.texas.gov,  
Roland.Gutierrez@senate.texas.gov,  
Juan.Hinojosa@senate.texas.gov,  
Judith.Zaffirini@senate.texas.gov,  
Brian.Birdwell@senate.texas.gov,  
Royce.West@senate.texas.gov,  
Pete.Flores@senate.texas.gov,  
Donna.Campbell@senate.texas.gov,  
Jose.Menendez@senate.texas.gov,  
Adam.Hinojosa@senate.texas.gov,  
Charles.Perry@senate.texas.gov,  
Cesar.Blanco@senate.texas.gov,  
Brent.Hagenbuch@senate.texas.gov,  
Kevin.Sparks@senate.texas.gov

Email Template 邮件模板

Subject: Opposition to SB17

Dear Senator,

I strongly oppose SB17, which seeks to restrict property ownership based solely on national origin. This bill is discriminatory and violates both the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Fair Housing Laws.

While I fully support national security measures, I oppose any legislation that targets individuals or groups solely based on their national origin.

As an immigrant and a member of this community, I am deeply concerned about the message this bill sends and the potential for increased discrimination and hostility toward individuals and families like mine.

If enacted, this bill will damage Texas’ reputation as a business-friendly state, drive away skilled immigrant workers and investors, and harm our economy.

I urge you to stand against discrimination and vote NO on SB17.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

One-pager to Oppose SB17

Please share this one-pager with anyone who may be concerned, and help spread awareness about the significant harm SB17 could inflict on Texas and its communities. You can download as image or as PDF files below:

English version

中文版

Monitor Legislative Progress

  1. Be Aware of Deadlines
    Follow Texas Legislative Calendar to be aware of last days for Legislature to take certain actions

Call Your Representative

  1. Find Your Representative Use online tools to locate your representatives at the state and federal levels. Example: Who Represents Me?

  2. Prepare Your Message
    • State your opposition to the bill clearly and respectfully.
    • Provide personal examples or stories if possible to show how the bill impacts your community.
  3. Follow Up
    • Call their office more than once, especially during key decision-making times.
    • Encourage friends and family to do the same.

Call Bill Authors’ Office

  1. Identify the Bill’s Authors Look up the names of legislators sponsoring the bill and their contact information.

  2. Express Your Concerns
    • Be concise but firm.
    • Highlight the negative consequences of the bill on marginalized communities.
  3. Request a Response Ask for clarification about their rationale for supporting the bill and follow up as needed.

Meet Bill Authors at the State Capitol

  1. Schedule a Meeting Contact their office to set up an appointment or attend public office hours.

  2. Be Prepared
    • Bring data, personal stories, and prepared talking points.
    • Stay professional and respectful, even if the discussion becomes heated.
  3. Follow Up Send an email or letter summarizing your meeting and reiterating your opposition.

Protest

  1. Organize or Join Protests Collaborate with local activist groups to organize peaceful demonstrations near the state capitol or other strategic locations.

  2. Stay Informed
    • Know the bill details to educate others during the protest.
    • Use signs, chants, and speeches to amplify your message.
  3. Document the Event Share photos and videos on social media to raise awareness.

Testimony

  1. Sign Up to Testify Check your state’s legislative website for information on how to provide testimony at committee hearings.

  2. Prepare Your Statement
    • Keep it concise, respectful, and fact-based.
    • Practice delivering it within the allotted time.
  3. Show Up Early Arrive at the hearing on time to secure your place on the speakers’ list.

Lawsuit

  1. Identify Legal Grounds Work with civil rights lawyers or advocacy groups to determine if the bill violates constitutional rights or existing laws.

  2. File a Lawsuit Partner with organizations experienced in litigation, such as the ACLU or NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

  3. Support Ongoing Cases Share updates, attend court hearings, and raise funds for legal fees.

  1. Support Advocacy Groups Donate to or volunteer with organizations actively fighting against racist legislation.

  2. Back Representatives Opposing the Bill Contribute to their campaigns and promote their efforts on social media.

  3. Help Build Coalitions Connect with other groups and individuals to strengthen collective action against the bill.

By taking these actions, you can make your voice heard and help protect vulnerable communities from the harmful effects of racist bills.