About Texas 4-H Congress
Texas 4-H Congress is a four-day mock legislative experience for 4-H members in grades 9th to 12th. During this time, 4-H members assume the roles of legislators, lobbyists, and press corps to gain a first-hand understanding of how the legislative process works.
Youth Leadership Team
At Texas 4-H Congress we have a Youth Leadership Team that who serves in the various Legislative Roles at Congress, including but not limited to: Governor, Speaker of the House, Lieutenant Governor, and Floor Leaders. This year, the opportunity to serve in one of these leadership roles is being opened to Texas 4-H members who have or are currently serving on one (or more) of the following groups:
- Texas 4-H Council
- District Council Officers (High School Aged)
- Equine Ambassadors
- Fashion & Interior Design Ambassadors
- Healthy Texas Youth Ambassadors
- Livestock Ambassadors
- Poultry Ambassadors
- Photography Ambassadors
- Shooting Sports Ambassadors
- STEM Ambassadors
- Water Ambassadors
Bill Submissions
Any 4-H member may submit a Texas 4-H Congress bill for consideration and debate. Participating in Congress is not a requirement. Writing and submitting a bill provides each 4-H member the opportunity to participate in an exercise in civic engagement. All participants in Texas 4-H Congress must submit a COMPLETE bill for consideration. “All” includes Texas 4-H Leadership Team, Lobbyists, Press Corps, and District Delegates. To accomplish the writing and submission of legislative bills, it is recommended that the County Extension Agent, or a volunteer, assist the youth in learning what a quality bill includes, how to write one, and then submitting the bill online. Refer to the Texas 4-H publication entitled “Preparing a Legislative Bill for Texas 4-H Congress.” 4-H members from the same county, or other counties, are not allowed to submit the same bill for meeting this requirement.
- Preparing a Legislative Bill for Texas 4-H Congress
- View Previous Bill Books: 2018 | 2020 | 2022 | 2024 | 2026
Press Corp
Members of the Press Corps have the responsibility of reporting the actions of different areas of the Texas 4-H Legislative in a daily newspaper. They also prepare the daily newspaper. Furthermore, Press Corps members will work jointly with STEM Ambassadors to get information, photographs, and updates posted to the Texas 4-H Congress website in a timely manner. Press Corps members are not considered members of the legislature. Therefore, during the sessions, they will not have access to the floor.
Press Corps and Lobbyist applications are due March, 2028
Lobbyist
Lobbyists serve an important role in the direction of bills during Texas 4-H Congress. As a group, Lobbyists will select certain bills to lobby for their passage or failure during Texas 4-H Congress. In addition, by explaining the positives and negatives of particular bills through communication with members, messages to the members, the lobbyists’ reception, and individual conversations, the Lobbyist will persuade members to vote in certain directions.
Press Corps and Lobbyist applications are due March, 2028