Tentative Schedule – Congress and Pre-Congress Included
Dates to Remember for Texas 4-H Congress Participation
- December 19, 2019 – Bill submission open
- February 3, 2020 – Lobbyist application open on 4HConnect
- February 3, 2020 – Press Corps application open on 4HConnect
- March 20, 2020 – Lobbyist application close
- March 20, 2020 – Press Corps application close
- March 30, 2020 – Lobbyist and Press Corps notification
- April 1, 2020 – Early Bird Registration opens on 4HConnect
- April 30, 2020 – Early Bird Registration closes on 4HConnect
- May 1, 2020 – Registration continues on 4HConnect at an increased fee
- May 29, 2020 – Bill submission close
- May 29, 2020 – Registration close on 4HConnect
- July 3, 2020 – District Travel Letters
- July 3, 2020 – Bill Book available online
- July 10, 2020 – Texas 4-H Council arrive
- July 10, 2020 – Management Team arrive
- July 12, 2020 – Congress Delegates and Chaperones arrive
- July 15, 2020 – All Participants depart
Bill Submission Requirements
Any 4-H member, regardless of age or planning on attending Texas 4-H Congress, must submit a legislative bill for consideration. Participation in the bill writing exercise allows 4-H members the opportunity to become engaged in the legislative process and the 4-H citizenship project. 4-H members attending Texas 4-H Congress will be required to submit at least one bill (this includes Texas 4-H Council, Tech Team, etc) prior to their registration to the event being accepted.
Committees are a bit different this year and will include an Agriculture and Livestock focused committee. The committee structure for Texas 4-H Congress 2020 follows.
- Agriculture and Livestock (AGL)
- Education (EDU)
- Energy and Environment (EEV)
- Government, Finance, & Appropriations (GFA)
- Homeland Security and Public Safety (HPS)
- Judiciary and Juvenile Justice (JJJ)
- Public Health & Welfare (PHW)
Submit Congress Bill Online
To learn more on how to write and submit a bill download the “Preparing a Legislative Bill for Texas 4-H Congress” as well as work with your county Extension agent or a volunteer. View list of bills submitted for 2020 here. View the 2018 Texas 4-H Congress Bill Book
Lobbyist
The Lobbyist group is designed for 4-H members who have attended Texas 4-H Congress previously. The responsibility of the Lobbyist group is to identify certain bills and then lobby members of the House and Senate to either pass or defeat the bill. Lobbyists should be knowledgeable about Texas 4-H Congress and the schedule that it follows. Lobbyist members should be prepared to and be able to approach other 4-H members and persuade House and Senate members for support. The Lobbyist group will hold a private reception for certain House and Senate Members, along with Congress Leadership.
Applications to be considered for a Lobbyist position will be submitted online through 4HConnect. The online application opens February 3 and closes March 20. Applicants will be notified whether or not they have been accepted to serve in the Lobbyist role. If not selected and space is available, they could apply to be part of the district delegation. View Application Information
Press Corps
Texas 4-H Congress Press Corps members can be either first time or returning 4-H members. Individuals applying for the Press Corp should have strong skills in writing, word processing, interviewing, photography, and focused on making deadlines. The Press Corps is responsible for publishing a daily newspaper and helping maintain a web page/electronic communication. Press Corps members may not be able to attend certain events because of publishing deadlines.
Applications to be considered for a Press Corp position will be submitted online through 4HConnect. Online applications are open February 10 – March 20. Applicants will be notified of their selection to serve in the Press Corps. If not selected and space is available, they could apply to be part of the district delegation. View Application Information
Theme Dinner On Monday
