Senator Hughes: Legislative Update

By Editor | March 31, 2023 |

March 31, 2023

Legislative Update

Senate committee passes SB 16: Banning Critical Race Theory (CRT) in higher education. Details below.

My bills banning drag performances in front of children pass in Senate Committee. Read more below.

SB 2: Restoring the felony penalty for illegal voting moves to the House after passing in the Senate last week. Read more below.

Bill Banning CRT in Higher Ed Heads to Senate Floor

Higher education is meant to provide students with an environment that prepares them for the workforce and society, and encourages them to engage in thoughtful debate. My bill, SB 16 clarifies the role of public higher education by prohibiting faculty from compelling students to adopt a belief that any race, sex, or ethnicity or social, political, or religious belief is inherently superior to any other race, sex, ethnicity, or belief.

Ban on Drag Shows in Front of Minors

SB 12 restricts a business owner from presenting a “sexually oriented performance” on their premises if a person younger than 18 is present.

SB 1601 takes away state funding from a municipal library hosting an event where the main performer is dressed as the opposite gender and reads a book to a child.

“All of us can agree that children shouldn’t be exposed to sexually explicit material”

– Senator Bryan Hughes

Bill Restoring Felony Penalty Passes the Senate

Last session, I authored the Election Integrity Bill (SB1), which enhanced punishments for fraud and other serious election crimes. Eight new or increased felonies were added, 10 other new misdemeanors were added, and new civil enforcement was added.

A last minute amendment adopted by the House reduced one of the felony penalties to a misdemeanor. This session, I authored SB2 which restores the felony penalty for illegal voting. After passing last week in the senate, it has now moved to the House.