Representative Riddle's Legislative Record in the Texas House
Representative Riddle has served in the Texas House of Representatives, contributing to various legislative sessions through the authorship of bills and participation in key committees. Her legislative focus has spanned child safety, state identity, and social policy, often reflecting a conservative approach to governance and public conduct.
Key Facts
- Authored House Bill 8, the Texas version of Jessica's Law.
- Introduced House Bill 1034 to modify the Texas State Pledge.
- Proposed House Bill 1748 regarding the use of public restrooms based on biological chromosomes.
- Served as Vice-Chair of the Juvenile Justice and Family Issues committee.
- Defended the practice of casting votes for absent or indisposed colleagues.
Legislative Contributions and Social Policy
During the Eightieth Texas Legislature, Riddle authored House Bill 8, which implemented the Texas version of Jessica's Law—legislation typically aimed at increasing penalties for crimes against children. This bill was signed into law by Governor Rick Perry on June 15, 2007, and officially took effect on September 1, 2007.
In the same legislative session, Riddle authored House Bill 1034. This bill sought to amend the Texas State Pledge by adding the phrase "one state under God."
Beyond her authored bills, Riddle has expressed specific views on public conduct. She voiced opposition to legislation intended to protect breastfeeding in public, arguing that women should maintain "modesty."
The Transgender Bathroom Bill
In 2015, during the 84th Texas Legislature, Representative Riddle authored House Bill 1748. This proposed legislation would have imposed fines or jail time on transgender individuals who used public restrooms or other public facilities that did not align with their birth chromosomes.
The bill defined gender strictly by biological markers: a male was defined as an individual with at least one X and one Y chromosome, while a female was defined as an individual with at least one X and no Y chromosomes. In cases where birth gender differed from chromosomal gender, the chromosomal gender would take precedence. Additionally, the bill would have penalized business owners who permitted the use of restrooms that did not match a person's birth chromosomes. House Bill 1748 died early in the legislative session.
House Voting Procedures and Committee Roles
Representative Riddle has defended an unwritten policy within the Texas House that allows members to cast votes for absent or indisposed colleagues. This practice was highlighted when she was filmed by KEYE-TV voting on behalf of State Representative Edmund Kuempel. Riddle justified the policy by citing the grueling nature of legislative sessions, noting that members often work through lunch, dinner, and bathroom breaks without pause.
Throughout her tenure, Riddle has been active in several legislative committees, providing oversight and guidance on state resources and family law.
| Committee Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Juvenile Justice and Family Issues | Vice-Chair |
| Calendars | Member |
| Energy Resources | Member |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was House Bill 8?
House Bill 8 was the Texas version of Jessica's Law, authored by Riddle and signed into law by Governor Rick Perry on June 15, 2007.
How did House Bill 1034 change the Texas State Pledge?
House Bill 1034 added the words "one state under God" to the official Texas State Pledge.
What was the purpose of House Bill 1748?
House Bill 1748 sought to restrict the use of public restrooms to individuals whose birth chromosomes matched the facility's designated gender, with penalties for both users and business owners.
Why did Riddle defend voting for absent members?
She argued that the practice is necessary because legislators often face intense schedules without breaks for meals or personal needs.
Which committee did Riddle serve as Vice-Chair?
Representative Riddle served as the Vice-Chair of the Juvenile Justice and Family Issues committee.