2018 Texas 4-H Congress

Texas 4-H Congress is a four-day mock legislative experience for 4-H members in grades 9^th to 12^th (at the time of the event).  During this time, 4-H members assume the roles of senators, representatives, lobbyists, press corps, and special interest groups to gain a first-hand understanding of how the legislative process works.  Bills that are written and sponsored by 4-H members focus on issues concerning Texas and Texas youth.  These bills are assigned to the appropriate committee, debated in committee meetings, and then on the floor of the House or Senate.  If a bill is successful in negotiation and the legislative debate in all three stages, it is delivered to the Governor of Texas 4-H Congress for his or her signature or veto.  Copies of all the bills that are signed into law during Texas 4-H Congress are provided to the Office of the Governor for review.

For any Travis County youth interested in participating in Texas 4-H Congress, please read the information below and make sure you fully understand the process by which youth will be selected to attend:

State Congress is a unique opportunity that comes with unique requirements to be eligible to participate. Travis County is guaranteed two (2) slots for youth to serve as a House of Representative Member or a Senate member. Youth do not apply for either of these two positions; they apply for the process of being selected to attend the event. House and Senate responsibilities are assigned later by the State 4-H office to the youth selected to attend from each county. Each youth who is accepted to attend Congress must submit a bill.

For youth to be considered for the two Travis County 4-H Slots, they must complete the application and submit it to Mellanie via email (MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu) by Wednesday, March 14, 2018. 

The applications will be judged and all applicants will be ranked. If not all slots are filled statewide, there is a possibility for others applicants to move up, but this is not a guarantee and is determined at the district level. This is why all applicants will be ranked based on their submitted application.

• Lobbyist – This option is designed for youth who have attended the previous Congress event (Summer 2016) and have met the grade requirement and must submit their online application in 4-H Connect by March 23rd.
•  Press Corp Member – This option is open to youth wanting to attend Congress and meet the grade requirement. Any youth wanting to attend should submit this application to better your chances in being accepted to attend Congress. Youth must also complete the Travis County 4-H Application in the event you are not selected as a Press Corp member. Must apply online on 4-H Connect by March 23rd.

Any 4-H member can submit a bill regardless if they are attending Texas 4-H Congress or not in order for them to be engaged in the legislative process and the 4-H citizenship project.  This will give all 4-H members the opportunity to participate in an exercise in civic engagement. 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 about what a quality bill is, how to write one, and then submitting the bill on-line. Refer to the Texas 4-H publication entitled “Understanding the Texas Legislative Process, A Guide for Participating in Texas 4-H Congress.”  This publication is located on the Texas 4-H website. 4-H members from the same county, or others counties, are not allowed to submit the same bill for meeting this requirement.  Bills must be submitted online by May 15th.

CHANGE FOR 2018:  A requirement for a 4-H member to participate in Texas 4-H Congress is that they submit a COMPLETE bill for consideration.  This includes Texas 4-H Council and Tech Team members. 

For more  information and forms, click here and scroll to State Events.