Prior Justice Work

For nearly three decades, Texas Appleseed has advocated at the state and local level for fair, just, and equitable laws. Backed by data, and in concert with young people, families, public officials, community partners, and many more individuals, we have created important changes in Texas.

We may retire, or archive, an issue on occasion. This typically occurs when we achieve a victory that changes the landscape for Texans. This can include new laws, policies, agency rules, funding to affected communities, or other goals we outlined at the outset of the advocacy work. It can also be dependent on other factors.

Here, we have included information about our prior justice work.

Archived Issues

A banker-style box labeled "Evidence"

Criminal Discovery

Texas Appleseed worked to improve access to justice by improving criminal discovery practices across the state. Prior to 2014, Texas law required minimal disclosure of

Learn more about our Archived Criminal Discovery Issue

Teenage girl alone outside in park

Curfew Ordinances

In response to a perception of rising juvenile crime in the 1990s, cities and counties across Texas started passing curfew ordinances that punished youth for

Learn more about our Archived Curfew Ordinances Issue

Attorney in court addressing the room

Fair Defense Act

The right to counsel in criminal cases is key to a fair criminal justice system. Prior to the Texas Fair Defense Act, low-income defendants in

Learn more about our Archived Fair Defense Act Issue

Bank teller counts out cash to man in suit jacket

Immigrant Banking

Immigrant communities are important contributors to the Texas economy. Access to mainstream banking services is a key part of full participation in the state economy

Learn more about our Archived Immigrant Banking Issue

Dollar sign in space next to earth, representing wire transfer of money internationally

International Remittances

Transparency and fair pricing are key pillars of a state financial services market that works for customers and businesses — we are working to ensure

Learn more about our Archived International Remittances Issue

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Juvenile Fees

Fees that youth must pay when they have some involvement with the juvenile justice system exacerbate racial/ethnic disparities, increase youth recidivism, and generally cost more

Learn more about our Archived Juvenile Fees Issue

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Mental Health

Mental illness intersects with the legal system in a range of situations in Texas, including civil commitments, criminal prosecutions, and detention and removal proceedings in

Learn more about our Archived Mental Health Issue

Teen boy in class with head down working

Raise the Age

Texas Appleseed worked on Raise the Age as part of a coalition with other Texas organizations. During our work on this, Texas was one of

Learn more about our Archived Raise the Age Issue