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Thursday, November 21, 2024

ProgramsArea Agency on AgingSilver Haired Legislature

Brazos Valley Area Agency on Aging supports the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature election, consisting of non-partisan citizens 60+ years of age, elected by peers.

Silver Haired Legislature

BVAAA supports the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature (TSHL) election. The elected delegates are a non-partisan, representative body of citizens 60+ years of age, elected by their peers. There are a total of 114 Texas Silver-Haired representatives from the 28 areas across the state. The Texas Silver-Haired Legislature was created through the authority of Senate Concurrent Resolution 37(S.C.R.37) adopted by the 69th Texas Legislature in April 1985. The TSHL convenes in Austin to consider and vote on proposed legislation that concerns the needs of older Texans. The objective of the TSHL is to serve the needs of both present and future older Texans.

Goals of the TSHL

To motivate older citizens to realize that legislative involvement is a primary responsibility of effective citizenship.
To help older Texans become informed and knowledgeable about the issues facing our community, state, and nation.
To develop a forum for older adults to discuss and debate issues concerning not only their own welfare but that of others.
To provide an opportunity to work for the passage of those resolutions by personal contact with members of both houses of Texas legislature during their regular and special sessions.
To assist older Texans to be better prepared to serve in various ways in their community.

Requirements for TSHL Candidates

Must be 60 years of age or older on January 1st, of a TSHL election year, a resident, and registered voter, of the district in which candidacy is sought.
Must file for candidacy by completing the Candidate Information form; obtain signatures from 25 registered voters who are at least 60 years of age and live in the same district as the senior who is running for the TSHL. A $5.00 filing fee is also required. Candidacy forms can be obtained by calling (800) 994-4000.

Eligibility to vote to TSHL elections

Must be at least 60 years of age by the date of the election, be a registered voter, and reside in the same district as the candidate for whom they are voting.