The Silver-Haired Legislature was founded in 1973 in Missouri and has since been adopted in 31 states. Conceived in 1979, the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature (TSHL) was formed in 1985 by the 69th Texas Legislature. It strives to promote good government for all Texans by directly involving senior citizens in the legislative process.
TSHL provides a nonpartisan forum for discussion and debate of senior issues, advocacy training and an avenue through which older citizens may serve as a resource to both public and private sectors. It is composed of 116 representatives elected to two-year terms by Texans over 60 years of age.
TSHL has helped to pass a great number of bills in the Texas Legislature since its incarnation in 1985. It selects ten top-priority resolutions each session and puts all efforts towards incorporating them into legislative acts.
TSHL accomplishments have continued to grow through the years, recently reaching an all-time high.
Candidates must be
• Age 60 or over before January 1 of the election year.
• A registered voter residing in the county commissioner district from
which he or she is applying for candidacy.
• Willing to uphold the duties and responsibilities of the office.
For information on declaring candidacy, contact Dodie Dugan by e-mail or call her at
817-258-8033.
TSHL Goals
1. To motivate older citizens to realize that legislative involvement is a primary responsibility of effective citizenship.
2. To help older Texans know that if they are to become a viable political force, they must become informed and knowledgeable about the issues facing our community, state and nation.
3. To develop a forum for older adults to discuss and debate issues concerning, not only their own welfare, but that of others.
4. To educate the Silver-Haired Legislators in their advocacy role in order that they may continue their involvement in legislative matters in their local community.
5. To provide a legislative body in which the Silver-Haired Legislators will have the opportunity to introduce, discuss and pass resolutions dealing with major concerns of our state.
6. To work for the passage in the regular Texas Legislature of those resolutions prioritized by the TSHL.