On November 15th, ATX DAO held its second government relations event - this time in partnership with Texas Blockchain Council. In the time since February 2022 (our first government relations event), we have made incredible strides ingraining ourselves with the governing body and learning about how to turn policy from ideation to legislation. During the gala, we were able to make a connection with Representative John Bucy, a lawmaker representing Austin and someone who champions tech-forward legislation. He was impressed by ATX DAO and on November 18th, he mentioned us during one of the headlining panels at the Texas Blockchain Summit, speaking highly of our organization and indicating interest in working with us on DAO legislation.
This proposal requests $1000 be allocated toward a contribution to the IT Caucus
What is the IT Caucus?
The IT Caucus is a bipartisan group of members of the Texas House of Representatives formed in 2015 as a policy shop to focus on
educating and informing Texas lawmakers and policymakers on ways to further advance technology industry
innovation, growth, and competitiveness here in Texas. The IT Caucus operates as a non-political, bipartisan legislative caucus as defined by Section 253.0341(e) of the Texas Election Code and a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code.
In the words of Representative Giovanni Capriglione and Representative John Bucy, the chairs of the IT Caucus:
“Texas is widely seen as the next great technology frontier. Yet few Texas lawmakers are steeped in technology or
related policy issues. The IT Caucus aims to facilitate greater interaction between House members and industry
leaders to drive conversation and collaboration on policy issues in the Texas Legislature. We partner with industry
leaders—big, small and startups—to interact, tour and learn about what is working here in Texas and in other states
with the goal of developing smart, forward-thinking policy that will help build on the incredible growth the
innovation economy has seen in Texas.
As the Innovation economy continues to grow, so too does our caucus. The IT Caucus took numerous steps
forward in the 87th Legislative Session, including becoming the largest bipartisan caucus in the Texas Legislature.
Our caucus elected a Policy Committee and, for the first time, endorsed legislation. Of the 15 items the caucus
endorsed, 14 passed one chamber, and 10 are now law. As the Legislature becomes increasingly defined by
partisan identification, we are proud that our caucus has continued its bipartisan traditions.”
Benefits of becoming a partner of the IT Caucus:
Partners of the IT Caucus are trusted advisors to the Texas House of Representatives on all matters relating to technology. The IT Caucus provides opportunities to partners to educate legislators, review policy that relates to technology regulation in Texas, and opens the door for opportunities at the Innovation and Technology Forum, a conference that brings together industry leaders, academics, and policymakers to discuss the issues and opportunities in the innovation economy.
ATX DAO is making incredible steps toward turning our proposed DAO legislation into law and the next step is boots on the ground education for legislators. It would be a shame to pass up the opportunity to join other heavy hitting technology businesses and associations at the table as they craft policy during the upcoming legislative session.
Closing remarks:
This is another investment in our organization as ATX DAO becomes an undeniable institution. Our membership in organizations like Lobby3 and the DAO Coalition are critical for influence in our specific industry, but becoming a member of the IT Caucus legitimizes us outside of web3 world and positions us as a bona fide industry association in the eyes of the Texas government.
