Julie Johnson in TX legislative records

On Abortion: Voted NO on abortion ban with no rape & incest exceptions

Opposition Summary by ACLU (8/29/22): In Texas, a pair of laws together ban abortion at all stages of pregnancy, without exceptions for rape or incest, and with narrow exemptions for the life and health of pregnant people: SB 8 outlaws abortion around six weeks of gestation. HB 1280 creates harsh criminal penalties for providers and doctors for performing or aiding abortions at all stages of pregnancy.

Support Summary by Texas Alliance for Life (8/23/22):  HB 1280 updates and improves upon the pre-Roe abortion laws (first passed in 1854) that the Supreme Court blocked in the terrible Roe v. Wade decision. Additionally, Governor Abbott approved an appropriation of $100 million for the current two-year budget for the highly successful Alternatives to Abortion program.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 83-64-1 on May/6/21; State Rep. Julie Johnson voted NO; passed Senate 18-12-1 on May/13/21; Signed by Governor Greg Abbott on May/19/21

On Drugs: Expand medical marijuana use for cancer, PTSD

Opposition Summary by KWTX-10 (6/15/21): The measure falls short of what many advocates had hoped for. Its sponsor said on the House floor that her counterparts in the Senate were unwilling to budge including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick]. A Patrick spokesperson said the Lt. Gov. is "strongly opposed to weakening any laws against marijuana."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 31-0-0 on May/25/21; passed House 119-25-1 on May/28/21; State Rep. Julie Johnson voted YES; Signed by Governor Greg Abbott on Jun/15/21.

On Gun Control: Oppose concealed carry without training or permit

Summary by Texas Tribune: The new Texas gun law allows anyone 21 years or older to carry a handgun in public without need for a permit or training as long as they aren't otherwise prohibited from owning a firearm by law, such as people with felony or domestic violence convictions. Before Sept. 1, Texans were mostly required to be licensed to carry handguns. To attain a license, applicants were required to submit fingerprints, complete four to six hours of training, and pass a written exam and shooting proficiency test.

The founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, repeatedly pointed out that despite arguments from [legislative sponsors] that more guns make a safer Texas, gun violence has increased year over year, [saying] "Why does Texas still have high gun violence, yet they have a higher rate of gun ownership?"

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 82-62-2 on May/23/21; State Rep. Julie Johnson voted NO; passed Senate on May/24/21; signed by Governor Jun/16/21