Austin, TX – Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, passed a record-breaking 135 bills, more than any other legislator in Texas during the 89th Regular Legislative Session that adjourned today (June 2). Her legislation spans critical issues including public health, water infrastructure, higher education, access to justice and consumer protections.

“We worked tirelessly this session to pass meaningful legislation that improves lives across our great state,” Dean Senator Zaffirini said. “I’m grateful for the collaboration of stakeholders and constituents whose voices helped shape the Senate’s legislative agenda. Our success reflects the priorities of the families and communities we serve.”

During the 89th Legislative Session, Dean Senator Zaffirini authored and passed the following Senate Bills (SBs): 53 57, 60, 65, 66, 72, 387, 523, 627, 703, 705, 746, 748, 764, 766, 800, 904, 905, 916, 917, 918, 968, 1036, 1164, 1254, 1255, 1335, 1532, 1534, 1535, 1537, 1547, 1559, 1568, 1574, 1629, 1662, 1663, 1666, 1667, 1697, 1760, 1838, 1839, 1946, 2069, 2073, 2075, 2077, 2111, 2122, 2124, 2127, 2141, 2443, 2501, 2587, 2589, 3037 and 3047.

She also sponsored and passed the following House Bills (HBs): 47, 114, 171, 201, 272, 322, 541, 630, 705, 766, 793, 908, 1041, 1094, 1188, 1237, 1562, 1606, 1629, 1732, 1734, 1868, 1916, 1973, 2240, 2259, 2286, 2294, 2340, 2358, 2495, 2530, 2596, 2598, 2763, 2765, 2791, 2856, 3062, 3104, 3126, 3135, 3146, 3254, 3376, 3425, 3479, 3619, 3623, 3629, 3697, 3745, 3803, 3804, 3806, 3909, 4042, 4063, 4202, 4219, 4238, 4350, 4361, 4426, 4466, 4559, 4738, 4748, 4765, 4885, 4894, 4904, 5320, 5650 and 5677.

Dean Senator Zaffirini holds a state and national record of having cast more than 75,000 consecutive votes. This session Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick appointed her to the Senate Committees on Business and Commerce; Finance; State Affairs; and Natural Resources, of which she is Vice Chair. She also is his appointee to the Texas Judicial Council and the Texas Access to Justice Commission.

She made history as the first woman Dean of the Senate on Dec. 31, 2023. She succeeds 24 men who held the title since 1909, when it was first assigned to the longest-serving senator. The seventh of only 25 women who have served with 954 male senators in 89 Texas Legislatures, she and Eddie Bernice Johnson joined Cyndi Krier in 1987, marking the first time more than one woman served in the 31-member body. Today there are eight women senators.

Dean Senator Zaffirini also is the namesake of Webb County’s Justice Center, the first state courthouse named for a woman; the student success center at Texas A&M International University; a UISD elementary school; a library at Laredo College; a City of Laredo park; a state park road and soccer mini-pitch in Laredo; a patient suite at the UT Dell Seton Medical Center in Austin; four endowed scholarships; and two grant programs, including the Access to Justice Initiative at the UT Law School.

Photo Credit: Texas Senate Media Services

Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini presents legislation in the Senate during the 89th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature.

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