Fact Check: Over 150,000 Texans signed a petition urging Abbott to veto SB 3.

Fact Check: "Over 150,000 Texans signed a petition urging Abbott to veto SB 3."

What We Know

The claim that "over 150,000 Texans signed a petition urging Abbott to veto SB 3" is supported by reports from advocacy groups. According to a CBS News article, the Texas Hemp Business Council stated that they gathered nearly 150,000 signatures on a petition against Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), which aimed to ban hemp-derived THC products in Texas. The petition was part of a broader effort that included over 200,000 Texans expressing their opposition through various means, including emails and letters. On June 2, the group delivered more than 118,000 petition signatures and 5,000 handwritten letters directly to Abbott's office.

Analysis

While the claim is based on the reported number of signatures, it is important to critically assess the context and the reliability of the sources. The Texas Hemp Business Council, which organized the petition, is an advocacy group focused on protecting access to legal hemp products. Their motivation to oppose SB 3 stems from concerns about the economic impact of the bill, which they argue could eliminate significant revenue and jobs in the state (CBS News).

However, the phrasing of "over 150,000 Texans" could be misleading. The exact number reported was "nearly 150,000," which suggests that the figure may not exceed that threshold significantly. Furthermore, while the advocacy group's claims are substantial, they may be biased due to their vested interest in the outcome of the legislation. The group's executive director, Mark Bordas, emphasized the opposition to SB 3, framing it as a public safety issue and a matter of economic concern (CBS News).

Additionally, the governor's office has not publicly confirmed the exact number of signatures received or the total opposition expressed, which leaves some ambiguity regarding the claim's accuracy.

Conclusion

The claim that "over 150,000 Texans signed a petition urging Abbott to veto SB 3" is Partially True. While there is credible evidence supporting that a significant number of signatures were collected, the phrasing could be interpreted as slightly exaggerated, as the reported number was "nearly 150,000." Moreover, the context of the advocacy group's motivations and potential biases should be considered when evaluating the claim.

Fact Check: Over 150,000 Texans signed a petition urging Abbott to veto SB 3.