Here is an overview of activity from your area elected officials on various legislation so far this session.
REP. CECIL BELL
R-Magnolia • Elected: 2006
[email protected]
Latest news
• Bell filed HB 2104, which requires highspeed rail companies to file bonds with the state that would cover the cost of returning property to its original state if the rail ceases to operate.
REP. MARK KEOUGH
R-The Woodlands • Elected: 2012
[email protected]
Latest news
• Filed House Bills 44, 85 and 566 to provide property tax relief to homeowners. The bills have been submitted to the Committee on Ways and Means.
SEN. ROBERT NICHOLS
R-Jacksonville • Elected: 2006
[email protected]
Latest news
• The Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Nichols, increased funding for mental health by $244 million.
• Nichols’ SB 16 passed in the Senate to lower the fee for a firearm license.
SEN. BRANDON CREIGHTON
R-Conroe • Elected: 2013
[email protected]
Latest news
• Senate Bill 28, authored by Creighton, gives Texas ports an opportunity to secure loans to widen ship channels. The bill passed in the Senate on April 3.
REP. WILL METCALF
R-Conroe • Elected: 2014
[email protected]
Latest news
• HB 1982 has been sent to the Local and Consent Calendar. The bill would turn the board of directors for the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District into an elected board.
FROM THE CAPITOL
Community Impact Newspaper and The Texas Tribune have established a partnership to share essential updates during the 85th legislative session. The Texas Tribune is the only member-supported, digitally focused, nonpartisan news organization that informs and engages with Texans about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Budget update
• The Texas House was scheduled April 6 to take up its version of the state budget plan. On March 29, the House Appropriations Committee approved a state budget plan that would make major cuts to Medicaid, the state’s largest health care program for the poor and disabled.
On March 28, the state Senate approved a budget plan that would shift $1.8 billion in public education costs to local taxpayers. After the full House approves its plan, representatives from both chambers will meet to work out the differences in the plans.
Public education
• The House Public Education Committee voted on March 28 to adopt its leading school finance bill, which would inject an extra $1.6 billion into the state public education system. On March 30, the full Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 3, which would create two public programs subsidizing private school tuition and homeschooling expenses.
The ‘bathroom bill’
• As North Carolina lawmakers voted March 30 to revise that state’s “bathroom bill,” Texas Republicans pushing a similar measure said they are not backing away from their proposal. On March 15, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 6, which would require people to use the bathroom in public schools, government buildings and public universities that matches their “biological sex.”
The legislation would also reverse local nondiscrimination ordinances that let transgender people use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity.
Public integrity unit
• Lawmakers are considering reviving a special prosecuting unit in Travis County that is wholly focused on fighting fraud. Under a House budget proposal, Travis County would get about $4.8 million over two years to prosecute fraud against insurance companies and state government.
Powdered alcohol
• Concerns about powdered alcohol have led 34 states to ban or considering banning it. However, both the House and Senate are considering legislation that would regulate the product in Texas. Powdered alcohol is a form of dehydrated booze that can be mixed with water, soda or juice.
