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 joined 130 fellow representatives in giving the stamp of approval to the House draft of the budget. Only 16 members voted no, so the budget draft will continue on.
REP. MARK KEOUGH
R-The Woodlands • Elected: 2012
[email protected]
Latest news
• Keough serves as the Vice Chair of the House Committee on International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs. The committee passed a bill that declares Israel a strategic ally of Texas.
SEN. ROBERT NICHOLS
R-Jacksonville • Elected: 2006
[email protected]
Latest news
• Nichols voted for SB 1018, which would lower restrictions for immigration detention centers to become child care facilities. The bill passed out of the Senate.
SEN. BRANDON CREIGHTON
R-Conroe • Elected: 2013
[email protected]
Latest news
• Creighton’s Senate Bill 627 places additional rights in the landowner’s bill of rights concerning eminent domain. The bill was unanimously approved of in the Senate.
REP. WILL METCALF
R-Conroe • Elected: 2014
[email protected]
Latest news
• Metcalf’s House Bill 1911 would grant authority to unlicensed individuals to carry a handgun. The bill was voted out of the House Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee.
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 endorsed its version of the state budget April 7. The House vote included using $2.5 billion from the state’s savings account, commonly known as the Rainy Day Fund. On March 28, the state Senate approved its own budget plan. Representatives from both chambers are meeting to work out the differences in the plans. On May 3, the House approved legislation that would overhaul the way the state stows away money for tough economic times.
Public education
On May 3, the House approved a major overhaul of a rating system that would give schools and districts grades between A and F. Also on May 3, the House approved a bill that would pare back the number of required standardized tests. On April 19, the House passed House Bill 21, its leading school finance bill, which would inject an extra $1.6 billion into the state public education system. The Senate version of the bill includes a provision for private school tuition subsidies.
‘Sanctuary’ jurisdictions
On May 7, Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 4, which would ban “sanctuary” jurisdictions in Texas and allow police to inquire about the immigration status of people they lawfully detain.
Vehicle safety inspections
The Texas Senate on May 4 gave its blessing to a bill that would eliminate the state’s vehicle safety inspection requirement for most vehicles. It would still apply for commercial vehicles.
‘One-punch’ voting
House Bill 25, which the Texas House approved May 5, would eliminate “one-punch” voting, forcing voters to make an individual decision on every ballot item, starting with the 2020 election. The measure must still be considered by the Senate.
Weather-related insurance
The Texas House on May 5 approved a bill that would discourage home and business owners from seeking big payouts from insurance companies after hailstorms, floods and hurricanes.
