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’s HB 136, which would include career and technology education in the mission of public education, was approved by both chambers. The bill was sent to the governor.
REP. MARK KEOUGH
R-The Woodlands • Elected: 2012
[email protected]
Latest news
• Keough announced he will not be seeking a third term in office, but instead will be seeking the Montgomery County Judge position.
SEN. ROBERT NICHOLS
R-Jacksonville • Elected: 2006
[email protected]
Latest news
• Nichols was elected as the speaker pro tempore in the Senate. This means he will be acting governor if Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick are out of the state at the same time.
SEN. BRANDON CREIGHTON
R-Conroe • Elected: 2013
[email protected]
Latest news
• Creighton’s Senate Bill 2, which sought to cap increases in property tax rates did not pass out of the house before the end of the legislative session.
REP. WILL METCALF
R-Conroe • Elected: 2014
[email protected]
Latest news
• Metcalf’s HB 455, which allows homeowners to participate in property appraisal protest hearings via telephone, was signed by the governor signed the bill on May 23.
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.
