At the Capitol: Updates from the 85th Texas Legislature

Here is an overview of activity from elected officials in The Woodlands area on various legislation so far this session. [caption id="attachment_232179" align="alignleft" width="97"] Paul Bettencourt[/caption] Paul Bettencourt R-Houston • Elected: 2014 [email protected] Latest news Bettencourt’s Senate Bill 7, which harshens penalties for inappropriate student-teacher relationships, passed both chambers and was signed by Gov. Abbott on May 25.     [caption id="attachment_232194" align="alignleft" width="97"] Brandon Creighton[/caption] Brandon Creighton R-Conroe • Elected: 2014 [email protected] Latest news Creighton’s Senate Bill 2, which sought to cap the ability of local jurisdictions to raise property tax rates, was no longer viable in the House at the end of the session.     [caption id="attachment_232202" align="alignleft" width="97"] Cecil Bell[/caption] Cecil Bell R-Magnolia • Elected: 2013 [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.   [caption id="attachment_220250" align="alignleft" width="131"] Rep. Mark Keough[/caption] Mark Keough R-The Woodlands • Elected: 2012 [email protected] Latest news Keough’s SCR 52 calls upon U.S. Congress to pass a bill that will improve care options for veterans. Gov. Greg Abbott  signed the bill on May 23.   Valoree Swanson R-Tomball • Elected: 2016 valoree.swanson@house.texas.gov Latest news Swanson voted in favor of a measure that would lower criminal penalties for animal cruelty, which the House Freedom Caucus rallied around. The bill eventually passed the House.