By the time you read this column, the Texas House will have adjourned Sine Die (meaning without assigning a day for a further meeting), closing the curtain on the 86th Legislative Session. While in previous sessions, legislators returned home with the looming possibility of a special session, Governor Abbott has indicated that given the productive nature of this session, no special session will be called. It has truly been an honor to serve as your Representative this session, and I look forward to spending more time in the district giving updates on the progress we’ve made, and also having conversations about issues that need to be addressed during the 87th Legislative Session. Until then, please know that both our Capitol and district offices will still be available to assist you with any issues or concerns you might have at the state or local level.
With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol. . .
Legislative Update
Under the Texas Constitution, bills passed by the Legislature must be submitted to the Governor for approval. The Governor can sign a bill, veto a bill, or allow a bill to become law without his signature. Governor Abbott has 20 days after the final day of session to sign or veto a bill, and if neither action is taken, the bill becomes law without his signature. Sunday, June 16th, is the 20th day following final adjournment of the 86th Regular Session, and legislators will wait in eager anticipation with the hope that their bills are not vetoed during this period. With that in mind, I thought it would be appropriate to give you an update on some of the legislation I filed this session.
Of the 14 bills I passed out of the House and Senate this session, six have already been signed by the Governor. Already receiving his signature is a measure to cut burdensome red tape, while protecting the precious groundwater resources in East Texas. Another promotes taxpayer fairness by preventing appraisal districts from artificially raising taxes on timber owners, and one designates May 4th as Firefighter Appreciation Day in Texas. Still awaiting his signature is a bill that encourages school students to master critical civics knowledge, such as the names of our founding fathers, information about our constitution, and the importance of some of the critical events that made our country the great nation it is today. Additionally, I hope to receive the Governor’s approval on a bill that would ensure no taxpayer dollars are wasted when agencies go through the process of finally approving state contracts with outside legal counsel, and another to protect teachers’ right to remove disruptive students from the classroom.
Reminders
The mobile office is on the road this month and looks forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations: June 5th at the Leon County Courthouse in Centerville from 9:00-11:00am, or at the Madison County Courthouse Annex in Madisonville from 1:30-3:30pm; June 19th at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crocket from 9:00am-11:00am, or at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30pm-3:30pm; and finally on June 26th at the San Augustine County Courthouse in San Augustine from 9:00am-11:00am.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office if we can help you in any way. Our district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762, or you can call our Capitol office at (512) 463-0508.
