School has finally started, and football and dove seasons – two of my favorite pastimes – are both right around the corner. As you begin to contemplate your fall routine, here is what’s happening in your state capitol…


A Bill and Some Change

In recent years there has been increasingly widespread usage of synthetic marijuana, also known as K2 or Kush. This drug attempts to mimic the effects of marijuana, but is created in laboratories from various chemical substances and presents users with a much greater health risk. The makers of this drug have long exploited a loophole in our drug laws, which only outlawed a few of the thousands of different chemical compounds which can create this dangerous drug. To address this issue, the Legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 173, which will effectively close this loophole and make it much more difficult to manufacture this harmful compound. Under SB 173, which goes into effect on September 1, drug dealers will no longer be able to exploit our children and others who would use this drug, and our communities will be safer for it. I was proud to vote for this legislation.


Constitutional Amendments: Part 3 of 7 

Continuing our seven part series, we will be taking an in-depth look at each of the proposed constitutional amendments in each of my columns leading up to the constitutional amendments election on November 3rd, 2015. Here is part three of this series.
Proposition 3 on this November’s ballot is arguably the most simple change of the seven proposed amendments to our state’s constitution. Since 1876, each of the statewide elected officials, such as the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or Attorney General have been required to live in Austin. In the past, this requirement was needed as these elected officials were required to be present in Austin to handle the official duties of their elected office. However, supporters of Prop. 3 argue that with modern transportation and the internet, these elected officials will be able to perform their duties and easily commute to Austin for important meetings when needed. Proposition 3 would eliminate this requirement and allow these elected officials to choose whether or not they want to live in Austin during their time in office.
Additionally, it is important to note that if you have moved, or are not registered to vote, the deadline for voter registration is in a little over a month, on Monday, October 5, 2015. Early voting will be from October 19th through October 30th. If you have any questions regarding any of the proposed amendments, or on how to register to vote, please call my office at (512) 463-0508. We will be glad to help you navigate the process.
Reminders
For the convenience of constituents not wanting to travel far from home, the regular mobile office is set for September 2nd at the Leon County Courthouse in Centerville from 8:30am to 11:00am, and in the Madison County Courthouse Annex in Madisonville from 1:30pm to 4:00pm. It will then be on September 16th at the Houston County Courthouse Annex from 8:30am to 11:00am, and the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30pm to 4:00pm. Finally, the mobile office will be at the San Augustine County Courthouse from 8:30am to 11:00am on September 23rd.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at (936) 634-2762 or (512) 463-0508 if we can ever be of assistance, and remember that our door is always open.
