On March 6, 1836, the Alamo fell to the Mexican army after thirteen days under siege. General Santa Anna launched an early morning assault on the mission; the battle lasted 90 minutes. All defenders of the Alamo were killed in the battle. The slogan “Remember the Alamo!” became a rallying cry for the Texas Revolution, which successfully defeated the Mexican army at the Battle of San Jacinto weeks later.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Golden Triangle Day at the Capitol

This week I was thrilled to welcome a large contingent of constituents from Southeast Texas for Golden Triangle Day at the Texas Capitol. The Golden Triangle refers to the region comprising Beaumont, Orange, Port Arthur, and the counties of Jefferson and Orange. The event was organized by the Beaumont Orange, and Port Arthur Chambers of Commerce. Industry and community leaders came to Austin to showcase the importance of Southeast Texas to the state and explain the legislative agenda for the area.

2. Bill to ban sale of THC products heard in Senate committee

The Senate State Affairs Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 3 by Senator Charles Perry this week. The bill would outlaw products containing any THC, which is the psychoactive element in marijuana. A few sessions ago, a bill passed to help support the emerging hemp industry by authorizing the sale of consumable hemp, which has trace amounts of non-intoxicating delta-9 THC. However, that bill limited the amount of THC products could have to not more than 0.3% concentration – anything higher is considered marijuana. While both marijuana and hemp are cannabis plants, hemp has lower THC levels than marijuana, which is the distinction between the two. Since 2019 when the law approving consumable hemp sales passed, the state has seen a proliferation of businesses that claim to sell hemp-derived products. However, these products often have effects more similar to marijuana products and have THC concentrations well above the legal limit. This bill is an attempt to rein in an industry that has exploded across the state and many are operating illegally. The hearing extended for many hours and ultimately left the bill pending in committee.

3. Increase for judicial pay, accountability pass Senate Finance

Senate Bill 293 by Senator Joan Huffman passed Senate Finance this week. The bill serves two purposes – providing a pay raise for judges across the state and strengthening judicial accountability and transparency. The bill provides a 15 percent salary increase in base pay for judges, including district judges, appellate and high-court judges, elected prosecutors, and judges with more experience in the higher salary tiers. A few weeks ago, the newly appointed Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court Jimmy Blacklock delivered the State of the Judiciary Address. One of the key points of his speech was addressing judicial pay. He pointed out that Texas ranks 48^th out of 50 states in judicial pay. This bill would address those concerns and help attract more high-quality candidates to the job.

The second part of the bill provides more accountability and transparency over judges by expanding the definition of judicial misconduct, enhancing the complaint process against judges, requiring quarterly reporting of district judges’ duties, and modifying eligibility requirements for retired judges to serve in temporary assignments.

4. Battleship Texas one step closer to a new home

The Battleship Texas Foundation announced this week the dreadnought has found a new home at Pier 15 in Galveston. The Galveston Wharves Board unanimously approved the recommendation to make the pier the iconic ship’s new home. The contracts, environmental permitting, and marine and traffic analysis are ongoing, but Board approval was an important step. The Battleship is currently undergoing extensive renovations funded by the state to ensure future generations can enjoy and learn about her incredible legacy.

5. TPWD predicts excellent spring turkey season

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is predicting a strong spring turkey season due to an abundance of two-year-old turkeys. During 2023 and 2024, most of Texas saw a bump in production and recruitment which will ultimately temporarily expand the footprint of where the birds are found. The East Turkey Zone is comprised of 12 counties including Bowie, Cass, Fannin, Grayson, Jasper, Lamar, Marion, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Red River, and Sabine. There is a one turkey bag limit for the zone and mandatory reporting is required within 24 hours of harvest. The East Zone season is from April 22 to May 14. Other zones in the state open as early as March 15. Happy Hunting!

On March 2nd, 1836 The Texas Declaration of Independence was signed at Washington-on-the Brazos. This Sunday will mark 189 years since the Republic of Texas declared itself an independent nation.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Finance committee hears bill regarding Dementia Prevention Institute
This week the Senate Finance Committee will hear Senate Bill 5 and Senate Joint Resolution 3, both authored by Senator Joan Huffman. The bill and accompanying resolution will create the Dementia Prevention Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT). The institute will enhance and support research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of dementia and related disorders. The bill and resolution would create a $3 billion fund to support and expedite innovation in dementia research over the next 10 years. The institute will award grants to create, attract, and expand research capabilities of eligible institutions of higher education and other public and private entities. DPRIT follows a model created several session ago for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), an incredibly successful model to attract the best and brightest researchers to the state to develop innovative cancer treatments. I am excited to work on legislation to combat this growing issue.

2. Teacher pay raises pass Texas Senate
On Wednesday, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 26 authored by Senator Brandon Creighton. SB 26 approves across the board raises for Texas teachers. The bill will help recruit and retain teachers in both rural and urban schools. In rural areas teachers with five or more years experience may receive up to a $10,000 raise. In districts with more than 5,000 students, teachers with five or more years experience may receive up to a $5,500 raise. This bipartisan effort will also expand the Teacher Incentive Allotment, which allows raises to be granted based on student performance.

3. Senate bill filed to end courier services at Texas Lottery Commission
Senate Bill 28 by Senator Bob Hall was heard in the Senate State Affairs Committee this week. The bill seeks to end Lottery ticket sales over the Internet, including via mobile devices. Existing statute already prohibits the sale of tickets via telephone, but this bill clarifies that includes over the internet. In recent years, the rules at the Lottery Commission were changed to allow for “courier services.” These services allow buyers to order tickets via an app. The third party would
then in turn purchase tickets from a ticket retailer and deliver them electronically to the buyer. This bill will implement necessary safety measure to reduce the risk of fraudulent activity connected to the Texas Lottery. The lottery is a sizable source of revenue for our state, and this added safe guard will ensure the ethical operation of the system. In addition, the governor has called on the Texas Rangers to investigate fraudulent activity at the Lottery Commission and with Lottery ticket sales connected to these courier services.

4. Bill filed providing affirmative defense for a landowner to disable a drone
Representative Jeff Leach filed House Bill 2916 this week, which would allow landowners to shoot down unmanned aircraft over their property. The bill provides an affirmative defense for shooting down a drone or unidentified flying object. For the bill to apply, three criteria must be met: the object must have been on property “owned or legally occupied by the person,” it must be shot using a firearm “legally possessed by the person to disable, damage, or destroy an unmanned aircraft that the person did not authorize to be on or over the property,” and that the person has not been “prohibited from discharging the firearm” by the penal code, or policy governing the use of the property. It is a crime to knowingly or recklessly- destroy, damage, or tamper with another person’s tangible property, however under the proposed legislation, if a person can prove the three criteria have been met, it could reduce or void criminal or civil liability.

5. Scam texts targeting Texans posing as toll road
Texas drivers have experienced a surge in fraudulent texts claiming that they have unpaid tolls. The most widely received text, which impersonates the Texas Department of Transportation, states that the driver has unpaid fees and can avoid any late penalties by paying their fee within the next twelve hours. Often, these texts include a link which appears to be to “TxTag” and is signed from the “Toll Roads Team.” TxDOT has reminded customers that they do not send text messages about unpaid tolls. If TxDOT needs to reach a customer, the message will likely be sent from a 22498 number, but any legitimate messages will not be in reference to unpaid bills. TxDOT is working to take down the fraudulent websites impersonating their operation.

This week will mark the anniversary of the “Travis Letter.” On February 24th, 1836, William B. Travis wrote a letter addressed “To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World” ending his letter with the powerful “Victory or Death.” 

Here are five things happening around your state:  

1. Bill filed to give teachers pay raises 

Senator Brandon Creighton filed Senate Bill 26 this week which would give permanent teacher pay raises to all teachers across the state. The bill would increase teacher pay in accordance to experience and additional increases for teachers at smaller schools. Teachers with 3-4 years of experience would receive an increase of $2,500 per year at schools of more than 5,000 students and $5,000 at schools with 5,000 students or less. Teachers with 5 or more years of experience will receive a $5,500 pay increase at schools of more than 5,000 students and $10,000 at schools with 5,000 students or less. Additionally, the bill would expand the existing Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) which was created in 2019. This bill would create an additional category for teacher designations which will create additional pay. Under this legislation, the number of teachers designated would increase from 33 percent to 50 percent. Additionally, the bill would provide free pre-K for teachers’ children at the district they’re employed. Texas teachers deserve a pay raise and I look forward to supporting our teachers this session. 

2. Bail reform bills pass Senate

This week the Texas Senate passed a package of bills reforming the state’s bail system. Three bills, all by Senator Joan Huffman, will require a denial of bail to certain violent offenders and will increase accountability of bail setting. SJR 1 will ask voters to approve an amendment to the state constitution that would require judges to deny bail to any illegal immigrant arrested on suspicion of a felony offense, if the judge has probable cause to believe the suspect committed the alleged crime. SB 9 will increase judges access to criminal history and will require that bail be set by an elected judge as opposed to a magistrate for certain offenders, including those accused of the most serious violent crimes. Lastly SB 40 would prohibit any taxpayer funds from being donated to charitable bond organizations. 

Senator Huffman offered SJR 1 in memory of Jocelyn Nungary, a 12-year-old girl from Houston who was allegedly attacked and murdered by two illegal immigrants. 

3. FCIC successfully investigates, prosecutes card skimming 

A Smith County court issued a life sentence to Fabrizio Slatineanu who illegally entered the country and was found guilty of stealing credit card information through a “skimmer,” a small device that can be inserted into ATMs or gas pumps. Officials stated that Slatineanu stole more than $280,000 from Smith County residents in a single weekend. The case was prosecuted by the Smith County District Attorney’s Office. The conviction was a result of a multi-agency investigation involving the Smith County Sherriff’s Office, the Tyler Police Department, the Lindale Police Department, and the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center. The FCIC coordinates with law enforcement across the world to protect consumers and the Texas economy by preventing, identifying, and investigating organized financial crimes. 

4. TDA launches downtown revitalization program 

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) will continue a program to provide funding to improve infrastructure for economic activity within designated downtown districts or Main Street areas. Eligible applicants must be incorporated municipalities. TDA states that Downtown Districts can typically be described as a city’s historic area of commerce, an economic center of the community, or the areas around a courthouse or city square. Communities can apply now and applications will be due April 3rd.  

5. School safety, broadband, tax-payer funded lobbying bills filed this week

This week I filed several bills regarding a variety of issues in our district and state. Senate Bill 1262 will continue efforts from last session to improve the safety of our public schools by allowing the Texas Education Agency to commission peace officers. This added ability will ensure our public school have access to significant safety measures. Additionally, I filed Senate Bill 1405 which will align the state’s definition of internet or broadband speed with the federal standard. SB 1405 will add measures to increase accessibility to high speed internet. I also filed Senate Bill 1420 which will prohibit cities, counties, and school districts from hiring taxpayer-funded, contract lobbyists.

This weekend we celebrate President’s Day, honoring all US presidents. The holiday originally
celebrated George Washington’s birthday on February 22. It became a federal holiday celebrated
on the third Monday in February in 1968.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Homestead exemption increase passes Senate

This week, the Senate passed Senate Bill 4 and Senate Joint Resolution 2 by Senator Paul Bettencourt which builds on efforts of the past several sessions to provide more property tax relief to homeowners across the state. The measures would increase the existing homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000 (and $150,000 for seniors). Increasing the homestead exemption gives homeowners permanent property tax relief. In conjunction with buying down property tax rates, homeowners could see an annual average property tax reduction of almost $500. Last session, the Legislature approved an increase to the homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000, which was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2023. I was proud to co-author and vote for these bills and look forward to working with our partners in the House on providing lasting property tax relief.

2. Prayer in schools, Ten Commandments bills filed

This week two of Lt. Governor Dan Patrick’s priority bills were filed in the Senate. Senate Bill 10 by Senator Phil King would require every classroom in the state to display a copy of the Ten Commandments. Schools would not be required to purchase posters described in the bill, but would need to display them if donated to the district.

Additionally, Senator Mayes Middleton filed Senate Bill 11, which aims to protect prayer in schools by allowing the school board to adopt a policy that would require campuses to provide an optional period of prayer and reading of religious texts. Parents would have to consent to allowing their student to participate in the prayer time and the period could not be a substitute for instructional time. Allowing districts the flexibility and local control to reflect what they believe is best for their communities enables our schools to support students in all aspects of their lives.

3. Hundreds of National Guard troops helping Border Patrol in Laredo

More Texas National Guard troops are on their way to Laredo to assist the US Border Patrol in enhancing border security. Over 300 members of the Texas National Guard will be performing immigration officer duties under the supervision of US Customs and Border Protection officials. They will not be operating independently. Border Patrol will still be leading the effort and assisting with any apprehensions. The Trump Administration has made securing our southern border a top priority since Inauguration Day. Resources have surged to the area to support operations at the southern border to ensure public safety.

4. Texas has more top tier research universities than any other state

The American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching released a report this week detailing the number of Tier 1 research universities in each state. Texas led all states with 16 universities achieving Tier 1 status. California had 14 and New York had 12. Tier 1 research universities are those that spend at least $50 million in total research spending and award at least 70 research doctorates annually. This year, only 187 institutions were given a Tier 1 designation. Tier 1 status can attract more students, faculty, researchers, and resources. The education groups last released updated classifications in 2022. At that time, Texas, California, and New York were all tied with 11 institutions each. The five additional universities added in Texas include Baylor College of Medicine, Southern Methodist
University, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and the UT Southwestern Medical Center. Building a robust system for postsecondary education helps the Texas economy continue to grow and attract talented students from within the state and across the nation.

5. New York Stock Exchange opening Texas operation

This week the New York Stock Exchange announced it will move one of its electronic exchanges from Chicago to Texas. The reincorporated entity will be the NYSE Texas and will allow companies to list their stocks in Texas. The New York Stock Exchange said in a news release it aims to cater to the growing number of companies headquartered in Texas. Our
business-friendly policies are attracting an ever-growing number of businesses to relocate here. This news comes on the heels of the Texas Stock Exchange filing its registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a goal of opening early next year.

One hundred and forty-three years ago this week, building commissioners for the Texas Capitol broke ground for the present-day building. Nimrod Norton and Joseph Lee turned the first shovels on February 1, 1882. The construction took six years and was dedicated in 1888. 

Here are five things happening around your state:  

1. Governor Abbott announces seven emergency items 

Last weekend Governor Abbott delivered the State of the State address in Austin. In the speech, he outlined a list of priorities he would like the Legislature to address during this legislative session. Among those priorities he listed seven emergency items. Typically, action cannot be taken on regular bills before the 60th day of session, which is also the bill filing deadline. Emergency items are distinct because the Legislature may take action on them before the 60th day of session. The governors seven emergency items are:

• Property tax relief 
• Water infrastructure investment 
• Teacher pay raise 
• Career and technical training 
• School choice 
• Bail reform 
• Creation of Texas Cyber Command
  
  

I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate and our partners in the House on these important issues. It is critical the Legislature address property taxes, water infrastructure, and education funding this session. Work on these bills has already begun. 

2. Bail reform bills filed, hearing next week

This week, Senator Joan Huffman filed a slate of bills related to reforming our bail system to enhance public safety across Texas. Senate Bill 9 and the accompanying Senate Joint Resolution 17 will continue work Senator Huffman has championed over the past several legislative sessions. SJR 17 is a constitutional amendment that would allow judges to deny bail to violent offenders who pose threats to public safety. Similar measures have passed the Senate five times during other sessions. Senator Huffman also filed SJR 49 which would require the denial of bail for an illegal alien charged with an offense punishable as a felony. The Senate Criminal Justice committee is holding a public hearing next week to hear testimony related to these and several other bail reform bills. I applaud Senator Huffman’s diligence in protecting the public from violent offenders and will help to ensure these measures receive support this session. 

3. Texas A&M to build small nuclear reactors at RELLIS campus

The Texas A&M University System is exploring development of small nuclear reactors on its research campus in Bryan. Four companies were selected to research the possibility of building a reactor, including Kairos Power, Natura Resources, Aalo Atomics, and Terrestrial Energy. Natura Resources is currently working with Abilene Christian University and helped secure the first construction permit for a liquid-fueled advanced reactor and only the second for any advanced reactor from federal regulators. The university hopes to create an environment at Texas A&M ideal for cutting-edge technologies to demonstrate commercial viability while offering nuclear engineering expertise from the university. The university has requested $200 million from the Legislature to upgrade necessary infrastructure at the RELLIS campus in Bryan to support a nuclear reactor. 

4. Homestead exemption increase bill filed 

This week, Senator Paul Bettencourt filed a bill to increase the property tax homestead exemption. Senate Bill 4, on which I am a joint author, would increase the existing homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000 (and $150,000 for seniors). Increasing the homestead exemption gives homeowners permanent property tax relief. In conjunction with property tax compression included in the state budget, homeowners could see an annual average property tax reduction of almost $500. The bill also includes hold-harmless provisions for local school districts so districts will not feel negative financial impacts from the bill. Any shortfalls created by the exemption would be fully covered by the state. The bill, if passed by both chambers, would ultimately go to the voters for approval. Last session, the Legislature approved an increase to the homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000, which was overwhelming approved by voters last fall. 

5. Bill to increase school safety allotments filed 

Senator Joan Huffman filed Senate Bill 260 which would double school safety allotments. Currently, school districts receive $15,000 per campus in their district and $10 per student for safety measures. This bill, which I signed on as a coauthor, would increase those allotments to $30,000 per campus and $20 per student. Last session, I carried House Bill 3, which established these allotments among other school safety provisions. I am excited to work with Senator Huffman to continue the important work of ensuring our schools have the resources necessary to keep our students safe.