By Robert Nichols

This week marks the halfway point in the 87th Legislative Session. We’ve spent the first 70 days filing bills, attending hearings, and working on the budget. Now that we’re halfway through session, things will really start to pick up. We’ve already started voting on bills in committee and on the floor of the Senate. There’s a lot going on down here in Austin and more to come!

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Senate passes Senate Bill 25

I was proud to joint author Senate Bill 25 with 28 of my colleagues led by Senator Kolkhorst. This bill would give nursing home and long-term care residents the right to designate an essential caregiver. An essential caregiver is a family member, friend, guardian, or other individual selected by the resident for in-person visits. This bill would allow that essential caregiver in-person visitation rights that a facility could not deny. Our seniors and long-term care residents suffered from isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though well-intended, shutting down in-person visits to these vulnerable populations left many feeling isolated, alone, and helpless. This bill and the accompanying Senate Joint Resolution would guarantee that our seniors and their loved ones can maintain connection and community despite outside circumstances.

2. All adults eligible for vaccine starting March 29

The Texas Department of State Health Services announced that all Texans 16 and older will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting on March 29. Providers are being asked to prioritize appointments for people 80 and older. According to DSHS, Texas has administered almost 10 million doses and they expect the vaccine supply to increase. More than 3 million people have already been fully vaccinated and 6 million have received their first dose. Opening up eligibility comes as new coronavirus cases and hospitalization rates are at lows not seen since last fall and death rates have fallen. This is all welcome news as the state begins to reopen more fully and the vaccine becomes more available.

3. HHSC expanding visitation at nursing homes, long-term care facilities

After a year of isolation, fully vaccinated residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities will be able to receive visitors and have physical contact with loved ones as long as the facility permits it. The state announced this week that all assisted living centers, long-term care facilities, and nursing homes fall under the new rules. The Health and Human Services Commission stated the importance of visiting with friends and family and the impact it will have on residents’ mental health and well-being. Before this new rule, only designated essential caregivers could visit for limited amounts of time, maintaining social distancing, and after receiving training and screening. Now, residents are free to visit with their loved ones for an unlimited amount of time, physically touch them, and facilities are not required to limit indoor visitation to designated areas.

4. Governor sends letter to President Biden demanding answers on border crisis

This week the Governor sent a letter to President Biden asking if his administration is investigating the circumstances under which a wave of migrants, including thousands of unaccompanied minors, are arriving at the border. So far this year, more than 11,000 minors have been apprehended crossing the border into Texas. From January to February, the number of apprehensions went up 60 percent. The Governor asks a number of questions of the administration, some centered around the children’s safety and if they’re being screened appropriately to see if any of them are victims of human trafficking. In the letter, Governor Abbott urges the Biden Administration to find human traffickers and prosecute them to prevent other children from being trafficked. The Governor has also expanded the scope of Texas’ Operation Lone Star to include investigating and stopping any human trafficking that may be occurring along and over our southern border.

5. East Texas bull riders dominate at Professional Bull Riding event

Houston County native Boudreaux Campbell, 22, won his second career victory at a Professional Bull Riding event in Kansas City this week. The East Texas bull rider hit the high-marked ride of the season and top bull score for the 2021 PBR campaign. He’s also the reigning Rookie of the Year. Another East Texan, Cooper Davis, 27, of Jasper County finished second in last weekend’s contest. Davis is currently ranked number one in the world standings. East Texas is proud to support these two accomplished young bull riders and we wish them luck!

By Robert Nichols

Texas Independence Day is celebrated on March 2nd and commemorates the creation of the Republic of Texas in 1836 after our declaration of independence from Mexico. Sixty men signed the Texas Declaration of Independence including the legendary Sam Houston, who would go on to be president of the Republic of Texas, a US Senator after Texas joined the United States, and later the governor of Texas. His birthday also happens to fall on March 2nd.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Governor Abbott announces end to statewide mask mandate, other pandemic restrictions

The governor announced a new executive order that rescinds most of his earlier pandemic-related orders, including the statewide mask mandate and restrictions on business capacity. Businesses may make their own decisions about mask requirements, capacity limits, and other safety measures in their establishments. If COVID-19 hospitalizations rise above 15% of the hospital bed capacity in any of the state’s 22 hospital regions, a county judge within that region may implement additional health safety strategies. These new orders go into effect next week on March 10. This all comes as the state is administering almost 1 million vaccines a week. By the end of March, the goal is for every senior who wants a vaccine to be able to get one. Additionally, teachers have been included in the group now eligible for the vaccine.

2. Data Privacy bill filed

This week I filed SB 15, a bill dedicated to ensuring your private, personal information stays private. Over the interim, I found out that governmental entities are selling, disclosing, and allowing the resale of personal information, in particular the information attached to motor vehicle records and drivers licenses. That information includes your name, address, and driver’s license number. The bill I filed fixes that by restricting the disclosure of personal information to essential government agencies, and forbidding re-disclosure or resale of personal information to entities such as marketing and technology companies. This bill has been named as one of the Lt. Governor’s priorities this session, and I’m hopeful it will be signed into law.

3. Texas Parks and Wildlife saves sea turtles from frigid waters

Thousands of sea turtles were rescued from freezing waters by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and other organizations during the winter storm event last month. The Texas Game Wardens pulled at least 141 sea turtles out of the water and onto the decks of the PV Murchison in the Brownsville Ship Channel. The sea turtles become “cold stunned” in the water, meaning they become lethargic and unable to move into deeper water. This can result in stranding or drowning. The TPWD and other organizations transported the turtles to a proper facility to be cared for until the water temperature warms and they can be safely returned back to the ocean. A big thanks to our game wardens and other officials for watching over our nautical friends!

4. Texas wins Governors Cup for ninth year in a row

Site Selection Magazine announced that Texas won the Governor’s Cup for the ninth year in a row, a new record. The Governor’s Cup is awarded to states with top performance for job creation and capital investment. It’s based on any new or expanded corporate facilities in the state. Texas has seen growth and continued investment from large businesses and industries despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Several large companies are moving their headquarters to the state and investing in new campuses and offices for that move. I’m proud to live in a state that attracts job creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs; Texas continues to foster a business environment that empowers people to succeed.

5. TCEQ says nearly 12 million Texans were on a boil water notice due to winter storms

Nearly 12 million Texans were put under a boil water notice during the winter storm last month due to water levels dropping dangerously low. That means roughly 1 in 3 Texans had no access to clean water. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said approximately 590 public water systems in 141 counties were reporting disruptions in service, leaving Texans with no potable water after enduring days of freezing and below freezing temperatures. The water quality issues were related to a lack of electricity at water treatment plants, frozen and broken water lines, and residents dripping faucets to prevent pipes from bursting. This is just another facet of the crisis the winter storms threw us into. The legislature is working diligently to solve these problems and ensure our electric grid is reliable and can endure extreme weather events.

By Robert Nichols

As Texas recovers from the destructive storms last week, the legislature is back at work and focused on finding answers to what happened last week. This week we also resumed work on the budget in the Senate Finance Committee. We heard from Article III agencies, including TEA and all of our institutes of higher education. To finish the week, we will hear from Article II agencies, including Health and Human Services Commission and the Department of State Health Services.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Six ERCOT board members resign

As of Thursday, six members of ERCOT’s 16-member board announced they would resign Tuesday after massive blackouts affecting millions of Texans during disastrous winter weather left many without power in subfreezing temperatures for days. Five of the six board members that are resigning, including the chairwoman and the vice-chairman, live out-of-state, a fact that many Texans and legislators take issue with.

Several legislators have filed bills to ensure that all ERCOT board members are Texas residents. ERCOT manages the flow of electric power through the state’s power grid. Weeks before the storm, ERCOT assured stakeholders that power plants were prepared for winter storms. It’s obvious that was not the case, and as the vice-chair of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee, I look forward to getting answers from ERCOT, the PUC, power generators, and other industry professionals about what went wrong and how to prevent such a catastrophic failure in the future.

2. Governor calls meeting of legislators about electric billing

Over the weekend, Governor Abbott convened an emergency meeting of a group of legislators to discuss the spike in Texans’ energy bills following the power outages across the state. As a member of that work group, I think it’s important for Texans to know that this issue is a priority for all of us. We are working quickly and collaboratively in both chambers to address this issue. The system is complicated and assessing the total cost of these energy bills is ongoing. I look forward to finding a solution to these issues and find ways the state can help mollify this extreme financial burden.

3. Vaccinations get back on track after winter storms

Distribution for the COVID-19 vaccine was disrupted last week due to the intense winter weather Texas faced. Six million doses nationwide, including 450,000 doses bound for Texas, were delayed due to deferred shipments, impassable road conditions, and power outages. However, vaccine providers are confident that Texas can rebound.

This week 1.5 million doses are set to arrive in the state, including last week’s undelivered doses. This comes as vaccine makers told Congress that a big jump in delivery of doses is coming in the near future. By the end of March, Pfizer and Moderna expect to have provided the government with 220 million vaccines. Moreover, both companies expect to deliver 300 million doses each by the end of the summer and Johnson and Johnson assured they would provide 100 million of their vaccines.

4. PUC issues moratorium on utility disconnection for non-payment

In an emergency meeting, the Public Utility Commission issued an order halting utility disconnections for non-payment. These orders are directed at investor owned utilities that fall under the PUC’s jurisdiction, including Oncor, AEP, CenterPoint, and TNMP. Importantly, they do not apply to municipally owned utilities or electric cooperatives.

This is welcome news as many Texas received high electric bills following the widespread power outages during the winter storms. Though many Texans are on fixed rate electricity contracts with their providers, those that are not are facing sky-rocketing bills.  The PUC strongly urged retail electric providers to delay sending invoices out, especially to residential customers.

5. Students learning virtually will not have to take the STAAR test

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath announced that Texas students who are learning remotely this semester will not be required to take the annual STAAR test. The state logistically can’t administer the test remotely, so those students can opt-out. However, students who are learning in-person will be taking the STAAR test, but without any of the stakes attached.

This year, the test is being used to gauge where students are at after a year of disrupted learning caused by the pandemic. There will be no accountability for school districts or campuses attached to the STAAR this year and it will not be used to evaluate whether or not students can or should progress to the next grade level.

By Robert Nichols

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Groundhog Day, signaling 6 more weeks of winter. Since 1887, the groundhog in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania has been central to the legend of Groundhog Day, celebrated every February 2. Let’s hope he’s wrong this year.

Here are five things happening around the state this week:

1. Texas Water Development Board authorized $44.5 million in Flood Mitigation Assistance

Last month, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved $44.5 million in FEMA grants for their Flood Mitigation Assistance program. The Flood Mitigation Assistance program is a competitive grant program that provides funding to states and local communities for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage. TWDB administers the FEMA grant program for Texas. Eleven grants for Texas projects were approved, including four in Senate District 3. Montgomery County was awarded $10.07 million for acquisition projects, Orange County was awarded $1 million for elevation projects, the City of Pearland was awarded $1.35 million for elevation projects, and the City of Vidor was awarded over $400,000 for acquisition projects. That totals over $12.5 million for Senate District 3 flood mitigation projects, a much needed investment in our more flood-prone areas.

2. Texas economy ranked 9th largest in the world

According to the most recent GDP data from the International Monetary Fund, Texas entered 2021 as the worlds 9th largest economy, overtaking Brazil who was ranked 9th since 2015. This ranking places Texas in front of other large global economies such as Canada, South Korea, and Russia. Texas has a GDP of $1.9 trillion, whereas the US total GDP totals around $21.4 trillion, making it the worlds largest economy. It’s a good time to be in business in Texas and we look forward to continued growth in 2021.

3. Governor Abbott Names Broadband as an Emergency Item in State of the State Address

This week, Governor Abbott delivered his State of the State address in Austin. During the half-hour speech, he touched on topics ranging from the pandemic and the vaccine effort to the Texas economy and job growth. In the speech, he named five emergency items, a designation that will allow legislators to vote on and pass legislation before the 60-day mark. One of the emergency items was expanding broadband access. Lack of rural broadband has been an issue in the state for a long time and something I’ve been working on for several years. The global pandemic has only shown us just how necessary high-speed internet is for telehealth, education, and business. This session I have filed legislation with Rep. Ashby that would expand broadband access. I’m thrilled the governor has made this subject an emergency item and know that we will be working diligently to pass meaningful reform to get rural Texans the high-speed internet they need.

4. US Military Medical Professionals Treating COVID-19 Patients in Lufkin

Lufkin is one of three cities across the state that military medical personnel are deploying to in response to the ongoing pandemic. They will also be deploying to Abilene and Eagle Pass. The medical personnel will be supporting local hospitals and frontline workers in treating COVID-19 patients. The military medical professionals will be working at St. Luke’s Lufkin. The hospital is also planning to expand by opening a third COVID-19 unit in preparation for another influx of cases. This all comes as two new vaccination hubs opened in East Texas. The newest hubs in Jasper and Palestine join existing hubs in Liberty County and Montgomery County.

5. Big Thicket National Preserve Issuing Free Feral Hog Trapping Permits

The Feral Hog Trapping Program is offering free hog trapping permits in the Big Thicket National Preserve. The feral hog population is becoming a problem in that area, which covers parts of Jasper, Polk, and Tyler counties. Feral hogs can be aggressive and outcompete other native animals for food, water, and resources, throwing the existing ecosystem out of balance. Hunters are allowed to trap and kill as many hogs as they can. Last year, around 250 feral hogs were removed and the preserve is hoping for even more removals this year. The program issues 50 free permits on a first-come, first-serve basis. Hunters are allowed to bring one trap and one feeder and hogs in the trap must be killed with a firearm only. No hunting dogs are allowed while hog trapping in the area. The program runs until the beginning of general hunting season in November. Permits are available at the Big Thicket’s Visitor Center.

By Robert Nichols

The third week of session is coming to a close. The Redistricting Committee has been meeting every day this week to hear testimony from the public and Senate Finance will start meeting next month.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Texas Gun and Ammo Sales Rise

Gun and ammo sales are skyrocketing in Texas again this year. Some retailers said their sales doubled in 2020 when compared to 2019 and they’re struggling to keep inventory on the shelves. According to a National Shooting Sports Foundation report, there were about 5 million new gun owners in 2020 nationwide. Manufacturers are saying they have enough orders to fill the next three years of production. One man who has been in the gun industry for six years said, “People can buy ammo and shoot ammo faster than they can make it.”

2. Southeast Texas Regional Operations Center Vaccine Website

The Southeast Texas Regional Operations Center (SETROC) has created a new website to allow residents in a five-county region to sign up to be notified when there are COVID-19 vaccines available. The regional operations center serves Orange, Jefferson, Hardin, Jasper, and Newton Counties.

There is a four-step process involved for citizens who want to get vaccinated. First, complete the sign-up form on the SETROC website. That web address is https://vaccine.beaumonttexas.gov/. After signing up, you will receive a confirmation email. Importantly, just signing up does not mean you have an appointment. The next communication you receive from SETROC will inform you that you are eligible to schedule a vaccination appointment. This will come as an email and an automated phone call. You can return to the above web address to schedule your appointment and complete necessary paperwork.

After you receive the first dose of the vaccine, you will receive a card indicating an approximate time when your next dose is due. A few days prior to that date, you’ll receive another email and automated phone call to schedule your second appointment. We are working to stand up additional vaccine hubs throughout East Texas as quickly as providers are able to source more vaccines.

3. Driver’s License Expiration Waiver Ends in April

The Texas Department of Public Safety is reminding Texans that the waiver that allowed people to put off renewing their expired driver’s licenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic is set to expire April 14. If you are driving with an expired license make an appointment to renew your license or renew your license online. Many Texans can use the online renewal process, an easy and safe option that doesn’t require you to ever set foot in an office. Currently, driver’s license offices are operating on an appointment only basis, so DPS is encouraging Texans to make an appointment as soon as possible to avoid fines or other penalties. You can make an appointment online at https://dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense.

4. Cleveland Hospital Selected as COVID-19 Vaccine Hub

Texas Emergency Hospital in Cleveland has been selected as a vaccination hub by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The first shipment of vaccines were set to arrive at the hospital last week. Vaccines are still being prioritized for Phase 1A and Phase 1B of the roll out. Phase 1A includes frontline healthcare workers, residents at long-term care facilities, home health workers, and first responders. Phase 1B includes persons 65 and older, or 16 and older with chronic medical conditions. The vaccine is being provided free of cost. To schedule an appointment please call 281-806-7370 or 281-806-7380.

5. Senate Budget Proposal Highlights

Last week, Senate Finance Chairwoman Jane Nelson filed SB 1, the Senate’s base budget. This is the first step in the legislative process for developing the states budget for the next two years. As filed, the bill appropriates $251.2 billion in All Funds and $119.7 billion in General Revenue. The bill funds public education and the changes made to the school finance formulas last session including $3.1 billion to fund enrollment growth and $1 billion in state aid related to property tax compression. There is also $8 billion allocated for mental health funding across 24 state agencies, including $19.5 million to maintain operations for the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium. The Texas Department of Transportation would receive $30.4 billion to address the state’s transportation needs, including $26.4 billion dedicated for highway planning, design, construction and maintenance. This is a great starting point for the budget process and I look forward to working on the budget as a member of the Senate Finance Committee this session.