By Robert Nichols

Last week the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 5, a bill I authored that would address broadband access across the state. I appreciate the support of my colleagues and the leadership from the House author Rep. Trent Ashby.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Texas Department of Transportation offering Project Celebration grants.

The Texas Department of Transportation is offering $750 mini-grants to high schools for alcohol-free and drug-free parties after prom or graduation events.

The funding comes through the Project Celebration program, and schools must apply through TxDOT by April 16.

The aim of Project Celebration is to keep students safe and alcohol-free throughout the school year and reduce the number of injuries and deaths caused by impaired driving.

To participate, schools must notify the TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist for their region. Events must follow CDC and school safety measures, including all-night lock-in events.

2. One million doses allocated to Texas this week.

More than one million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were shipped to providers across Texas this week according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The doses will go to 779 providers in 202 counties.

Texas has now administered more than 10 million doses statewide. More than 6.8 million people have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 3.5 million are fully vaccinated. Sixty percent of Texas seniors have received at least one dose and 30% of all eligible Texans have received one dose.

Increasing rates of vaccination has helped drive down the number of new cases and people hospitalized with COVID-19. Current rates are at their lowest level since October.

3. Senate passes ERCOT reform bill.

The Texas Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 3 this week. This bill would overhaul the state’s electricity market and would require all power generators, transmission lines, natural gas facilities and pipelines to make upgrades for extreme weather events. The bill tasks the PUC and the Railroad Commission to conduct on-site inspections to verify compliance.

Senate Bill 3 also would ban indexed retail electric plans, like those offered by Griddy. Those customers saw soaring energy prices during Winter Storm Uri due to a spike in wholesale electricity pricing.

Another component of the bill would create a statewide emergency alert system run by the Texas Department of Emergency Management that would be used in the event of future blackouts. It also directs TDEM to classify winter storms similarly to how hurricanes are categorized.

The bill also would formalize the Texas Energy Reliability Council, which coordinates regulators, generators and other industry partners to ensure the state’s gas distribution for electricity needs are met. The bill now heads to the Texas House.

4. T.L.L. Temple Foundation awards grants to school districts.

School districts have faced many difficulties in the past year handling the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to educate students. As such, the T.L.L. Temple Foundation has awarded grants to 12 school districts in East Texas totaling $337,000, with $30,000 going to each district.

Schools can use the funds as they see fit with some using the funds to provide additional focused instruction and intervention support services to meet the needs of students. Learning disruptions from the coronavirus pandemic could have years-long impacts on students and some students may have extensive learning loss since schools went virtual more than a year ago.

Though most students in East Texas are back in the classroom now, that learning loss will manifest in evaluations and assessments to come. It’s important to identify at-risk students now so that schools can provide targeted instruction to fill learning gaps.

Though this will take time, helping our children meet age-appropriate education goals is fundamental to the future success of the state.

5. TWC offers summer work readiness, STEM opportunities for underserved talent.

The Texas Workforce Commission announced the Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) and Explore STEM programs for summer 2021. These programs provide career guidance, hands-on learning and work opportunities for students with disabilities aged 14-22.

The SEAL program provides work readiness training to prepare students for successful employment. Students earn a paycheck during the program and acquire new skills, on-the-job-training, and professional experience.

Explore STEM is another initiative born from a partnership between TWC and institutions of higher education. Students explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Students with disabilities that participate in Explore STEM day camps attend lectures and presentations and participate in hands-on activities with visiting STEM professionals. This summer the program will be offered virtually.

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

This week in 1836, the Convention of 1836 adjourned abruptly as the Mexican Army approached Washington-on-the-Brazos. The convention, which began on March 1, drafted the Texas Declaration of Independence and the Texas Constitution, organized the government and named Sam Houston commander-in-chief of the military forces before the delegates had to be evacuated.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Texas to receive more than 800,000 COVID-19 vaccine first doses.

The Texas Department of State Health Services allocated more than 650,000 first doses to at least 445 providers in 178 counties. An additional 200,000 first doses will be available to pharmacy locations and federally qualified health centers.

This is the third largest allocation Texas has received since December. Texas has now administered more than 7.6 million doses and more than 5 million people have received at least one dose. More than 2.7 million Texans are now fully vaccinated.

Additionally, last week the department announced an expansion in eligibility for the vaccine to people 50 and older as well as teachers and child care workers. It’s estimated that 12 million to 14 million Texans are now eligible for the vaccine.

You can find more information about vaccination hubs and providers at dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/immunize/vaccine-hubs.aspx.

2. Broadband bill heard in Senate Transportation Committee.

This week the Senate Transportation Committee, which I chair, heard Senate Bill 5. I filed this bill as an important step toward expanding broadband access statewide.

During the hearing, 89 witnesses signed up to testify. Not one of them testified against this bill. It just goes to show how important this legislation is to the people of Texas and how committed we are to establishing the Texas Broadband Office that will do vital work connecting Texas.

While we’re still working out some of the specifics of the bill, I’m confident the committee will vote on it soon and send it for consideration before the entire Senate.

I am also proud to work with Rep. Trent Ashby in the House, who is carrying House Bill 5, a similar bill to my Senate Bill 5. He is having a hearing on HB 5 this week.

Ensuring Texans have access to high-quality broadband internet is imperative as we move into an increasingly digital world.

3. DETCOG, other East Texas counties receive GLO flood mitigation funding.

The Texas General Land Office approved more than $135 million in the second round of flood mitigation grants.

There were 21 grantees in this round and seven of those were in Senate District 3. The Deep East Texas Council of Government, Jasper County, Newton, Newton County, San Augustine County, Tenaha, and Zavalla were all granted funds for a wide range of flood abatement projects. The grants ranged in size from $3.6 million to more than $9.5 million. The grants total more than $32 million for the region.

These funds will be essential for building projects that would protect communities and critical infrastructure against future damage from hurricanes, flooding and other natural disasters. Protecting our coastal communities and communities with high flood risks is important for safety and disaster preparedness.

4. $9 million awarded for North Newton County broadband project.

The Deep East Texas Council of Government received a $9.09 million grant from the General Land Office for its North Newton County Broadband Project. The project will focus on building a rural broadband network in northern Newton County, an area where broadband access is lacking.

DETCOG also has applied for a larger grant from GLO which, if approved, would allow the agency to construct a rural broadband network in all 12 of its member counties. Currently, DETCOG is working out the details for the Newton County project.

DETCOG began its broadband initiative three years ago, so they are prepared to go to work with engineering and grants management teams already in place.

While it will take some time to get broadband deployed, I’m excited about this project and the prospects for the future of East Texas.

5. Texas State Parks returning to full capacity.

The Texas Parks &d Wildlife Department announced it’s working on a strategic plan to open all state parks back to full capacity.

Most state parks closed or had limited capacity for the last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with Gov. Greg Abbott lifting capacity limits in his reopening order, TPWD is looking forward to welcoming Texans back to enjoy the great outdoors.

All restrictions on group sizes have been lifted. However, TPWD is encouraging visitors to wear masks, especially when indoors or in areas where it is difficult to socially distance.

By Robert Nichols

Twenty-seven of my colleagues and I signed a letter to the Public Utility Commission this week urging them to correct the billing errors related to last month’s winter storm. According to the Independent Market Monitor, ERCOT allowed emergency pricing to continue for almost a day and a half longer than necessary, resulting in $3.2 billion in overbilled charges. Correcting these billing mistakes is a critical step in reforming the system.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Senate Bills 5 and 15 referred to Senate Transportation Committee

Last week, Senate Bills 5 and 15 were referred to the Senate Transportation Committee that I chair. I filed these two bills and they’ve been designated as priority bills by the Lt. Governor. Senate Bill 5 relates to the creation of a state broadband office and expanding broadband access across the state. Broadband access was also deemed an emergency item by the governor. Senate Bill 15 relates to personal data privacy protection and is referred to as the Texas Consumer Privacy Act Phase I. This bill would ensure that certain state agencies that have access to your personal data cannot sell that data to third parties and would prevent anyone who has access to the data from re-selling it. Getting bills referred is an important step in moving these two critical pieces of legislation through the legislature. Now that they’ve been referred, the committee set a time next week for a public hearing. If they pass out of committee, then they’ll be heard by the entire Senate.

2. Bill filing deadline eminent

Friday March 12 marks the 60th day of the legislative session, which is the last day members can file new legislation. The only exceptions are for local bills and bills that relate to an emergency item set by the governor. This bill filing deadline marks an important turning point in session. Now, once bills are heard and voted out of committee, the Senate as a whole may begin voting on and passing legislation out of the chamber. As bills start to move, the pace of session accelerates and important decisions about pending legislation will be made. If there is a bill you are particularly passionate about, please reach out to one of my offices to let us know your thoughts.

3. TPWD seeking public comment on statewide hunting regulation proposals

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recently released their new statewide hunting regulation proposals for the 2021-2022 hunting seasons. One of the proposed changes is removing the prohibition on trailing wounded deer with dogs in Angelina, Hardin, Nacogdoches, Orange, Shelby, and Tyler counties. Additionally, it would allow for the trailing of wounded deer with no more than two dogs on a leash in Jasper, Newton, Sabine, and San Augustine counties. The new regulations would also add crossbows to the definition of lawful archery equipment, among other provisions. Currently, TPWD is seeking public comment on these changes. The online comment portal closes March 24.

4. Operation Lone Star launched by the state to address situation at the southern border

Texas Department of Public Safety and the Governor’s office launched Operation Lone Star this month to combat the smuggling of people and drugs across our southern border into Texas. DPS officers will be integrated with Texas National Guard troops that will deploy to key areas that are considered high threats for smuggling activity. Air, ground, marine, and tactical border security assets will all be used in the effort. This move comes on the heels of a surge in immigrants at the border, especially in unaccompanied minors, in the past four months due at least in part to the Biden administration relaxing immigration policies the Trump administration had in place. With an increase in border crossings, both legal and illegal, the governor declared the situation a crisis.

5. TEA releases guidance for schools after mask mandate lifted, announces extension of hold harmless

The Texas Education Agency released guidance for school districts last week following the governor’s executive order ending the mask mandate and other business restrictions in the state. School districts may continue their current health and safety protocols unless their local school board votes to proceed otherwise, which they now have the full authority to do.

The state also extended the hold harmless provision for school districts. That means the state will fully fund school districts even if they have seen a drop in student attendance during the pandemic. Instead, they’ll be funded on the number of students who attended before the pandemic began.

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.