Stopping Illegal Street Racing, Saving Women’s Sports, District Visits, Protecting Kids

As we approach the end of August, I hope you have enjoyed time with family and friends this summer.  As for me, the cooler weather of the Fall months can’t get here soon enough!  In the meantime, here are some updates on recent events and some of my travels across Senate District 10.  
 
Gov. Abbott Signs Save Women’s Sports Act in North Texas
 
Last week Governor Greg Abbott ceremonially signed the Save Women’s Sports Act, which I co-authored and strongly advocated for during recent session. Joining the Governor was former NCAA athlete Riley Gaines and other female athletes to celebrate this law, which protects the integrity of fair competition and women’s sports in Texas.  Senate Bill 15 requires athletes in college sports to compete under their biological gender. This is a matter of fairness, safety, and frankly common sense. With obvious physiological differences that advantage biological men, it’s simply unfair for college women to be forced to compete against them.  With the passage of SB 15, Texas made it clear that our college athletes will be protected. 

Joining Gov. Abbott to Crack Down on Illegal Street Racing 

As a former Fort Worth police officer, I was honored to join Governor Greg Abbott recently as he signed legislation to address the growing and dangerous problem of organized illegal street racing. Sheriff Bill Waybourn, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes, and several of my legislative colleagues joined local law enforcement officials to highlight these new laws.   This crime wave is being driven in large part by recruitment of teenagers through social media. Vehicles involved in illegal street racing will now be impounded; also, reckless driving exhibition and racing on a highway are now considered organized criminal activity. Our families should be able to drive without risking serious bodily injury, or even death, from illegal organized racing. The legislature took these actions to help ensure safety and hold these criminals accountable.

ACLU and Others Sue to Block Bills to Protect Texas Children

The recent session also saw some key legislation passed to push back on growing and disturbing efforts at sexualizing our children.  I strongly supported the Restricting Explicit and Adult-Designated Educational Resources (READER) Act, passed overwhelmingly and signed by Governor Abbott.  Aimed at public primary and secondary schools, the READER act is meant to prevent the possession, acquisition, and purchase of harmful material, sexually explicit material, or library material that is pervasively vulgar.  Various groups opposed to this bill have filed suit to stop the bill from going into effect next month. 
 
We also passed Senate Bill 12, which is set to become law on September 1.  The bill would ban any sexually oriented performances in public places where underage children are present.  However, the ACLU filed a lawsuit last week to block the law from being implemented.  ACLU’s attorney claimed the bill was censorship, and I strongly disagree.  Minor children simply should not be exposed to drag shows.   
 
I’m proud of the legislature’s efforts to take a stand to protect our children from exposure to content that is not age appropriate.  I hope and pray that the lawsuits seeking to stop us from adopting these new standards will fail.

Property Tax Relief Explained

We have received very positive feedback on our most recent email which provided answers to a host of questions related to the property tax relief package passed by the Texas Legislature.   If you didn’t have a chance to review that information you can find it HERE.   As a reminder, this historic property tax relief must by approved by Texas voters.   That’s why it’s important to mark your calendar and VOTE YES FOR PROP 4.  Early voting runs from Monday, October 23rd, to Friday, November 3rd, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 7th.

Snapshots from Visits Across the District

Attending the Arlington Chamber of Commerce “Legends and Leaders” event hosted at Globe Life Field.

Pictured (L-R) Former Mayor Jeff Williams, Jared Sloane, Steve Montgomery, Anette Soto Landeros, Senator Phil King, Michelle Green-Ford, Michael Jacobson. 

At Globe Life Field, I provided an update on state grant funding for the National Medal of Honor Museum.

Speaking at the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce “Business Before Breakfast,” providing an update on legislative accomplishments.  It’s always good to be among friends in my hometown.

I had the opportunity to participate in a lunch meeting to discuss the ongoing efforts for the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth.   Those present include the grandmother of Juneteenth herself, Ms. Opal Lee along with museum executive board members Dr. Gleniece Robinson, Dr. Angela Mitchell, Dione Sims and Museum CEO Jarred Howard.

Attending the Chisolm Trail 100 Annual Meeting in Johnson County.  

Pictured (L-R) Former Johnson County Sheriff Bob Alford, Grady & Janice Lewis, Phil & Terry King, Pastor Gloria Gillaspie, and Barry Gee, CFO Open Door Church-Burleson

I enjoyed being in Brownwood recently, where I shared an overview of the recent legislative session
with the Brown County Republican Women. 

What an honor to be able to give remarks at the grand opening for the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom Building at Howard Payne University (HPU) in Brownwood. 

Pictured (L-R) Howard Payne University Board Chairman Ronnie Andrews, HPU President Dr. Cory Hines, Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes, Senator Phil King, and Representative David Spiller