Author Archive

The House was hard at work this week working on some very large pieces of legislation that will positively affect all Texans. In addition, we also took steps to aid the families of slain first responders and protect personal liberty.

Transportation Funding

In a vote of 138-3 the House passed a bill that will add $3 billion more to transportation funding for nontoll roads. House Bill 13 will devote more sales tax revenue to the state’s highway fund. The Senate currently has a similar plan that will need to be reconciled with House Bill 13. Since transportation infrastructure is a major need across the state, I believe the House and Senate will quickly come together on a plan to help meet the transportation needs of our growing state.

House Bill 861

I am extremely proud to be an author on House Bill 861 that was passed this week. House Bill 861 will strengthen laws to protect children from online child predators. This legislation improves upon a 2005 law passed to address this issue. The solicitation of minors by child predators is a major issue across the entire country. Texans should be proud that their Legislature is leading the charge to stop the heinous individuals who seek to commit these crimes.

Jade Helm 15

Lt. Colonel Mark Lastoria talks with the citizens of Bastrop about the Jade Helm 15 training exercise.

Questions arose this week over a military training exercise called Jade Helm 15 set to take place in Bastrop later this year. I am not overly concerned about this exercise because the military currently train in Texas everyday. We have some of the largest military bases in the United States including over 90,000 soldiers who train daily at Ft. Hood. I personally participated in drills with the Texas State Guard just last weekend.However, Governor Abbott ordered the commanding general of the Texas State Guard to monitor the training on behalf of Texas and report back regularly. This is to make sure Texans are informed about the exercise. While I understand why there are questions being asked, I also support Governor Abbott’s decision and am confident the military will conduct themselves professionally during this training exercise.

Families of First Responders

It is always tragic when a first responder loses their life in the line of duty. Many times families not only lose a loved one but also face tremendous financial hardships in the aftermath of these devastating events. Along with Rep. Charlie Geren and Rep. Allen Fletcher, I added an amendment to House Bill 1094 that increases the State of Texas line-of-duty death benefit to $500,000 for families of fallen first responders. This issue is significant to me since I spent 15 years as a police officer. I am grateful to live in a state that places emphasis on taking care of the families of police officers and firefighters who make the ultimate sacrifice for their communities.

Capitol Happenings

I had the privilege of explaining the legislative process to my fellow state guard officers.

A view from my desk on Thursday as the sun sets on the Capitol. The State & Federal Power & Responsibility Committee had a meeting that lasted until midnight this same evening.

Texas House Republican Caucus Letter on Tax Cuts

With only 36 days remaining we are nearing the home stretch of the 84^thLegislative Session. Recently there has been important news concerning House District 61 and major legislation is being addressed in the House.

Seismic Activity Update

As you know, SMU released a study regarding seismic activity in the Reno and Azle area this week. If you haven’t had a chance to read my comments on the study please take a minute to do so. At my behest, the Railroad Commission has announced they plan to hold a public hearing on seismic activity to review SMU’s findings. In addition, I have been in daily contact and met with the Commissioners and staff at the Railroad Commission. I take this issue very seriously and want you to know I will stay engaged, update you regularly and ensure that the state is fulfilling its responsibilities in House District 61.

Tax Cuts Up For Vote Next Week

One of the many blessings of being a Texan is being afforded the opportunity to live in a state where the size and scope of tax cuts are being debated instead of tax increases, as is the norm in blue states. Next week on the House floor two major tax cut bills are due to be debated.

House Bill 31 will cut the sales tax 5% and is expected to save Texans $2.3 billion over the next two years.

House Bill 32 will mean a 42% franchise tax (margin tax) cut for certain small businesses; 25% cut for most, and saves Texas businesses roughly $2.6 billion over the next two years.

The Legislative Budget Board estimates that through 2020 the House franchise and sales tax cuts will:

• Create 72,300 new jobs by 2020
• Grow Texas economic output by a cumulative $21.7 billion
• Grow Texas personal income by a cumulative $17.6 billion

Compared to the package of Senate bills, by 2020 the House plan creates roughly:

• 30,000 more jobs
• $12.4 billion more in cumulative Texas economic output
• $7.7 billion more in cumulative Texas personal income

Public Integrity Bill Moves Forward

Monday I took to the House floor to present House Bill 1690 concerning the Travis County Public Integrity Unit (PIU). I’m happy to report to you that House Bill 1690 passed through the House with 95 votes. As currently structured the PIU places too much power with a single county official. Under my plan the Texas Rangers would handle the investigation of alleged public administration crimes then refer them to a prosecutor with the proper jurisdiction. I feel confident this is a much better way forward than the current structure. The Texas Rangers are world renowned for their expertise and already specialize in white-collar crime. House Bill 1690 must still be reconciled with the Senate version but I am highly optimistic that Governor Abbott will sign it into law this year.

More Capitol Happenings

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with Senator Gramm and Wendy Gramm this week. They were honored by the House for their commitment to the state.

You may not know I proud member of the Texas Military Forces. Recently I had the privilege of appearing in a video that spotlights some of the incredible work being done to protect our state. I hope you will take a moment to watch to learn more about the men and women who serve in these fine organizations.

Yesterday, a study was released by SMU regarding seismic activity in my district, specifically the Azle and Reno areas in late 2013 and early 2014. It was the possibility of a link between seismic events and saltwater disposal wells that motivated me to call for the creation of a special House committee on seismicity.

In 2014, the Texas Railroad Commission – at the advice of the new House Subcommittee on Seismicity on which I served – implemented new regulations to address many of the concerns now raised by the SMU study. Because seismic activity and our state’s geology don’t follow municipal boundaries, it is imperative that oil and gas regulation (including saltwater disposal wells) be consistent and statewide.

In April of 2014, the Texas Railroad Commission employed the state’s first seismologist, Dr. Craig Pearson. Well respected in the scientific community, Dr. Pearson took quick action to engage with the Subcommittee and work to develop the comprehensive new regulations. The rules require companies to provide historic seismic event data and analysis prior to permitting new wells and empower the Railroad Commission to take immediate action if a disposal well is likely to be causing seismic activity, including shutting in a well that is determined to be causing seismic events.

While the state seismologist has not yet reported to the Legislature regarding the review of the SMU report, I have called for a meeting with him this week.

The full text of the new regulations governing disposal wells can be found here:

This has been a historic week for conservatives! I’m happy to report to you that the promises made by the Texas House are being kept. In the past few days we have ensured that responsible oil & gas production will continue for years to come, fought to protect the unborn and passed historic legislation that affirms your 2^nd Amendment rights.

House Bill 40

The House made a powerful statement by overwhelmingly passing House Bill 40 this week by a vote of 122-18. House Bill 40 was filed to address the City of Denton’s ban on hydraulic fracturing. I am proud to be a lead joint author on this legislation that will ensure Texas maintains consistent regulation when it comes to oil & gas production. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle made it clear that having a patchwork of energy regulations that can literally change when you cross the street from one municipality to the next is an untenable solution for our state. The legislation does not prevent a city from addressing traffic, noise, aesthetics and similar concerns.

Protecting Life & Strengthening Parental Rights

Protecting life and strengthening parental rights are causes I have always championed as your state representative. Most Texans don’t know about a 1999 law that allows children to seek an abortion without their parent’s permission. This process is known as judicial bypass. As a parent and grandparent I find this process deeply disturbing. That’s why I filed House Bill 723. Earlier this week I had the opportunity to present this bill in committee. I am working with my Republican colleagues to make certain the House addresses this issue.

Open Carry

The House voting board lights up green when open carry is passed.

History was made this week when the House passed legislation that expands 2^nd Amendment rights. Soon Texans will be able to openly carry their handguns if they so choose. Texas gun owners will still be required to hold a license to open carry much like concealed carry holders do today. House Bill 910 must still be squared with the Senate version before it heads to Governor Abbott’s desk for his signature. As a coauthor of this legislation, I was pleased that House Republicans lived up to another campaign promise.

Great Visits This Week

I enjoyed seeing my friends from Parker County who were in town for the Texas Federation of Republican Women’s Legislative Day.

Realtors from House District 61 visit my Capitol office for their legislative day.

Looking Ahead

The House Ways & Means Committee voted out a $4.9 billion tax relief package that will soon head to the House floor. Since the House and Senate are still negotiating exactly what the final tax relief package will look like I plan keep you updated how the cuts are taking shape. In the coming days and weeks I want to share information that shows exactly what tax relief will mean for you. I invite you to “like” my Facebook page where you will find regular updates in addition to these emails.

On Monday, my bill dealing with the Travis County Public Integrity Unit will be debated on the House floor. Current law places too much power in the hands of a single county official. I am humbled that when I step up to the microphone to present House Bill 1690 I will have over 60 coauthors supporting me on this legislation.

I wanted to show you the tax cut plan that Texas House Republicans proposed last week. The plan’s focus is on job creation and overall economic expansion. Please read below, but if you would like more details see HB 31 & HB 32.

➢ The House tax cut plan provides the broadest benefits to taxpayers, delivering tax relief to big businesses and small business, homeowners and renters, and every single Texan across the state.

➢ At $4.87 billion, it is the largest tax cut on the table, and provides permanent tax relief: it cannot be eroded by local tax hikes or rising appraisals.

➢ It gives a tax cut to all businesses that currently pay the franchise tax rather than shifting 100 percent of the franchise tax burden to five percent of businesses.

➢ It protects the integrity of the spending cap, while reducing the state tax burden and state spending; it shrinks government rather than shifting a growing spending burden to the state to buy down property tax rates.

➢ It reduces the state sales tax for the first time since it was enacted more than 50 years ago, and provides tax relief to 900,000 businesses not paying the franchise tax.

➢ The combination of franchise tax cuts and sales tax relief will have the most dynamic impact on the Texas economy.

SALES TAX

• HB 31 cuts the state sales tax rate from 6.25% to 5.95%. This is real, tangible tax relief that will benefit families and businesses of all sizes every time they buy something.

• Today, Texas has the 12th highest state sales tax rate in America. HB 31 will drop Texas on that list to #26.

FRANCHISE TAX

• HB 32 cuts the franchise tax rate by 25% across-the-board for all businesses, large and small, that currently pay the franchise tax. Retailers and wholesalers will pay 0.375%, and all other businesses will pay 0.75%.

• This approach maintains the original intent of the franchise tax, which was to create a tax structure that was broad, fair and low… so that everybody helps to carry a little bit of the load.

• And HB 32 expands eligibility for the EZ computation by doubling the cap to $20 million in total revenue, and lowers the EZ rate from 0.575% to 0.331%. This will substantially lower the cost of compliance for thousands of small businesses.

There are only 50 days left in the 84^th Legislative Session! It isn’t uncommon to see committees meet until well past midnight and debate on the House floor is getting longer. The Legislature is working hard and I know at the conclusion of the session you will be proud of the conservative victories achieved.

Make Your Voice Heard On Tax Cuts

This week House and Senate began a vigorous debate on tax cuts. The debate between the House and Senate is centered around how large the cuts will be. House members laid out a tax relief plan of nearly $5 billion this week that cuts sales tax for the first time in Texas history and reduces the franchise tax by 25%. The Senate plan proposes relief in the form of a property tax reduction and cuts the franchise tax by 15%. The House plan includes about $500 million more in tax relief than the Senate plan.

I have three priorities regarding tax cuts. First, I want tax cuts that you and your family can actually feel. Next, I want the taxes we cut to create jobs and help the business climate in our state. Finally, I want these cuts to be the beginning of the end of the business franchise tax.

I need to hear from you on this issue. Please participate in my online poll and tell me what matters most to you. There’s nothing to sign up for – I simply want to know what tax cut would most benefit your family. Please take a second to make your voice heard.

Click here to tell me what tax cut matters most to you!

Thank you for participating. You can expect to hear much more on this subject in the coming weeks.

State & Federal Power & Responsibility Committee Update

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chairman of the Select Committee on State & Federal Power & Responsibility. This committee has examined important ways to advance the conservative cause in Texas. Our committee has passed legislation thaturges Congress to balance the federal budget, statutorily defines how Texas can continually review and fight against out-of-control federal actions, and also advanced legislation regarding Article V of the United States Constitution. I’m proud to lead a committee that stands up for our constitutional rights and is leading the charge to insulate Texas against the disastrous policies of the federal government.

Border Prosecution Unit

A Texas Parks & Wildlife warden patrolling the Rio Grande

This week the House passed legislation that strengthens our efforts to secure the Texas border. House Bill 12 formally codifies the Border Prosecution Unit. This unit will ease the caseload of border prosecutors by appointing special prosecutors to tackle border-specific crimes like money laundering and gang activity. House Bill 12 is one of Governor Abbott’s priorities and now heads to the Senate.

The most critical item the Legislature must pass each session is the State’s budget. I’m proud to report to you that the House passed our proposed budget for 2016-17 earlier this week. In addition, we had a full week of committee meetings and constituent visits before the Easter weekend.

House Budget

After nearly 18 hours of debate (we finished at 5:40am!) the House passed our proposed budget for 2016-17 by a vote of 141-5. This vote total represents great consensus for such an important item. I believe that the budget we are sending over to the Senate is conservative while still meeting the core needs of our state.

I’m especially pleased that border security is being funded at historic levels, funding for public education is increased by $3 billion, and that this budget keeps us under the spending cap.

One key point to note regarding the House budget is that there is room left for significant tax relief. I expect that $4.5-4.8 billion will be dedicated towards tax relief before the 84th Legislative Session comes to a close. Still to be determined is whether this relief will come in the form of a sales, business, property tax cut, or a combination of the three. I know that discussions are happening daily between House and Senate members as well as Governor Abbott’s office. Tax relief is a top priority this session, and I intend to do everything I can do ensure Texans receive real benefit from the cuts.

You can read more about the proposed House budget here.

Update on Legislation

This week I had two important pieces of legislation voted out of the State & Federal Power & Responsibility Committee. I serve as chairman of this committee and am pleased thus far with the work we are doing to examine how to strengthen Texas and push back against our dysfunctional federal government.

House Bill 1110 simply adds structure to the process of how Texas would participate in an Article V convention if one were ever called. Article V has been a much-discussed topic at the Capitol this session as well as among grassroots activists across the state. Both supporters and opponents of using Article V have concerns about what has been called a “runaway convention.” HB 1110 seeks to address those concerns.

HCR 54 seeks to restore constitutional balance by providing that whenever one quarter of the members of either the U.S. House or U.S. Senate send the president a written declaration of opposition to a proposed federal regulation, the regulation would require a majority vote from both chambers in order to be adopted. It would also restore much needed balance in the regulatory process. It is all too common to see unelected federal bureaucrats enact regulations that should have had prior congressional approval. Furthermore, states have little recourse today when federal agencies overstep their constitutional authority other than lawsuits. The main avenue to challenge whether a regulation is constitutional is federal court as the law stands today. HCR 54 gives the people a voice through our elected representatives to challenge overreaching federal regulations.

Capitol Visits

Governor and Mrs. Abbott hosted an Easter Egg Hunt at the Governor’s Mansion on Thursday. After a long week, Terry and I were so happy to spend time with our daughter Hannah, and grandchildren, Peyton and Molly. It was a very relaxing way to end the week and the Abbott’s were extremely gracious hosts.

Touring the House floor with the Harmer family

Springtime at the Capitol

The 84^th Legislative Session intensified quite a bit this week. Many committees met until midnight or later, and the House Appropriations Committee voted to send the budget to the House floor for debate. I expect many more long days but am proud of the work being accomplished for Texans this session.

Energy Resources Committee Recap

After hearing from over 150 witnesses, the House Energy Resources Committee adjourned Monday night at 11:57pm. We heard testimony on House bills 40 and 539. These bills were prompted by the City of Denton’s fracing ban which prohibited new oil and gas production. I believe 28 cities in Texas have outright bans on drilling thus far and many others have varying degrees of municipal regulation. The hearing was instructive as environmental groups, private citizens, city officials, business owners, and legal and industry experts all testified.

I am opposed to the outright banning of energy production by cities and like regulations which go beyond reasonable setbacks, nuisance, noise and similar issues that are proper for local control. The expertise to regulate the technical and engineering aspects of energy production properly lies with state regulatory agencies and I believe that was apparent after Monday night’s hearing.

It is vitally important that Texas remain our nation’s leader in oil and gas production. Over 8,000 jobs in Parker and Wise counties are directly related to energy production. And oil & gas production accounts for almost 15% of the tax base for our local schools and communities. This is also a property rights issue as land owners want to produce their minerals and receive their royalty checks.

In the end, I’m hopeful we will strike the right balance between local control, property rights and economic development.

Great Texas News

I don’t know about you, but I never get tired of hearing good news about Texas! Last year Texas created 407,000 jobs, which is first in the nation per capita. Our personal income also rose 5.6%. This is well above the national average. I’m proud that Texas remains “open for business.” I’d invite you read more here.

Looking Ahead

This week the House Appropriations Committee voted to send the budget to the full House with a vote of 27-0. Next Tuesday the House will debate the budget on the floor. This is one of the longest days we will have at the Capitol this session. I’m looking forward to a vigorous debate on Tuesday but this is only one of several more steps in the appropriations process. In the end, I believe the Legislature will pass a very conservative budget with historic tax cuts.

Constituent Visits This Week

With rodeo champion Trevor Brazile

Visiting with 4th graders from Trinity Christian Academy

Texas voters spoke loud and clear last November. Legislators were sent to Austin to govern conservatively and tackle some of the biggest issues facing not only our state, but also our entire country. I’m proud to tell you we are working hard to solve the problems that matter most to you.

Fighting Obamacare

Recently, I filed House Bill 2467 to stop an automatic tax increase triggered by Obamacare. This increase is in effect, a tax on a tax, and will result in higher healthcare costs for hardworking Texas families. I would invite you to read more about House Bill 2467 by clicking here. Rest assured I will continue to do everything I can to oppose Obamacare.

Shocking News About Driver’s Licenses

Would you believe that over 6,000 people from Iran and North Korea have been issued a Texas Driver’s License? I didn’t believe it myself until my friend, Representative Tony Dale, brought this issue to my attention. I strongly urge you to watch this news piece on Rep. Dale’s legislation to address this issue. I’m proud to be a joint author on his bill and will keep you updated on this story.

Protecting Texans

This week the House passed landmark legislation by a vote of 142-0 that will increase the penalties regarding human trafficking and the sex trafficking of children. House Bill 10 removes the statute of limitations on the trafficking of children under the age of 18. It also creates a Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit. Governor Abbott declared fighting human trafficking an emergency item earlier this session, and I’m proud to stand with him against the criminals who commit these heinous crimes.

Border Security

House Bill 11 passed this week. When signed, this bill will make Texas the only state in the nation that has a long-term plan to address border security. Addressing border security is a top priority for Texans and as long as the federal government shirks its constitutional duty to defend our borders the Legislature will act.

Looking Ahead

You’ve probably heard about the discussion happening at the Legislature concerning the restriction of energy production in local communities. On Monday, the House Energy Resources Committee will hear testimony on two pieces of legislation that are designed to address this issue. I am the lead author of House Bill 539 and a joint author on House Bill 40. One of the key reasons Texas is a leader in job creation is because businesses know our state offers consistent regulation along with a predictable business climate. It is detrimental to the future of our state’s economy to have a patchwork of energy regulations that can literally change when you walk from one street to another. I strongly believe that the state, not cities, is where energy production should be regulated. However, I also believe there are acceptable instances where cities should have a clearly defined role in this process on matters such as land use and zoning. Finding the right balance between protecting the welfare of the public and allowing businesses to grow and create jobs is essential for Texas’ future.

We expect the hearing to begin around 3:30pm on Monday and you can watch here.

As you can see I’m working hard to protect the values that make our state great. If I, or my office, can ever be of assistance please do not hesitate to contact us at (512) 463-0738.