Author Archive

Did an April Fool’s Day prank cause widespread confusion and misinformation regarding the local I-20/30 construction project? It appears so. 

I’m told that a fake graphic, originating on April 1st, claiming a total shutdown of I-30 in both directions and was widely distributed across social media. TxDOT was forced to engage in damage control to address the false information. 

This episode underscores why I strongly recommend you sign up for the emails on the TxDOT website to receive the latest construction information directly. Please visit Keep20-30moving.org to sign up for updates and see more specific details on closures (click on “roadwork” for construction updates; to receive the updates directly, click on “sign up for our newsletter”).

Additionally, here are some alternate online platforms TxDOT posts construction updates to: 

Instagram

Next Door

If you have specific complaints or suggestions, you can send those to [email protected]

Construction Updates for This Week

In the meantime, at the bottom of this email I have passed along the latest information direct from TxDOT as of Monday night. I have also included the detour map provided by TxDOT for this week. To receive these updates directly, please sign up HERE.

I Share Your Frustration

Many of you have reached out to my office and to me personally over this construction project. My family and I regularly drive these routes, and understand the frustration and impact this has on you, your time and the operation of your business.

I called and spoke to TxDOT about doing a better job communicating with constituents and needing to have better traffic flow during peak hours. I have been informed they will be engaging with law enforcement and the contractors to better optimize the traffic flow through the construction corridor. This is in addition to adjusting the traffic signal timing they worked on last week. I have also suggested they allow constituents to sign up for text message updates to receive more timely information. TxDOT assures me they are continuing to look for opportunities to advance the construction schedules where possible and find any additional opportunities to improve traffic flow. 

*These maps from TxDOT highlight Phase 1 construction happening this week.

Closures

I-20 Mainlanes

• Ongoing: right and left shoulder closures from Markum Ranch Road to the I-20/I-30 split.
• Ongoing: eastbound and westbound I-20 reduced to two travel lanes between the I-20/I-30 split and FM 1187/FM 3325.
• Nightly, Apr 6-10, 7p-6a: I-20 eastbound and westbound single lane closures between FM 1187/FM 3325 and I-20/I-30 interchange for pavement striping.
• 7p, Apr 9 to 7p, Apr 10: The I-20 westbound entrance ramp from FM 1187/FM 3325 will be closed for drainage work. Traffic will be directed to the next entrance from Ranch House Rd. (map)
• Effective, Mar 18: The I-20 westbound exit to FM1187/FM3325 (Exit 420 nearest FM1187/FM3325) was permanently closed for construction of a new westbound entrance ramp in this area. I-20 westbound traffic is directed to use the new permanent exit (Exit 420) located in I-30 interchange area (map).
• Effective, Mar 19: The I-20 eastbound entrance from FM1187/FM3325 switched to the new permanent entrance ramp further east from the frontage road (map).

I-30 Mainlanes

• Daily, Apr 6- 11, 9a-3p: I-30 eastbound and westbound mainlanes reduced to one lane between FM 2871 and Linkcrest Dr for truck access.
• Daily, Apr 6-11, 9a-3p: i-30 eastbound and westbound mainlanes reduced to one lane between Alemeda St and Lincrest Dr for pothole repair and sweeping.
• Nightly, Apr 7-10, 9p-6a: I-30 eastbound closed at SP 580 to I-820 for FM 2871 bridge beam placement. Traffic will be advised to use I-20 eastbound, to northbound I-820. Secondary detour is eastbound SP 580 to I-820 northbound (map).
• Nightly, Apr 13-17, 9p-6a: I-30 eastbound closed at SP 580 to I-820 for FM 2871 bridge construction. Traffic will be advised to use I-20 eastbound, to northbound I-820. Secondary detour is eastbound SP 580 to I-820 northbound (map).
• Nightly, Apr 13-17, 9p-6a: I-30 westbound closed at I-820 to Chapel Creek Blvd for FM 2871 bridge beam placement. Traffic will be detoured south on I-820, and west on I-20 (map).
• Nightly, Apr 20-23, 9p-6a: I-30 westbound closed at I-820 to Chapel Creek Blvd for FM 2871 bridge construction. Traffic will be detoured south on I-820, and west on I-20 (map).
• Nightly, Apr 7-10, and Apr 13-17, 9p-6a: I-30 eastbound entrance ramp from SP 580 will be closed in coordination with the I-30 eastbound mainlane closure for FM 2871 bridge work.
• Nightly, Apr 7-10, and Apr 13-17, 9p-6a: I-30 eastbound entrance ramp from Chapel Creek Blvd will be closed in coordination with the I-30 eastbound mainlane closure for FM 2871 bridge work.
• Nightly, Apr 13-17, and Apr 20-23, 9p-6a: I-30 westbound entrance from Las Vegas Trl will be closed in coordination with the i-30 westbound mainlane closure for FM 2871 bridge work. Traffic will be detoured to the Cherry Ln entrance ramp.
• Ongoing: I-30 eastbound right lane closure from Linkcrest Drive to Spur 580 exit for ramp construction. EXPECT DELAYS.
• Permanent, Effective Aug 2025: The I-30 westbound exit to Linkcrest Drive was closed. Motorists now use the Spur 580/Linkcrest Drive exit to the I-20 westbound frontage road to access Linkcrest Drive. EXPECT DELAYS.
• Permanent, Effective Sep 2025: The I-30 eastbound entrance from Linkcrest Drive was closed. Motorists should follow detour signs and enter eastbound I-30 from Spur 580/W. Camp Bowie Boulevard. EXPECT DELAYS.
• Ongoing, Effective Mar. 6, 2026: The I-30 eastbound exit to Walsh Ranch Parkway is closed until early 2027. During this closure, I-30 eastbound motorists will be directed to exit to FM 1187/FM 3325 (Exit 420) and continue on the eastbound frontage road to access Walsh Ranch Parkway. EXPECT DELAYS.
• Effective, Mar 18: I-20 westbound exit to FM1187/FM3325 (Exit 420 nearest FM1187/FM3325) was permanently closed for construction of a new westbound entrance ramp in this area. I-30 westbound traffic is directed to use Walsh Ranch Pkwy exit until the new permanent exit ramp being constructed immediately west of Walsh Ranch Pkwy is completed (map).
• Effective, Mar 19: The I-30 eastbound entrance from FM1187/FM3325 was removed service to construct a new permanent exit ramp in its current location. I-30 traffic will be detoured on the eastbound frontage road to enter I-30 from the Walsh Ranch Pkwy entrance. The permanent I-30 entrance ramp is under construction immediately west of Walsh Ranch Pkwy (map).

I-820 West Loop Mainlanes

• Ongoing, I-820 southbound right lane between Westpoint Boulevard and the eastbound and westbound exits to I-30 closed for new ramp construction. EXPECT DELAYS.
• Daily, Apr 6-11, 9a-3p: I-820 south connector to I-30 east will be closed for general construction. Traffic will be detoured to SP 580, use U-turn, and return on I-820 north to I-30 east connector.
• Nightly, Apr 13-17, 9p-6a: I-820 connectors to I-20 west will be closed for FM 2871 bridge beam placement. Traffic will be detoured south on I-820, and west on I-20. EXPECT SIGNIFICANT DELAYS. SEEK ALTERNATE ROUTES.
• Nightly, Apr 20-23, 9p-6a: I-820 connectors to I-20 west will be closed for FM 2871 bridge beam placement. Traffic will be detoured south on I-820, and west on I-20. EXPECT SIGNIFICANT DELAYS. SEEK ALTERNATE ROUTES.

I-20 Frontage Roads

• 7p, Apr 10 to 11p, Apr 11: The I-20 westbound frontage road will be closed between FM 1187/FM 3325 and Trichia Trl for drainage work. Traffic will be detoured onto the I-20 westbound mainlanes to exit Ranch House Rd (map).
• Effective, Mar 24: The I-20 westbound frontage road approach to FM 1187/FM 3325 is reduced to two lanes (shared left turn and through, and right turn only) for first phase of construction of new westbound frontage road pavement approaching FM 1187/FM 3325.
• Effective, Mar 19: The I-20 eastbound frontage road traffic switched onto new pavement east of FM1187/FM3325. Sections of the eastbound are reduced to one lane for construction between FM 1187 and Walsh Ranch Pkwy.

I-30 Frontage Roads

• Ongoing: The I-30 westbound frontage road between Alemeda Street and Old Weatherford Road is reduced to one travel lane for roadway construction. EXPECT DELAYS.
• Ongoing: The I-30 eastbound frontage road between RM 2871/Longvue Avenue and Alemeda Street exit ramp is reduced to one lane for drainage, structures, and roadway construction. EXPECT DELAYS.
• Daily, Apr 6-11, 9a-3p: The I-30 westbound frontage road will be reduced to one lane approaching FM 2871 to Chapel Creek Blvd for drainage work.
• Daily, Apr 6-11, 9a-3p: I-820 westbound frontage road closed between Alemeda St and Academy Blvd/Longvue Ave/FM 2871 for bridge construction. Traffic will be detoured west on north on Alemeda St, west on Amber Ridge Dr, and south on Academy Blvd.

I’m pleased to announce that Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick named me as Chairman of two newly formed Senate Select Committees, the Committee on Religious Liberty and the Committee on Homeland and Border Security. Since they are new, these committees were established as “select committees.” However, Lt. Governor Patrick has already announced that both of these will be standing committees in the 90^th Legislative Session.

I’d like to share more details about these new opportunities which position me well to serve SD 10 and the state of Texas.

Chairman, Select Committee on Religious Liberty

Last year, Lt. Governor Patrick was appointed by President Trump to chair the Religious Liberty Commission at the national level. The Commission advises the White House on protecting religious freedom, investigates threats to faith-based organizations, and recommends executive or legislative actions to bolster conscience protections. It focuses on protecting the free exercise of religion in public life, education, and healthcare while aiming to eliminate perceived government hostility toward religious practitioners.

The testimony heard by the Commission has been disturbing. The Commission heard example after example of mistreatment of individuals, in some cases exceptionally, for their religious beliefs. For example, at an event hosted by the Christian and Jewish Alliance, disruptors blocked entrances, pushed supporters into the street, hit worshippers’ cars, and refused to leave after police arrived. Another example is a doctor who was indicted on four felony counts by the Biden Administration for violating HIPAA when he revealed that Texas Children’s Hospital was concealing its transgender medical program from the public. Though these charges were later dismissed, they were viewed as “weaponized prosecution.”

Clearly there’s a growing hostility to religious freedom that this commission has uncovered, underscoring the need to ensure those freedoms are zealously protected here in Texas. Religious liberty is our first liberty, and if we lose it, everything else follows. Last session Texas had a good year in protecting religious liberty through the Ten Commandments bill and by allowing prayer or reading of religious text in study periods, but it’s clear that more work is needed.

The new Senate Religious Liberty Committee will aim to educate the public on their right to religious freedom in all settings, as well as their right to practice their faith and raise their children without fear of persecution.

Chairman, Select Committee on Homeland and Border Security

Under the Biden Administration, as many as 300,000 people were illegally entering the United States every month. But thanks to President Trump’s policies, our border is more secure than it’s ever been. However, we must remain vigilant, as we’re still dealing with cartels smuggling fentanyl and other narcotics into the country. With my background as a police officer, chairing this committee allows me to utilize my law enforcement experience in this new assignment.

Member, Senate Finance Committee 

Lt. Governor Patrick also added me to the critically important Senate Finance Committee, which handles budget development and implementation for the entire state. We must remain fiscally responsible, and this involves looking at every agency and every grant program to make sure that they’re as efficient as possible.

This committee has the responsibility to write the budget for every service in the state, including transportation, public education, higher education, jails, public safety, water, all of our state boards and commissions, and much more. Every penny must be authorized. If an item is not specifically budgeted, then money can’t be spent.   

Through service on this committee, I will have more opportunities to continue our work on reducing the burden of property taxes on our citizens. We will pursue additional actions to leave as much money with taxpayers as possible.

I look forward to working with Senator Joan Huffman, Chair of Senate Finance, who has done an outstanding job protecting taxpayers’ dollars and managing the state’s $338 billion budget. The Senate Finance Committee has more hearings than any other, and we meet almost every day of the session until the budget is written.

I will continue to serve as Vice Chair of the Business and Commerce Committee, as well as Chair of the Congressional Redistricting Committee. In the interim, before the 90^th Legislative Session convenes, I am also serving as a member of the Senate Committees on Criminal Justice, Education, Higher Education, Local Government, and Transportation.

None of this service would be possible without strong support here at home across Senate District 10. Your continued confidence in me means I can keep serving in Austin, fighting for our conservative values and for the interests of our district. I never take that support for granted, and am excited about these new opportunities to serve you in the coming legislative session. 

Tomorrow we begin voting in the 2026 Republican Primary.

Since Monday is a holiday, Early Voting begins Tuesday, February 17th and runs through Friday, February 27th. Remember that most counties will also have weekend voting on Saturday and Sunday.  

You can find your closest polling location and hours by clicking on your county below:

Brown
Callahan
Johnson
Palo Pinto
Parker
Shackelford
Stephens
Tarrant

 
Primary elections are where the future of our party is shaped. This is the moment when Republican voters choose the leaders who will carry our principles forward and represent our values on the ballot in November. The strength of our party — and the direction of our state and nation — begins here.

The Republican Primary is where we ensure our nominees reflect the conservative principles we believe in. If we want strong leadership rooted in those values, participation is essential.

And remember — vote all the way down the ballot.

Statewide races matter. Legislative races matter. Judicial, county, and precinct races matter. These positions shape the laws that govern us, how those laws are interpreted, and how our communities operate day to day. Every race plays a role in building the future we want to see.

Low turnout in primaries can dramatically impact outcomes. Your vote truly carries weight in this election.

Please make your plan today:
• Review your ballot before heading to the polls
• Decide whether you will vote early or on Election Day
• Encourage friends and family to participate

Strong turnout in the Republican Primary ensures our party remains focused, unified, and prepared for victory in November.

On Your Ballot:  Republican Party of Texas Ballot Propositions

When you go to the polls to vote, there will be 10 propositions on the Republican primary ballot. These are non-binding and are not implementing law or amending the Constitution. Rather, these ballot propositions help gauge the sentiment and priorities of GOP primary voters and help determine legislative priorities for the 2027 session.

Note: These propositions are submitted by the State Republican Executive Committee. 

Proposition 1: Texas property taxes should be assessed at the purchase price and phased out entirely over the next six years through spending reductions.

Proposition 2: Texas should require any local government budget that raises property taxes to be approved by voters at a November general election.

Proposition 3: Texas should prohibit denial of healthcare or any medical service based solely on the patient’s vaccination status.

Proposition 4: Texas should require its public schools to teach that life begins at fertilization.

Proposition 5: Texas should ban gender, sexuality, and reproductive clinics and services in K-12 schools. 

Proposition 6: Texas should enact term limits on all elected officials.

Proposition 7: Texas should ban the large-scale export or sale of groundwater and surface water to any single private or public entity.

Proposition 8: The Texas Legislature should reduce the burden of illegal immigration on taxpayers by ending public services for illegal aliens.

Proposition 9: The Republican-controlled Texas Legislature should stop awarding leadership positions, including committee and subcommittee chairmanships and vice chairmanships, to Democrats.

Proposition 10:  Texas should prohibit Sharia Law. 

Please exercise your right – and fulfill your duty – to vote.  Thank you for staying engaged and committed to the future of our community.

I hope you’re enjoying the warmer weather we’ve had after the winter storm. Here’s an update on recent issues and events.

Ten Commandments Legal Update 

On January 20th, a hearing was held at the 5th Circuit Federal Appeals Court in response to lawsuits filed both in Texas and Louisiana challenging the legality of Ten Commandments posters being displayed in schools. Texas Values filed an amicus brief on both my and State Representative Candy Noble’s behalf as authors of the law. The general consensus is that the hearing went well.  All 17 justices participated (en banc). It will be appealed to the United States Supreme Court regardless of who prevails at the 5th Circuit.  

Texas Education Freedom Accounts

One of our accomplishments during the recent legislative session was to create Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA), with $1 billion in funding. This account allows families to use state funds for private school tuition, tutoring, and homeschooling expenses beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. Applications for these funds are now being accepted. Families can receive about $10,000 for private school tuition per student per year, up to $30,000 per student per year for students with disabilities, and $2,000 per student per year for homeschool students.  Please click here for a link to resources created by the Comptroller’s office regarding this program. The deadline to apply for the 2026-2027 school year is MARCH 17th.

Texas Legislature Interim Charges

Even though the legislature won’t be back in session until January, our work continues out of session. Interim charges are specific topics, studies, and investigations assigned to legislative committees by the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House to be researched during the “interim period,” the 18 months between regular legislative sessions. These directives help identify priority issues, monitor state agencies, and shape the agenda for the next session.

Just last week, Lt. Governor Patrick announced his first round of interim charges for the 2027 legislative session. They include preventing Sharia law in Texas, further property  tax cuts, securing infrastructure and supply chain integrity, protecting taxpayer funds/preventing fraud and abuse, and promoting America and Texas first in our schools. Our office, along with the rest of the Senate, will provide our recommendations for additional interim charges to the lieutenant governor by the end of the month. The full list of charges will then be released in March.

Texas Judicial Council and Texas Indigent Defense Commission Appointments

I am honored to be appointed by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick to serve on the Texas Judicial Council and the governing board of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission.  The Texas Judicial Council is charged with studying methods to simplify judicial procedures, expedite court business and improve the overall administration of justice. The Council evaluates the work of Texas courts and submits recommendations to the Legislature, the Governor and the Supreme Court. As a Council member, I will receive and consider input from judges, public officials, members of the bar and citizens across the state.

The Texas Indigent Defense Commission safeguards liberty by ensuring that Texas and its 254 counties provide the right to counsel guaranteed by the United States and Texas Constitutions. The Commission’s work focuses on three primary areas: funding, oversight and continuous improvement of indigent defense services statewide.

I am grateful for the trust placed in me through these appointments and look forward to serving Texas in these new roles while working to strengthen the administration of justice across our state.

National March for Life

On January 23rd, the National March for Life was held in Washington, DC. The March for Life is the largest annual human rights demonstration in the world, and is a celebration of each and every life.

The next day, the Texas Rally for Life, hosted annually by the Texas Alliance for Life, was held in Austin where Governor Abbott spoke in support of the sanctity of life. “We are united by the truth that our Creator endowed us with the right to life itself,” said Governor Abbott. “There is no freedom more precious than life itself. All of you have been life savers, and thousands of newborn babies are the result of your heroic efforts. Thank you for being a part of the movement that has made Texas the beacon for life in the United States of America.”

Since the Texas Heartbeat Law went into effect in 2023, over 200,000 babies have been saved from abortion in our state. I’m proud that Texas stands firm for the rights of the unborn.

Wedding Anniversary

On January 26th, Terry and I celebrated our 47th anniversary. There is no “formula” for a great marriage. And there have been some difficult times—not in our marriage but just in life. However, if I had to pick one thing that got us through everything, it’s that we have prayed together every day. God just seems to work everything out when we pray.

As winter weather approaches the area later today, I want to update you with resources to ensure you can directly access the latest information. 

Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) – https://tdem.texas.gov/
This site serves as the “hub” for the state’s emergency management program, and includes links to warming centers, general preparedness information and other helpful information.

To find a situation overview given to elected officials this morning, along with forecast maps and radars, CLICK HERE.

To find the latest forecast, visit the National Weather Service Fort Worth –
https://www.weather.gov/fwd/
 
To monitor road conditions – drivetexas.org

To check the latest grid conditions – https://www.ercot.com/

To monitor any power outages and find power company information –
puc.texas.gov/storm/#txwx#txlege

From the above link, if you need to report an outage, click on the “Texas Utility Contacts” in the yellow box as shown in the picture below. When you call, if possible, you need to have your ESI ID number available. You can find that number on your most recent electric bill.

Please stay warm, stay safe and check on your neighbors. 

It’s been a busy month since Thanksgiving, and I’d like to share a few highlights. First, however, Terry and I would like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. May this be a special time reflecting on the greatest gift ever given, when Christ came into this world to provide us eternal life.

Fort Worth Hosts the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) National Conference
The first week after Thanksgiving, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) national conference was held in Fort Worth. We had a record number of attendees – over 1,000! Terry was able to join me for much of the conference, and many of my Senate and House colleagues attended.

Over the course of three days, state lawmakers from almost all 50 states met to share best practices as well as consider state-based solutions to issues affecting our nation and our citizens. Speakers included Governor Abbott, Lt. Gov. Patrick, Senator Ted Cruz, Secretary of Agriculture (and Fort Worth resident) Brooke Rollins, former Governor Rick Perry and more.

What exactly is ALEC, you might ask? Well, it’s the largest nonpartisan, voluntary membership organization of state legislators in the country. The group is dedicated to principles of limited government, free markets and federalism. Back in 2015, I was honored to have served as the national chairman for this great group of like-minded individuals, and I remain active as a member of the national board. Much of the conservative legislation enacted in Texas over the past several decades began with discussions and brainstorming at ALEC conferences. 

At ALEC, we had the opportunity to welcome Fort Worth resident Brooke Rollins, our U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, back to her hometown. 


The ALEC National Board of Directors toured the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics facility in Fort Worth,  where thousands of North Texans help manufacture the F-35. Terry joined me for the tour of this absolutely massive production facility. We also got to say hello to our son-in-law Rick who works at Lockheed. 

National Interview on the Hugh Hewitt Show

While attending ALEC, I took some time to visit with national radio host Hugh Hewitt where I discussed the status of our redistricting efforts and the “Big Beautiful Map.” At the time of the interview, the U.S. Supreme Court had not yet ruled in favor of Texas’ new maps, which were drawn to create five new GOP congressional seats. As I stated in the interview, we want new seats because we know if the left controls Congress during Trump’s last two years we’ll have nothing but impeachments and bogus inquiries; the work of the people will grind to a halt. On December 4th, the Supreme Court did rule favorably, as common sense and the rule of law prevailed. This provides us the opportunity to increase our GOP majority in Congress, but now we need to make sure we win those seats in November of 2026. To listen to the interview, click on the photo above.

New Laws Going into Effect
During the two special sessions, we enacted new laws that are beginning to take effect this month and into January. Here are just a few examples: 

• Private citizens can sue anyone who manufactures or distributes abortion drugs to or from Texas. Effective date of December 4th.
• The STAAR test will be replaced by three shorter tests throughout the year. Students will take the new assessments beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.
• More penalties will be applied to lawmakers who break quorum to delay legislation, including harsher fines, new limits on funds they raise as well as loss of seniority and committee posts. Effective date of December 4th.
• Senate Bill 8 requires transgender individuals to use restrooms and changing facilities for their biological gender. This will keep men out of women’s restrooms and other areas and is known as the “Women’s Privacy Act.” Effective date of December 4th.
• Senate Bill 11 will protect human trafficking victims from prosecution for crimes they are forced to commit by their captors. Effective date of December 4th.

Our Pro-Family Work is Honored by WallBuilders
At the WallBuilders Pro Family Conference, several of us were honored for our work in restoring the Ten Commandments back in the Texas classrooms.    

It was a privilege to be recognized along with Rep. Candy Noble and Senator Jim Dotson of Arkansas, for working to restore the Ten Commandments back in the classroom.

“Faith and Family Champion” Award from Texas Values

On December 6th I had the honor of speaking at a Texas Values meeting held at the home of Vince & Mona Puente in Arlington. The organization president, Jonathan Saenz, presented me with the “Faith & Family Champion Award” in recognition for my voting record, which aligns with the conservative and faith-based ideals of Texas Values Action. 

Thank you again for taking time to read these updates. 

Merry Christmas!

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 107:1

Happy Thanksgiving from all of the King family to yours. 

Thanksgiving for me is a lot about stepping back and reflecting with a heart of gratitude. Many of you will recall the great hymn “Count Your Blessings,” which in part says: “When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”

This week, I can’t help but be grateful for this great nation we call home.

Everyone in the world wants to live in the United States. That’s why people have come here by the droves across the decades, with a dream to build a new life. America is a place where millions have yearned to come, and we are so blessed to live here. I can honestly say with all my heart there’s nowhere I’d rather live than in the United States, Texas, and frankly, here in SD 10.

Now, as a father and grandfather, I have a responsibility to pass on that thankfulness to my family, and instill that recognition of all that we have. It’s important we talk to our children and our grandchildren about the great blessings God has given us.

I pray this week will be a wonderful time with those you love.  

Early Voting Begins Monday, October 20th for 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. You can find voting information at the end of this message. 

This past session, the legislature passed 17 joint resolutions proposing these amendments. Funding for these measures has already been allocated in the state budget. 

The Secretary of State has determined the order of the amendments on the ballot by random draw and numbered them by proposition. There are key amendments which propose to provide further property tax relief, improve statewide water availability and ensure that only United States citizens can vote in Texas elections.  

Key Amendments:

Tax Relief 

Prop 2 – Would prohibit a capital gains tax from being imposed on an individual’s estate or trust. 

Prop 8 – Would prohibit the legislature from imposing a “death tax.” 

Prop 9 – Would cut taxes for small businesses by raising the exemption for business personal property from $2,500 to $125,000. 

Prop 13 – Would increase the homestead exemption for all Texans, other than seniors and disabled persons, from $100,000 to $140,000.

Prop 11 – Would increase the school property tax exemption for seniors and disabled persons by an additional $60,000, raising their total exemption to $200,000. 

Bail Reform

Prop 3 – Would require a judge to deny bail to the most violent offenders when the state provides that the defendant is a threat to public safety or a flight risk. Such violent offenders include murderers, rapists and human traffickers.

Critical Infrastructure 

Prop 4 – Would establish a dedicated funding source to provide $1 billion annually for 20 years to the Texas Water Fund, supporting long-term water resource development across the state.

Voter Integrity 

Prop 16 – Would clarify that a person must be a United States citizen to vote in a Texas election. The Texas Constitution does not currently explicitly limit Texas non-citizen voting in state or local elections. This will prevent municipalities from passing policies to allow non-citizens to vote, like cities have done in California, Maryland and New York. 

Other Proposed Amendments: 

Prop 1 – Would establish two new funds to support the Texas State Technical College (TSTC) System. The funds established by Prop 1 would provide additional funding to the TSTC System for capital projects and equipment purchases that support vocational and technical education programs.

Prop 5 – Would exempt animal feed from property taxation, relieving the tax burden on livestock feed retailers to benefit the agriculture industry.

Prop 6 – Would prohibit the legislature from imposing a tax on registered securities market operators or their transactions. Prop 6 would support the newly established and growing Texas Stock Exchange by preventing the future imposition of a financial transaction tax that would deter investment in the financial services sector and negatively affect the growing Texas economy. It would also provide certainty for investors, including retirees, about their ability to trade securities freely in Texas. 

Prop 7 – Would authorize the legislature to grant a property tax exemption for unremarried spouses of veterans who died in connection with their service.

Prop 10 – Would authorize future legislatures to provide a temporary exemption from property taxes on a residence homestead that is destroyed by fire.

Prop 12 – Would make changes to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct (SCJC) to strengthen judicial oversight.

Prop 14 – Would establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to advance research, treatment and prevention for a broad range of neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This is modeled on the successful Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.

Prop 15 – Would affirm a parent’s inherent right to the care, custody and control of their children, including the right to make decisions concerning the child’s upbringing. Currently, parental rights in Texas are protected primarily through case law, which can be subject to change based on judicial interpretations. Prop 16 would codify these rights directly in the state constitution, providing stronger and more consistent protection against potential governmental overreach. 

Prop 17 – Would authorize future legislatures to provide an exemption from certain property taxation for properties in Texas counties that border Mexico. The state and federal governments have built walls and roads and installed surveillance systems on individuals’ private property to prevent illegal border crossings. Prop 17 ensures that any increase in a property’s appraised value due to the border security infrastructure will not result in higher property taxes.

Links For Early Voting Locations and Information:

Brown County
 
Callahan County
 
Johnson County
 
Palo Pinto County
 
Parker County
 
Shackelford County
 
Stephens County
 
Tarrant County
 

With Texas booming, our roads and highways must keep up. In fact, in our most recent newsletter, I provided an update on funding we just passed for future construction projects across our district. If you missed that information, you can read it HERE.
 
Meanwhile, construction on previously funded projects is underway. Like you, I get stuck in traffic caused by these projects. I’ve had numerous and ongoing discussions with TXDOT, expressing your concerns and mine about the impact of this congestion. They have committed to provide more information so citizens can be aware of upcoming closures and detours. 
 
For your planning purposes, I want to pass on some information from TXDOT that I have received. Please note that you can sign up for emails directly from TXDOT to receive construction updates under the “News” tab, at the link they provide in the message below. Also, at the bottom of this email, you will find two maps that TXDOT has provided.
 
FROM TXDOT:

Please be advised that east and westbound Interstate 20, from the I-20/I-30 split to Markum Ranch Road in Western Tarrant County, will be closed from 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25 through 6 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26, to accommodate bridge construction activities, weather permitting. This will be a total closure.
 
There will also be overnight closures on I-30 on Friday evening, 9/26 and then Monday-Tuesday 9/26 and 9/29-9/30. These closures will be westbound only.
 
You can find this information, as well as detour maps, at this link: https://www.txdot.gov/keep20-30moving.html. You can also sign up to receive updates regarding upcoming construction.  

Finally, when constituents call our offices with questions about specific projects, we refer them to the following TXDOT regional offices. I have provided that information below:   
 
Tarrant, Parker, Johnson, & Palo Pinto County:
https://www.txdot.gov/about/districts/fort-worth-district.html
817-370-6744
 
Brown & Stephens County:
https://www.txdot.gov/about/districts/brownwood-district.html
325-646-2591
 
Callahan & Shackelford County:
https://www.txdot.gov/about/districts/abilene-district.html
325-676-6800

Source: https://www.txdot.gov/content/dam/project-sites/keep20-30moving/docs/i-20-bentley-bridge-deck-detour-map-092525.pdf

Source: https://www.txdot.gov/content/dam/project-sites/keep20-30moving/docs/wb-i-30-at-580-sept29-to-oct3.pdf

Our second legislative special session ended earlier this month on September 3rd, and I’m happy to report that we accomplished some very important work. Today I provide an overview of some key Senate bills that were passed and sent to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. Next week I will continue providing more details on legislation passed in the regular session, as well as House bills that were passed during the second special session.

SB 1, CAMP SAFETY: Legislation which would require camps to have natural disaster emergency plans, prohibits campgrounds from operating in floodplains, streamlines emergency communications to family members, enacts new health and safety standards for camp personnel, mandates that camp operators maintain safety equipment and conduct regular safety orientations, and requires compliance with the National Fire Protection Association’s standards.

SB 3, FLOOD EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AND WARNING: Legislation to strengthen emergency communications and improve early warning systems and other preparedness and response infrastructure in flood-prone areas throughout Texas.

SB 5, RELIEF FUNDING FOR HILL COUNTRY FLOODS: Legislation to provide relief funding for response to and recovery from the storms which began in early July 2025, including local match funding for jurisdictions eligible for FEMA public assistance.

SB 8, PROTECT WOMEN’S SPACES: Legislation protecting women’s privacy in sex-segregated spaces.

SB 11, PROTECT HUMAN TRAFFICKING VICTIMS: Legislation, similar to Senate Bill 1278 from the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, that protects victims of human trafficking from criminal liability for non-violent acts closely tied to their own victimization.

SB 12, ATTORNEY GENERAL ELECTION POWERS: Legislation proposing a constitutional amendment allowing the Attorney General to prosecute state election crimes.

SB 14, WATER PROJECT INCENTIVES: Legislation, similar to Senate Bill 1253 from the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, that authorizes political subdivisions to reduce impact fees for builders who include water conservation and efficiency measures.

SB 16, TITLE THEFT & DEED FRAUD: Legislation, similar to Senate Bill 648 from the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, that provides strengthened protections against title theft and deed fraud.

SB 54: PREVENTING SAME DAY VOTER REGISTRATION: Removes the provision in the Election Code that allowed a voter that has changed addresses within the same county to register to vote and vote in the same day.

SD 10 Transportation Projects Funded in Latest State Budget

As a member of the Senate Transportation Committee, I’m able to have an in-depth look at how Texas is working to relieve the traffic congestion too many of us face on a daily basis. The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) has dedicated roughly $35.5 billion of its 2026-27 budget to the development, delivery and maintenance of the state’s vast network of public roads.

Senate District 10 stands to benefit greatly from these funds, as rapid population growth and expanding commercial activity in the region place increasing pressure on local and regional roadways. In addition to the projects that are currently underway in SD 10, I am pleased to share that TXDOT has approved funding for the following projects:

•     $28 million authorized to widen U.S. 84 in Brown County
•     $218 million authorized to widen Interstate 30 in Arlington
•     $84 million authorized to improve Interstate 35 West in Johnson County
•     $116.5 million authorized to widen U.S. 281 in Palo Pinto County
•    $77 million authorized to create new frontage roads in Weatherford from Santa Fe Drive to Bankhead Highway
•     $25 million authorized for freeway ramps in Arlington
•     $200 million authorized to widen Interstate 20 in Arlington

For more information on these projects, and to view all TxDOT projects, please visit https://apps3.txdot.gov/apps-cq/project_tracker/ and select “State Senate District Number” from the first dropdown box, then type “10” into the search bar.

Legislation Forces Austin to Shut Down Taxpayer-funded Abortion Travel Fund

On September 1st, Senate Bill 33, which prohibits the use of public taxpayer dollars to help promote abortion, went into effect. Because of our work in passing this new law, the city of Austin was forced to end its “out-of-state abortion fund,” which was used to reimburse Texas women who traveled to other states to receive abortions for missed wages, travel expenses and any planning expenses they incurred. This fund in effect circumvented Texas’ strong pro-life laws, creating an end-run around public policy using taxpayer dollars. It’s encouraging to see the immediate impact that meaningful legislation has for our state.

Legislation Enables Shutdown of Massage Parlors Engaged in Human Trafficking

In the 2023 legislative session, I sponsored HB 3579. This bill created emergency suspension powers for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) if a massage business is being investigated by law enforcement for human trafficking, sexual misconduct or related offenses. Since that legislation has been signed into law, I have been encouraged to see some of the direct results of our intended purpose behind that bill.

Since the passage of HB 2579, TDLR has exercised their emergency powers to shut down 75 massage locations around the state, including six locations in Senate District 10. In May, a massage parlor in Cleburne was shut down, along with seven others outside the district, for the same reason. Sadly, new reports come in every day about suspected human trafficking and illicit activities at massage parlors. We must all remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to TDLR when we see it. I have one constituent in Burleson whose consistent reporting has led to action by TDLR in that community. If you suspect human trafficking or illegal activity at a massage parlor or other TDLR licensed business, please visit https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/complaints/ to file a complaint. You may also report suspected human trafficking to the National Hotline for Human Trafficking at 1-888-373-7888.

Charlie Kirk: A Devastating Loss for Our Nation

Terry and I are absolutely heartbroken over the tragic and senseless brutal murder of Charlie Kirk. In a world of darkness, a bright, irreplaceable light has been taken from us. His impact on America is unprecedented, as we have seen in the outpouring of emotions in the week following his passing. Charlie possessed a rare ability to change hearts and minds of Americans, especially those on college campuses, with open conversation and civil discourse. I have learned of his impact even in the lives of some of my grandchildren, who I had no idea were watching his podcasts. Charlie is now in Heaven with his Lord and Savior, leaving behind a wife and two young children. God Bless all those who loved Charlie Kirk.