News

Legislation to Create School Finance Commission

Governor Greg Abbott has asked me to author legislation that will create the Texas Commission on Public School Finance which will begin to rebuild our outdated school finance system. This is one of the twenty priority items previously announced by Governor Abbott on the special session agenda that convenes July 18. My hope is to provide property tax relief while adequately funding education.

“The school finance system in Texas is broken,” said Governor Abbott. “That is why I have called for legislation to create a commission that will work throughout the interim on solutions to our failed Robin Hood program and craft serious reforms for our obsolete school finance system. I am grateful to Sen. Taylor and Rep. King for understanding the importance of this issue and applaud their efforts to begin to fix it.”

While there have been many laudable attempts to address our broken school finance system, we’ve yet to reach consensus in the Legislature and enact real, substantive solutions into law. The problem is simply too complex, which is why we need a state commission–with representatives of the Governor and legislative leadership–to thoroughly study the issues, seek input from a wide array of stakeholders, and build consensus over the interim.

Happy Independence Day!

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July with family and friends. Terry and I attended the Boomin’ 4th Fireworks Show with several of our kids and grandkids.

State Representative Phil King represents Parker and Wise counties in the Texas House of Representatives.

SPECIAL SESSION BEGINNING JULY 18

Abbott announced last week that the Legislature will be reconvened in a special session beginning July 18th. Unlike “regular” sessions which last 140 days and convene each odd number year, “special” sessions are called in 30 day increments. And unlike regular sessions, only topics put on the “call” by the governor may be considered.

Governor Abbott has placed 20 items on the special session call. I am delighted about a number of these topics which include:

1. Reauthorization of the Texas Medical Board
2. Teacher pay increase of $1,000
3. Administrative flexibility in teacher hiring and retention practices
4. School finance reform commission
5. School choice for special needs students
6. Property tax reform
7. Caps on state and local spending
8. Preventing cities from regulating what property owners do with trees on private land
9. Preventing local governments from changing rules midway through construction projects
10. Speeding up local government permitting process
11. Municipal annexation reform
12. Texting while driving preemption
13. Privacy/Bathroom bill
14. Prohibition of taxpayer dollars to collect union dues
15. Prohibition of taxpayer funding for abortion providers
16. Pro-life insurance reform
17. Strengthening abortion reporting requirements when health complications arise
18. Strengthening patient protections relating to do-not-resuscitate orders
19. Cracking down on mail-in ballot fraud
20. Extending maternal mortality task force

To watch Governor Abbott full press announcement on special session, click HERE.

NEW TASK FORCE CHAIR

As many of you know, I serve on the national board of directors for the American Legislative Exchange Council. At our annual meeting next month, we will officially launch a new Homeland Security Task Force. I will be serving as the public sector chair. I am looking forward to serving in this capacity as it compliments my background in law enforcement and my service in the Texas House as chairman of the Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee.

OTHER (and the most important) NEWS

Terry and I are pleased to announce that our 13th grandchild was born on May 20th. Jack Wayne Haye was born at 2:00 pm weighing in at 9lb 3oz, 21 inches long and bearing a full head of hair.

Tomorrow is the final day for the House to pass Senate bills. After that, the remainder of the session is focused on rectifying differences on bills that did not pass in identical form in each chamber. This last week has been crunch time with very long hours and we have passed some of the most important legislation of session.

Property Tax Empowerment Act of 2017

On Saturday, we passed legislation that would empower voters to have a say on local property tax increases by strengthening the oversight and visibility on how tax local property tax rates are adopted.

It would also strengthen the right of those taxpayers who take part in the appraisal protest by:

• Ensuring taxpayer value will not be increased because the taxpayer files a protest.
• Ensuring taxpayers receive any evidence the appraisal district will use at a hearing.
• Requiring more training for Appraisal Review Board members on the protest process.
• Making it easier for taxpayers to provide feedback on their protest experience to the Comptroller.

Creates a “real-time” tax notice for property owners that tells them:

• Current appraised and taxable value of their property.
• The tax due on that property at each jurisdiction’s “no new revenue” tax rate.
• The tax due on their property at the rate each jurisdiction proposes to adopt.
• How their tax bill at the proposed rates for each jurisdiction compares to their tax bill at the “no new revenue” rates.
• The date and location of the public meeting at which each jurisdiction proposes to adopt its tax rate.

Additionally it will:

• Requires taxing units to maintain Internet websites that provide basic information about their budgets, tax rates, and public hearings so that property owners can be involved in the policy decisions that impact their communities and their taxes.
• Creates special Appraisal Review Board panels of experienced individuals to hear appeals of certain types of complex properties valued at more than $50 million. This will save property owners and appraisal districts money by more readily resolving cases that might otherwise go to district court.
• The “effective tax rate” is renamed to what it is—the “no new revenue” rate. Any tax rate above that is one that raises new revenue for the jurisdiction, excluding any property that has not been taxed before. Jurisdictions will have to use Comptroller-prescribed forms to calculate their baseline tax rates. The numbers and calculations on those forms will be subject to verification and those forms will be made public.

This legislation will empower taxpayers in two very important ways. First, it brings transparency to the tax rate setting process, giving taxpayers the tools and information they need so they can engage local officials who set tax rates. Second, for those taxpayers who take part in the protest process, the bill strengthens their rights by making the process fair, accountable and transparent.

I would like to see this legislation go even further to provide meaningful tax relief to my constituents in Parker and Wise counties. Because this legislation passed in different form in each chamber, it is possible that additional improvements could still be made. I will support any additional measures that provide tax relief and reform to our current system.

SB 8 – Partial-Birth and Dismemberment Abortion Ban

SB 8 bans partial-birth abortions and prohibits the sale of fetal tissue and organs. This will provide a necessary enforcement mechanism for Texas to prosecute those who perform partial-birth abortions. This legislation also prohibits abortion by method of dismemberment and provides for proper disposition of fetal remains.

SB 12 – Protective Vests of Law Enforcement

SB 12 that I authored creates a grant program to assist law enforcement agencies with the purchase of bulletproof vests and body armor. During National Police Week, we passed this legislation that would grant funds to provide for 50,000 bulletproof vests, ballistic plates, and plate carriers for our law enforcement.

SB 11 – Community Based Foster Care
(This is another bill is a series of several CPS/Foster Care System reform bills passed by the legislature this session)

• Expands the community-based foster care system- in which a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) manages foster care for a particular region of the state – to two additional regions and adds ability to transfer foster care case management from the Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS) to the SSCC.
• Establishes a “readiness review” of contractors and adds a process to evaluate contractor performance.
• Creates a quality assurance division within DFPS to monitor contract compliance and quality.
• Creates a legislative oversight committee for DFPS similar to TLOC.
• Includes provisions to improve delivery of medical services to foster children through new requirements for timely medical examinations.
• Creates additional requirements on prevention services and increases tracking and evaluation of child fatality data.
• Requires DFPS to conduct assessment of state foster care needs and develop recommendations on increasing foster care capacity throughout the state.
• Updates statutes to ensure that foster parents who work less than 40-hours a week can access day care services. Also directs streamlining of foster home licensing regulations.

Freedom To Serve Children Act

The state of Texas is facing a critical shortage of foster homes. In 2016 over 200 kids spent nights in offices, hotels or hospitals because there are not enough foster homes in which to place them. With limited capacity, children in foster care suffer from placements that are poorly matched to their needs, backgrounds or culture, or in placements far away from their homes and schools. HB 3859, which passed the Texas House this week, seeks to build and sustain a diverse network of high-quality child welfare providers. It accomplished this task by protecting faith-based child welfare service providers from discrimination or adverse actions for exercising their deeply held religious beliefs, while ensuring that child welfare services are available to everyone.

TRS-Care

Without legislative changes and additional funding to the TRS-Care program, the estimated $1.06 billion shortfall would be fully borne by our retired teachers. The Texas House took decisive action in order to continue to provide meaningful coverage to our retired teachers by passing HB 3976.

American Laws For American Courts

The Texas House passed HB 45 which mandates that a ruling or decision of a state court, arbitrator, or administrative law judge may not be based on a foreign law, if the application of that law would violate a right guaranteed by the Texas or federal Constitution. HB 45 provides necessary reform by clarifying and enforcing the rule of law which says that state courts may not enforce foreign laws or practices that violate the public policy of the State of Texas or violate the U.S. Constitution.

Public School Accountability

The Texas House voted to address a concern that we consistently hear from parents and educators: excessive testing. HB 22 will reduce the number of STAAR tests required in schools and make key reforms to our testing program and schedule.

Team Meeting on Article V Convention of States prior to House Floor Debate

Removing Impediments To Your Right To Bear Arms

This week, the Texas House of Representatives passed very important legislation removing impediments to your right to bear arms. SB 16, a bill I carried in the House, drastically reduced the state fee for a License to Carry (LTC). I had discovered that Texas had the 3rd highest fee in the nation with a $140 application fee and $70 renewal fee. As passed, the application and renewal fee would be set at $40, or $8 per year, the approximate cost to the state for managing the criminal history check and licensing process.

To read more about this legislation, CLICK HERE.

HB 3784 will allow the classroom portion of the LTC instruction and the written test to be taken online. In addition to passing the written portion, HB 3784 requires at least 1 hour of live range training with a certified instructor. This bill will give citizens another option and eases access to the written portion of the exam while providing beneficial handgun training on the firing range.

Governor Abbott Signs HB 89, Anti-BDS Legislation Into Law

I have been working on this legislation for over a year and am delighted that it is the first bill signed into law this session of the Texas Legislature. Governor Greg Abbott signed into law House Bill 89, known as Anti-BDS (Boycott, Divestments, and Sanctions) bill, which prohibits all government agencies from contracting with, and certain public fund from investing in, companies that discriminate against Israel. The signing was hosted at the Shalom Austin Jewish Community Center on May 2, which also marks Israel’s Independence Day.

Texas now has the strongest Anti-BDS law in the nation. As our 4th largest trading partner, friend and ally, this bill’s passage reaffirms that Texas stands with Israel.

The official signed bill and pen used by Governor Abbott which I will be delivering to Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Convention Of States Legislation

Today, SB 21 was passed out of the Texas House. This important legislation was added as an emergency item by Governor Abbott.As many of us would agree, the federal system of government that must respect and defer to the inherent rights of the states is broken. Washington is spending beyond the means of its citizens, seizing power from the states, and taking liberty from the very people to whom it is accountable.

Also passed today on the emergency calendar was SJR 2 – which is the resolution that actually calls for the Article V convention of states.

Alongside SJR 2, which is the formal application to Congress for a convention of states, SB 21 provides structural guidelines and procedures by which Texas delegates would be chosen and how those delegates would operate if a convention of states were called.

This bill is particularly critical for Texas as we have no current standards under which to act in the event of a convention of states actually being convened.

Texas Ranks #9 in Economic Outlook

In the 10^th edition of Rich States, Poor States that was published this week, Texas is ranked #9 in Economic Outlook in the country. That’s the best ranking for Texas in the decade of this report being published – and an improvement of 10 spots. (from 19^th in 2010).

Check out this interactive website that navigates the 10 years of Rich States, Poor States data and details Texas’ ranking.

SB 12 – Protective Vests for Law Enforcement – Heads to House Floor

Tuesday, my committee laid out and voted on SB 12, legislation that creates a grant program that will equip law enforcement across Texas with protective vests. This legislation will allow law enforcement agencies to apply for a grant that can be used to purchase protective vests. I am proud to be the House author of this legislation and bring it before the full house. It was voted out unanimously from committee.

Funding For Public Schools

Yesterday we passed on the house floor HB 21, a school finance bill that increased funding for Texas public schools. Below is a one pager on the legislation. This legislation is a step in the right direction for much needed school finance reform.

Visit with Weatherford Student Who Served as House Page

Appropriations Update

The approved budget and supplemental budget are up for consideration before the full House of Representatives this Thursday, April 6th. Over 400 amendments were pre-filed and will be debated. We expect to be on the floor until the early hours on Friday – possibly working through amendments and amendments to the amendment for over 18 consecutive hours. For every amendment that someone puts on the budget, it will take money from somewhere/someone else. We have a “put and take” rule. This means if you try to appropriate more money or additional funding, you have to cut from somewhere else in the budget.

Please pray for members to be alert, to have wisdom and to be courteous as we deliberate very serious issues that effect all Texans.

Summary of House Budget

The House has exercised leadership in crafting a conservative, responsible budget that spends $106.8 billion in available revenue. Despite revenue challenges, and very significant population and inflation growth, the House biennium budget is $1 billion less than the current budget.

Despite the very real budget cuts, the House budget still makes significant investments in critical priorities. Our proposal includes nearly $1.5 billion in new money for public education. We are addressing the foster care crisis in Texas by investing $433 million of additional funds to child protective services. In addition, the House is dedicating $62.6 million in new funds to eliminate waiting lists for community mental health services across the state and maintains our commitment to border security funding. The house budget also proposes fully funding health care for retired teachers.

The House budget is fully transparent and protects the state’s investment in transportation while maintaining our long-standing commitment to using dedicated funds for their rightful purpose.

After the budget passes this week, it will then go to conference committee where members serving on that committee will debate the nuances between the House and Senate version of the budget for a final 2018-19 appropriations to be approved by Governor Abbott.

For a more detailed look at the budget, click here.

Visitors to Texas Capitol

Israeli Defense Force Reserve Members Traveling the US to speak on college campuses to educate young leaders about true nature of the conflict and attacks on Israel

Wise County retired teachers

Swearing in Bob Glenn, EVP of PlainsCapital Bank in Weatherford to Gubernatorial Appointment on Texas House Floor.

LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS

Firearms – Yesterday, my committee heard two constitutional carry bills that allow the unlicensed carry of a holstered handgun where licenses are now required. We had over 300 attend to testify. Those who registered a position were almost equally distributed “for” and “against”. The hearing began at 8 am and concluded at about 9 pm. As you might imagine, there are very strong opinions on both sides of this issue.

Transgender Bathroom Legislation – I have received many, many calls, emails and Facebook messages about the “bathroom bill.” Bottom line, I don’t want any male going into the restroom with my wife, daughters or granddaughters. Period. Although this hasn’t occurred in Parker or Wise county schools, it is particularly offensive that a public school would intermix males and females in locker rooms and restrooms. I will vote “for” legislation that prohibits this in public schools and government buildings.

Voter ID – The voter ID bill, SB 5, passed the Senate this week. This will ensure integrity at the ballot box and comply with recent court rulings. I am the House sponsor of this bill and expect a hearing soon. The courts have struck down previous versions passed by the Texas Legislature.

License to Carry Fee, CSHB 300 – I am the House sponsor of this bill which is intended to lessen the burden on individuals who wish to obtain a license to carry a handgun. The bill passed out of my committee, Homeland Security and Public Safety, yesterday. It will decrease the application fee from $140 (3rd highest in the nation) and the renewal fee of $70 each to $40 (which is the actual cost to the state).

Partial-Birth Abortion Ban, CSHB 200 – House Bill 200 bans partial-birth abortions and prohibits the sale of fetal tissues and organs. While partial-birth abortions are banned by federal law, state prosecutors cannot enforce federal law; this provides an enforcement mechanism for Texas to prosecute those who perform partial-birth abortions. House Bill 200 establishes a statewide ban on the sale of fetal tissue.

Anti-Boycott, Divestment and Sanction, CSHB 89 – I am the House sponsor of this legislation. It prohibits the local and state government from investing public funds in companies that boycott Israel and from contracting with companies that boycott Israel. The bill passed out of the State Affairs committee today with no opposition.

Sudan, Iran, House Bill 1142 – This legislation strengthens existing state sanctions against Sudan, Iran and foreign terrorist organizations. It updates state contract law to prohibit government entities from contracting with companies engaged in active business operations with Sudan, Iran or a foreign terrorist organization. Aligns government entity contracting laws to protect American values.

Sanctuary Cities, SB 4 – Last week the House Committee on State Affairs heard SB 4 which would outlaw sanctuary cities. A “sanctuary” city is the common term for local governments that refuse to cooperate with federal authorities in the enforcement of immigration law. Over 600 witnesses signed up to testify with the hearing going until after midnight. Banning sanctuary cities is on the list of emergency items by declared by Governor Greg Abbott and we expect this legislation to be signed into law sometime in May.

RAINY DAY FUND

One thing you’re sure to hear about during the remainder of the 85th Session is the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF), commonly known as our “Rainy Day Fund.” I thought it might be helpful to provide a little background information about the ESF leading up to these conversations.

The ESF was first established in the late 1980s as a result of the economic crisis in Texas caused in large part by a sharp decline in the oil industry. Facing a severe cash deficit, Texas voters approved an amendment to the Texas Constitution to create the ESF, effectively a savings account for the State of Texas. The goal of this fund was to save money for the future in case Texas ever faced another cash shortfall. The ESF is funded by Oil Production and Natural Gas Production tax revenues, one-half of any unencumbered General Revenue surplus (a revenue surplus that does not have any claims against it) at the end of each biennium, and interest earned on the ESF balance.

Today, 46 states have some version of an ESF, but since everything is bigger in the Lone Star State, Texas holds the largest. Our ESF balance for Fiscal Year 2016 is approximately $9.7 billion, according to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. So, what does that mean for the 85th Legislature?

Well, proposals have been floated that would spend some money from the ESF. Though not unprecedented, it is something that has not been done since 2005. Unlike bills that require a simple majority (50 percent plus one) to pass, expenditures from the ESF require a higher threshold: either a three-fifths vote of members present in both chambers in some circumstances or a two-thirds vote of members present in others. Either way, it is a difficult (though not impossible) threshold to clear.

Be looking for what will be strenuous discussion of the ESF as we begin the budget debate next week on the House floor.

Ethics Reform Legislation

Our republican form of government is founded on the principle that public servants represent the interests of their constituents, serving as their voice in government. To that end, the Texas House has laid out an impressive ethics reform package to advance public trust in our elected bodies.

For more information about each bill in the House legislative package, click the following links: HB 500, HB 501, HB 502, HB 503, HB 504 and HB 505.
School Finance Update

Last week the House Committee on Public Education began hearings on HB 21. Although the Texas Supreme Court ruled last year that our school finance system is constitutional, structural flaws remain in the system. The House is committed to serious improvements in school finance. It is a very complicated issue but I am encouraged to see serious discussion and time spent on improving the system for both our students and taxpayers. This proposed legislation would provide an additional $1.6 billion for our public schools, providing more per-pupil funding for 95 percent of school districts. It would also begin to fix the flaws that make the current system inequitable by distributing education dollars more appropriately across the state.Money alone is not the solution to the struggles faced in public education. But HB 21 is a strong step toward reforming school funding. There is still a very long way to go in the process but I am hopeful we will soon make substantive progress for our 5 million Texas students.

Sanctuary Cities

This week the House Committee on State Affairs heard SB 4 which would outlaw sanctuary cities. A “sanctuary” city is the common term for local governments that refuse to cooperate with federal authorities in the enforcement of immigration law. Over 600 witnesses signed up to testify with the hearing going until after midnight. Banning sanctuary cities is on the list of emergency items declared by Governor Greg Abbott and we expect this legislation to be signed into law sometime in May.

Filing Deadline Today! Marks the 60th Day of Session

Today marks the 60th day of the 85th session which is also is the last day to file all non-emergency bills. For the next 30 days of the regular legislative session, the committees of each chamber will be holding hearings to consider all bills, resolutions and other undecided matters. Last session a total of 11,356 bills were filed (including both House and Senate). Our pace at the 45 day mark of the 85th session had increased by roughly 16 percent. If the pace keeps up, we expect to have over 13,000 bills filed this session.

House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety

The House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety, which I chair, met Tuesday morning to hear the first bills scheduled for a public hearing. We heard several bills that exempt volunteers at churches who provide security services from having to meet stringent licensing requirements. Currently, if a place of worship has volunteers who organize together for security patrol, they are required by law to become a licensed private security company. Next week we will be hearing several bills regarding subjects ranging from carrying of a weapon by first responders, driver license issues and criminal history records. I expect my committee to receive close to 200 bill referrals.

Flat Stanley Makes A Visit

The capitol was graced by a celebrity amongst elementary school circles. My granddaughter’s Flat Stanley joined us for a week under the dome full of important meetings with Speaker Straus, Attorney General Paxton, and Comptroller Hegar to name a few! He strolled the capitol lawn to smell the roses and even got to sit at Representative King’s desk.

Spring Break

Terry and I wish everyone a great and relaxing Spring Break. If you are driving through Austin, please come stop by the office in the Capitol and say hello. We always enjoy visitors from the district.