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 2nd 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 2nd 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.
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 84th 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.
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.
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.
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.
The 84th 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.
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.
This week marked an important juncture in the 84th Legislative Session and also one of the busiest days yet. The House advanced legislation that will further secure our border, and the State & Federal Power & Responsibility Committee continued to look at ways to rein in the federal government.
Bill Filing Deadline
Friday was the last day to file bills in both the House and the Senate. Historically this is one of the busiest days of any session, this year being no different. Nearly 1,000 bills were filed last Friday alone! This single day surge of bill filings represents about 15% of all the bills filed this session.
House Leads On Border Security
Department of Public Safety officers patrol the border
The House made significant advances on a long-term plan to secure our southern border this week. This plan would add 250 state police officials on the border, strengthen anti-smuggling laws, and create new southbound vehicle checkpoints. I strongly favor a long-range plan that allows the Department of Public Safety to boost their manpower and patrols along the border. Protecting Texans and securing the border will continue to be a top priority for the House.
Curbing Federal Power
I am proud to be the Chairman of the Select Committee on State & Federal Power & Responsibility, which is charged with examining the effects of the federal government’s spending and actions on Texas. Our committee met for nearly 6 hours this week to evaluate how Texas can push back against an ever-growing federal government.
The 10th Amendment is a viable option in many cases where the federal government exceeds its legal authority. I am a Joint Author on House Bill (HB) 98 otherwise known as the Texas Balance of Powers Act. This bill was the first bill our committee heard this session and gives statutory authority and direction to the Legislature to curb constitutional abuses by federal government under the 10th Amendment.
With the national debt ballooning to over $18 trillion and likely to reach $27 trillion by 2025, states are looking at ways to not only insulate themselves from the federal government but also look at what they can do to get our country back on the right fiscal path. Article V of the United States Constitution is a tool states are looking at to help pull our country back from the fiscal cliff. Alexander Hamilton wrote, “We may safely rely on the disposition of the State legislatures to erect barriers against encroachment of the national authority.” Article V gives the states the power to address national problems when the federal government refuses to do so. The committee took up four pieces of legislation relating to Article V, and we heard from folks who traveled from as far as Lubbock to make their voice heard on this topic. You can watch a replay of the hearing by clicking here.
Office Visits
One of my favorite parts of each day is getting to visit with constituents and friends from home. If you are visiting the Capitol please don’t ever hesitate and stop by to say hello. My staff and I love hearing about issues that matter to you.
It has been a very busy week in Austin. Committees have started to meet, and legislators are working hard to ensure we have a productive session. Here are some highlights from the last few days:
Wise County Day
This week I had the privilege to introduce a resolution recognizing February 17 as Wise County Day at the Capitol. It was great to see so many folks from home in Austin. We had a very productive time working on issues important to District 61. I always enjoy seeing friends from the district. If you are ever in town please know the door is always open to constituents.
The Wise County delegation at the Capitol
State of the State Address
Governor Abbott recognizes Richard Overton for his service
Governor Abbott gave his State of the State address on Tuesday. He laid out an ambitious agenda and declared five emergency items for the Legislature to consider. Governor Abbott’s emergency priorities include more funding for pre-K programs, border security, ethics reform, transportation and higher education research funding. By declaring these emergency items, the House and Senate can take up these five issues faster than is normally allowed.
One of my favorite moments from the speech is when Governor Abbott recognized Richard Overton. At 108 years old, Mr. Overton is the oldest living World War II veteran in the United States.
Texas leads the fight against President Obama’s executive amnesty
Governor Abbott, Senator Cruz, Lt. Governor Patrick and Attorney General Paxton discuss the state’s victory this week
I was proud this week to see Texas win a huge victory for the rule of law in America over President Obama’s executive amnesty order. Governor Abbott began this law suit as one of his last acts as attorney general. General Paxton has taken the baton and continues this fight.
One of the central duties of my role as Chairman of the Select Committee on State & Federal Power & Responsibility is to explore ways how Texas can push back against an ever-growing and runaway federal government. Recently, there has been a growing movement across the country regarding the use of Article V of the U.S. Constitution as a tool for the states to use as a check against Congress. I am excited that next Thursday, February 26, experts from across the country will be in Austin to testify at our first committee hearing which will be dedicated to learning more about Article V. Among the experts will be former Senator Tom Coburn (OK) & Mike Farris with the Convention of States Project, Roman Buhler of the Madison Coalition and Nick Dranias who is with Compact for America.
You can watch the committee hearing online here. The hearing is scheduled to start at 10:30 or upon final adjournment from the House floor. Most likely, the hearing will start right around 11:30am. We will send you an update next week as the hearing approaches.
King: “I am Eager to Serve as Chairman of the State and Federal Power and Responsibility Committee”
AUSTIN – The following statement may be attributed to State Representative Phil King (R-Weatherford):
“Yesterday the Speaker of the Texas House announced committee assignments for the 84th Legislative Session. I am excited to announce that I will be serving as Chair of the State and Federal Power and Responsibility Committee and also serving on the House Committee on Energy Resources and the House Committee on Environmental Regulation. I am exceptionally pleased with these opportunities.”
The House Committee on State and Federal Power and Responsibility will monitor actions of the federal government, including federal legislation and regulations that require or advise that states take certain actions or the actions of the federal government in providing or failing to provide services to the state. “This committee is about federalism and the proper balance between the state and federal government. We will be considering various issues relating to the Tenth Amendment, Article V constitutional amendment initiatives, unfunded federal mandates, and issues relating to the federal budget and its impact on Texas.”
“I am also pleased to be serving on the Energy Resources Committee and the Environmental Regulation Committee. Energy production accounts for over one-fourth of the Texas economy and is an economic driver in the Barnett Shale area. Also, issues relating to air, water and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality affect Texas’ families and businesses everyday.”
“These committees deal with extremely important topics facing Texas and I am eager and honored to have the opportunity to get to work on these critical matters.”
