This was a big week in the House of Representatives.  We passed a bill reaffirming that the state is the regulator of oil and gas activities, which would prevent rogue cities from banning oil and gas activity and harming our state economy.

We also passed HB 910, the open carry bill.  This law would allow current concealed handgun licensees to carry their gun openly if they chose.  Texas is one of only six states that does not allow some form of open carry.  HB 910 will bring Texans' Second Amendment rights up to speed with the majority of the country. 

I am proud to have supported both of these bills and look forward to seeing the Senate pass them and send them to Governor Abbott for his signature.

Also this week, I passed a bill guaranteeing important liability protections for our sports officials.  Currently, the committed folks who officiate our children's sporting events are subject to lawsuits for unintentional accidents that sometimes occur.  My bill works to provide a level of security for our dedicated officials, many of whom are paid nominally or not at all.

The House passed legislation to allow schools to work with high school seniors to ensure that they graduate.  Recognizing that not all children learn in the same ways or have the same needs, SB 149 would allow schools to set up graduation committees to provide an alternative path to graduation for our kids that have trouble with one-size-fits-all standardized testing.  These committees would work with the kids to make sure that if they are ready to graduate, they can.

The House also passed a constitutional amendment--you will hopefully get to vote on it in November--clarifying that property tax exemptions for the widows of disabled veterans are for all eligible widows, not just those that became eligible after we passed the passed the original constitutional amendment.

As the legislative session continues, I want to encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I want to hear your opinion regarding the issues that are important to you. It is with your input that I am able to best represent you. My office number is 512-463-0556 or district9.paddie@house.state.tx.us.