As we enter the final weeks of the 84th Legislative Session, things have been moving fast here in Austin. Procedural deadlines have begun killing legislation that has not advanced far enough through the legislative process.

While I have had some bills fall victim to these procedural hurdles, I am proud of the bills that I have passed out of the House and which are working their way through the Senate.  Some of the highlights of my legislation from the 84th Session include:

·         H.B. 849 creates two sales tax holidays for firearms, ammunition and hunting supplies.  These holidays would occur the weekend before dove season opens and the weekend before deer season opens.

·         H.B. 906 allows for additional experienced and dedicated individuals to serve as veterans county service officers.  This will help strengthen support for our veterans and provide more counties with qualified people to serve as veterans county service officers.

·         H.B. 1123 increases the penalty for possession and promotion of child pornography.  I filed this legislation as a result of recent cases of child pornography in our own backyard.  The bill also requires that offenders serve at least half of their sentence before even becoming eligible for parole.

·         H.B. 1997/S.B. 788 is Kari's Law.  This bill, borne out of the tragic murder of Kari Dunn, will require that businesses have phone systems which allow users to call 911 without first having to dial '9' or any other keys.  Kari's Law was signed by Gov. Abbott last Friday.  I am looking forward to standing with Kari's family and Sen. Eltife as Gov. Abbott signs this bill, which will forever memorialize Kari Dunn.

While these are some of the bills that I have authored and passed out of the House of Representatives, the House has passed many important pieces of legislation including ethics reform, open carry, historic tax reform, border security enhancements, and several pro-life bills.  There are many important issues remaining to be resolved over the next two weeks. I look forward to continuing to represent you in Austin.

As the legislative session winds up, 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.