May 21, 2021 - Last week, the House hit an important deadline, the last day to debate House bills. With things moving fast and furious this week, the House passed several important measures.
The House passed HB 3, which would limit the governor's powers in during a declared emergency. This bill now goes to the Senate to debate. We have seen many unilateral executive orders during the past year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and HB 3 will ensure that the legislative branch of government has a role in determining the best policies if we ever face a similar situation.
The House also passed SJR 27, which is a constitutional amendment which would prevent a governor from closing churches and other houses of worship during a crisis. We also passed HB 525 which states that religious institutions are essential businesses and cannot be closed, similar to the protections provided in the constitutional amendment. This constitutional amendment will appear on your ballot this coming November and it is important that you come out and make your voice heard on this important issue.
The House also passed HB 2730, which will provide eminent domain reforms and protections for landowners. This is an issue that the legislature has grappled with for many years, trying to balance important land owner protections will still making limited, but necessary allowances for industries that keep the Texas economy strong and growing.
The State Affairs Committee also voted out several important pieces of legislation this week, including restricting taxpayer funded lobbying, prohibiting social media platforms from engaging in political censorship, and bills that would reform how ERCOT and the PUC are governed.
There are just a few weeks left in the legislative session, but there is still a lot of work to be done, but time is running short. I would encourage you to reach out to me about issues that concern you or legislation that you would like to see advanced. I can be reached at 512-463-0556 or district9.paddie@house.texas.gov.
In addition, my district director, Joe Buck Crisp, will be spending time each month in every county to meet with you about legislative concerns and to help with issues you may be having with the state government. Please contact our Marshall office at 903-935-1141 if you would like to meet with Joe when he is in your town.
