My latest District 129 Newsletter

Catch up on the latest updates and news from District 129.

View this email in your browser Friends, The two special sessions of the 89th Texas Legislature were called to tackle urgent priorities—ranging from disaster preparedness and flood protection to election integrity and strengthening Texas families. Despite quorum challenges, the House and Senate advanced the work of the people, ultimately sending 21 important bills to the Governor's desk. Since returning home, I've been busy visiting with constituents and attending events throughout our community. In this newsletter, I want to share highlights from the special sessions as well as a look at what I've been working on here in the district. As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office. God Bless, Dennis Paul  Overview of Special Session  Disaster Preparedness, Flooding & Camp Safety HB 1 (Darby): Requires youth camps to file disaster emergency plans, train staff and campers, maintain redundant communications, and comply with new safety standards. SB 1 (Perry): Adds camp registry, muster zones, and new floodplain safety rules. HB 20 (Darby): Cracks down on charity fraud after disasters. SB 3 (Bettencourt/Darby): Creates grant program for outdoor warning sirens and mandates best practices for flash flood-prone areas. SB 5 (Huffman/Bonnen): Allocates $283M+ for camp safety, sirens, rain gauges, and advanced weather modeling   Redistricting HB 4 (Hunter/King): Establishes new congressional districts to address DOJ concerns. • Adds 5 Republican districts, 4 of which are Hispanic-majority. • Raises total majority-minority districts to 10. • Produces more compact, representative maps   Protecting Women & Children HB 7 (Leach/Hughes): Allows civil suits against those illegally transporting abortion-inducing drugs. SB 8 (Middleton/Orr): Women's Privacy Act — government bathrooms designated by biological sex, with accommodations for single-use facilities. SB 11 (Parker/Cook): Protects human trafficking victims from prosecution for coerced nonviolent offenses   . Punishing Quorum Breaking HB 18 (Shaheen/Hinojosa): Increases penalties for quorum breaking, including bans on political contributions and expenditures. HR 128 (Vasut): Raises fines, strips committee positions/seniority, and reduces office budgets for offenders   . Protecting Democracy & Liberties SB 12 (Hughes/Shaheen): Gives Attorney General power to prosecute election crimes. HB 25 (Shofner/Hall): Allows pharmacists to dispense ivermectin over the counter. SB 16 (West/Dyson): Creates new criminal offenses for title theft and deed fraud, with stronger protections for seniors. SB 54 (Hughes/Shaheen): Prohibits same-day voter registration; requires provisional ballots. HB 26 (Oliverson/Bettencourt): Protects law enforcement contracts with sheriffs and constables. HB 192 (Oliverson/Bettencourt): Requires Harris County voter approval before reallocating unspent law enforcement funds   . Education Reform HB 8 (Buckley/Bettencourt): Abolishes STAAR test by 2027–28. Replaces it with three shorter diagnostic assessments, removes English II exam, and ensures quick results for teachers and parents   Around the District  I joined Senator Middleton and Dr. Bonnen to give a legislative update to the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.  I joined friends in the community to celebrate the grand opening of the San Jacinto Conservatives' new headquarters. I joined Dr. Robert J. Exley at the Northern Brazoria County Chamber's State of Higher Education event. I spoke at the Pearland Chamber's Elected Officials Reception. I joined members of the community at the South Belt Ellington Chamber Evening of Cuisine.  I joined Representative Vasut at the Brazoria County Republican Executive Committee Meeting.  I joined Senator Huffman, Representative Schofield and Representative Hull at the Magic Circle Republican Women.  Contact Me We're here to help with state issues, constituent services, and legislative questions. Capitol Office Room GS.2 P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 📞 (512) 463-0734 District Office 17225 El Camino Real Blvd, Suite 415 Houston, TX 77058 📞 (281) 488-8900 For casework or agency help, please include your full name, address, and a brief description of the issue. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.