District 129 Session Newsletter

A look at what's happening around the Texas Capitol.

Week seven has been the busiest of the 89th session so far. On Wednesday, newly appointed Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, Jimmy Blacklock, delivered the State of the Judiciary address to members of the House and Senate on the House floor. Governor Abbott invited me and fellow legislators to the Governor's Mansion for a celebratory event. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick addressed me and my colleagues at a fundraising event hosted by the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute (TCCRI), founded in 1985 on the principles of limited government, individual liberty, free enterprise, and traditional values. Finally, I filed five new bills: HB 3255, HB 3256, HB 3388, HB 3389, and HB 3547. Details are provided below. It is an honor to serve you in the Texas House of Representatives. Updates from the Capitol I am honored to have been re-appointed as a member of the Energy Council. The Energy Council is a organization of 14 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces that facilitates discussions on energy policies. Governor Abbott, pictured above with me and fellow legislators, hosted a celebration for educational freedom. It was an honor to be surrounded by fellow advocates for the Governor's emergency item on Education Freedom, as outlined in Representative Buckley's HB 2 and HB 3. HB 2 delivers the largest investment in public education funding in state history. The bill also provides pay raises for teachers and school personnel, enhances professional development, increases funding for special education, and ensures improved resources for students with special needs. I am a proud supporter of HB 2. I am pictured above with Governor Abbott and Representative Tom Craddick, the longest-serving member of the House. I am a co-author of HB 3, which establishes Educational Savings Accounts to provide Texas families with funding for a variety of educational expenses, including supplies, tutoring, and tuition. HB 3 empowers Texans with greater educational freedom and school choice. Thank you Governor Abbott and Representative Buckley for championing legislation to expand academic opportunities for Texans. HB 3 is on track for passage, with strong support from a majority of House members. I am proud to co-author this landmark bill alongside 77 fellow House members. Members of the Gulf Coast Authority (GCA) visited my office earlier this week. The GCA is a governmental entity established by the Texas legislature in 1969 with the mission to protect Texas' water. GCA has the authority to operate regional wastewater treatment plants, water systems, and solid waste facilities statewide, as well as issue bonds for various projects. Representatives from the Port of Houston visited our office for a great meeting. They play a crucial role in District 129 and are an important part of our community. This Wednesday was Pearland Day, where I had the pleasure of meeting with Pearland constituents to discuss the city's legislative priorities. Thank you to everyone who made the trip to Austin to promote Pearland. I had the pleasure of meeting Mark Walraven, the Senior Advisor for Asset Management of Storm Surge Barriers at Rijkswaterstaat in The Netherlands. Mark is a world leader and expert in storm surge barrier operation and design, and he founded I-STORM in 2006. I-STORM is a global knowledge-sharing network for professionals in the storm surge barrier industry, bringing together specialists to tackle common challenges. I am pictured above with East Harris County Manufacturers Association, also known as EHCMA. EHCMA's mission is to deliver value to their members by prioritizing health, safety, environmental responsibility, and economic growth through best practice sharing, emergency response partnerships, advocacy, and ongoing communication. The Houston Automotive Dealers Association (HADA) visited my office. HADA is dedicated to supporting a competitive automotive industry in Houston and its surrounding communities. Kathy Hagler and her husband, Glenn, gave me a surprise visit on Wednesday afternoon. Kathy has been my friend for many years and formerly served as my legislative director. Thank you Kathy and Glenn for your continued support. Updates from the District Pictured with my district director, Dawn, is Ronnetta McNair, Principal of George W. S. Abbey Odyssey Academy. Odyssey Academy is a free, open-enrollment public charter school dedicated to helping each student discover their passion and path to success. We were honored to be invited to their ribbon-cutting event. Joyce Abbey attended the Ribbon Cutting and Dedication of the George W. S. Abbey Odyssey Academy, which was named in honor of her father, George W. Abbey, who served as the Odyssey Academy Board President from 2010 to 2024. Bills I Filed This Week: HB 3255: This bill relates to the authority of a development corporation created by the Gulf Coast Authority to finance certain projects. HB 3256: This bill relates to meetings of the board of directors of the Gulf Coast Authority. HB 3388: This bill relates to group property and casualty insurance policies. HB 3389: This bill relates to the approval of a surety bond for a contract authorizing an oversize or overweight vehicle to cross a road or highway. HB 3547: This bill relates to a franchise tax exemption to grow the space industry in Texas. How to Track Legislation Ever wonder how the laws that impact your everyday life originate? While this graphic provides you with a simplified overview, You can walk through the entire legislative process by reading this blog post from the Texas House Republican Caucus on how a bill becomes a law in Texas. From a bill being introduced to it becoming law or vetoed, there are many steps ahead for the many bills that have been filed. Keep In Touch  It is important for me as your State Representative to hear from you on the issues that matter. I hope you find this contact information useful. Capitol Office (512) 463-0734 1100 Congress Avenue Suite GS.2 Austin, TX 78701 Post Office Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 District Office (281) 488-8900 17225 El Camino Real Suite 415 Houston, TX 77058

State Representative Dennis Paul | P.O. Box 2910 | Austin, TX 78768 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

District 129 Session Newsletter

A look at what's happening around the Texas Capitol.

Week six of the 89th legislative session was filled with activity. On Monday, I was re-elected as Vice President of the Texas Conservative Coalition, the oldest and most successful conservative group in the Texas legislature. I also participated in the Legislative Prayer Breakfast, where we reflected and sought God's guidance for the 89th legislature. Thank you to Representative Shaheen for hosting such a meaningful event. On Wednesday, I addressed the Structural Engineers Association of Texas during their "Day at the Dome." Thursday evening, I attended the La Porte Chamber Banquet. Finally, I filed five new bills: HB 2970, HB 3001, HB 3041, HB 3042, and HB 3150. Details are provided below. It is an honor to serve you in the Texas House of Representatives. Updates from the Capitol I am honored to have been re-elected as Vice President of the Texas Conservative Coalition. Founded in 1985, the Texas Conservative Coalition (TCC) is a group of over 70 lawmakers advocating for limited government, individual liberty, and traditional values, aiming to promote conservative solutions and ensure Texas remains a great place to live. TCC is the oldest and most successful conservative group in the Texas legislature. While attending the Legislative Prayer Breakfast, we were addressed by Darryl Strawberry, who shared his powerful testimony of redemption, God's grace, and faithfulness. Darryl Strawberry is a former MLB right fielder, known for his numerous home runs and 17 seasons in the league. The Associated General Contractors of Texas (AGC) visited my Capitol office, where they graciously presented me with a customized sign, seen above. AGC of Texas is a leader in advancing heavy highway and infrastructure projects across the state. The Structural Engineers Association of Texas (SEAoT) held their "Day at the Dome", where I had the pleasure of addressing 30+ professional engineers. This event allowed my fellow professional engineers to engage with legislators and discuss important issues affecting the engineering community. Bay Area Turning Point visited my office on Thursday. Their mission is to support survivors of sexual and domestic assault, providing solutions, guidance, and empathy throughout. My chief of staff, Greg Bentch (back row, second from the left), met with the Texas Aggregates & Concrete Association (TACA). TACA is the key resource for the aggregate, concrete, and cement industries in Texas, representing its members and sharing industry information with the public. Updates from the District I was pleased to attend the La Porte Chamber Banquet, where I had the opportunity to address many constituents and hear inspiring stories of success within our community. During the banquet, I was honored to present a resolution to award recipients on behalf of myself and State Representative Briscoe Cain. Congratulations to The Bridge Over Troubled Waters (TBOTW), named Non-Profit of the Year. Pictured in the middle is my friend, Tammie Nielsen, TBOTW's communication director. TBOTW is a domestic abuse treatment center in Pasadena. Congratulations to Amanda DeAlejandro, Volunteer of the Year, for her selfless service to our community. Congratulations to OxyChem La Porte, named Business of the Year. The award was accepted by Scott Halbrook, VCM at OxyChem. Bills I Filed This Week: HB 2970: This bill relates to the implementation of projects by the Gulf Coast Protection District. HB 2970 ensures that new projects within the Protection District do not impede safety or disrupt two-way water traffic. HB 3001: This bill relates to the right of an insured individual to enter into a contract with a public insurance adjuster. HB 3041: HB 3041 ensures that nontraditional students are fairly ranked in college admissions based on their exam scores. HB 3042: Relating to laboratory claim integrity programs for health benefit plans. HB 3150: This bill sets rules for how much nonparticipating suppliers can charge Medicare enrollees for medical equipment, devices, and supplies. HB 3150 ensures that suppliers do not overcharge Medicare patients and sets penalties for those who violate the rules. How to Track Legislation Ever wonder how the laws that impact your everyday life originate? While this graphic provides you with a simplified overview, You can walk through the entire legislative process by reading this blog post from the Texas House Republican Caucus on how a bill becomes a law in Texas. From a bill being introduced to it becoming law or vetoed, there are many steps ahead for the many bills that have been filed. Keep In Touch  It is important for me as your State Representative to hear from you on the issues that matter. I hope you find this contact information useful. Capitol Office (512) 463-0734 1100 Congress Avenue Suite GS.2 Austin, TX 78701 Post Office Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 District Office (281) 488-8900 17225 El Camino Real Suite 415 Houston, TX 77058

State Representative Dennis Paul | P.O. Box 2910 | Austin, TX 78768 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice