SD 11 SREC: District 129 Newsletter

Prioritizing School Safety

In response to recent school shootings in Texas and elsewhere, the governor issued recommendations in May 2018 on improving school safety. House and Senate committees also held hearings and issued interim reports focused on ways to reduce school violence.

Several legislative recommendations have been offered to the legislature, including providing additional funding for improved building security, making statutory updates to school facilities standards, and addressing student mental health needs.

House Bill 17 by Rep. Greg Bonnen provides direction on implementing safety measures through coordination with the Texas School Safety Center and sets accountability metrics to ensure that each campus security plan meets a statewide minimum standard. Enhancements to school facility construction and operations standards, training for employees and substitute employees, and greater public input are components required of districts and charter schools under the bill.

UH-Clear Lake Day at the Capitol

Tuesday was University of Houston-Clear Lake Day at the Texas Capitol. I was honored to welcome UH-Clear Lake President Dr. Ira Blake and the faculty and students who made the trip to Austin.

I was glad to pass House Resolution No. 361, recognizing February 19, 2019, as University of Houston-Clear Lake Day at the State Capitol.

Rep. Paul visits with faculty and staff of the University of Houston-Clear Lake during their visit to the Capitol.

Celebrating Chinese New Year with the Space City Professionals Association

Last Saturday Eliza and I were thrilled to join the Space City Professionals Association for their Chinese New Year Celebration. We enjoyed a wonderful evening, complete with a choir performance.

Rep. Paul speaks at the Space City Professionals Association's Chinese New Year Celebration.

Visiting with Congressman Pete Olson

Earlier this week Congressman Pete Olson visited my office at the Capitol. I was glad to welcome him to Austin and thank him for his service to the people of Texas.

Rep. Paul and Congressman Olson visit during the Congressman's recent trip to Austin.

A Look Ahead

Next week will be very busy at the Capitol.

Monday & Tuesday

Texas Space Days at the Capitol. The NASA Johnson Space Center and the Bay Area Economic Partnership will hold several events around the Capitol, including a Meet & Greet opportunity with two astronauts!

Tuesday

The House Insurance Committee will meet to hear testimony from the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.

Wednesday

The House Homeland Security & Public Safety Committee will meet to hear public testimony on several bills before the committee.

My House Bill 302, relating to the carrying, storage, or possession of a firearm or firearm ammunition by certain persons on certain residential or commercial property, will be heard in committee. I am proud to say this bill has broad, bipartisan support, and I look forward to presenting it in committee.

How to Keep Track of Legislation

To keep track of my legislation, and the legislation of other members, you can visit the Texas Legislature Online by clicking this link: www.capitol.texas.gov.