Issues

Even though it will be another full year until the general election of 2008, I think this is a good time for us to do a quick recap of legislation passed during the most recent session that appeals to Texans across the political spectrum.  We passed a $100 million border security bill to increase the law enforcement presence along the border and shut down common crossings exploited by drug traffickers, human smugglers and criminal gangs.  We funded the largest school property tax cut in the nation with a $14 billion investment that lowers school rates to $1.00 for every $100 of assessed value.  We continued to put more resources in the classroom, expanded health insurance benefits for children from families with limited economic means, and eliminated the $200 million a year Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund fee starting in 2008.  Not only that, Republican House members sponsored various laws that reinforce Second Amendment rights, the freedom of religious speech and private property rights.

One of the crown jewels of private property legislation passed this session is the Castle Doctrine. This law improved the rights of homeowners and citizens to protect them from criminals. The Castle Doctrine legislation allows Texans to defend themselves with deadly force without requiring them to retreat and reduces the probability that law-abiding citizens could be charged with a crime for acting in self-defense. This law was sponsored in the House of Representatives by Rep. Joe Driver.

In an effort to protect freedom of speech in our public schools, we passed the Religious Viewpoint Anti-discrimination Act, which codifies the many constitutional ways a student, or groups of students, may express their faith at school and school-sponsored events. Sponsored by Rep. Charlie Howard, this law makes clear that the unconstitutional censorship of students’ individual religious expression will not be allowed in Texas public schools. The bill also offers clarity for teachers and administrators who have been confused about what types of religious expression is permitted in schools.

During the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which was considered an emergency situation, police in Louisiana confiscated the firearms of lawful citizens and never returned them.  Fearing that this same situation could happen in Texas in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster, the Legislature banned local authorities from permanently confiscating citizens’ lawful firearms during an emergency. If police in emergency situations, such as martial law, confiscate weapons, this law ensures that such measures would only be temporary and that citizens should be allowed to regain their weapons, provided there is no evidence they intend to use them for criminal purposes. Republican Caucus Chairman Rep. Frank Corte sponsored this law in the House of Representatives.

In another recent case involving Second Amendment rights, a foster parent was told by state workers that he either had to get his firearms out of the house or leave the foster system. In response to this case, Rep. Dan Flynn filed legislation in the House to stop discrimination against citizens exercising their Second Amendment rights. Law-abiding gun owners who want to be foster parents for children in need of a loving home can now proceed without the fear of discrimination. This is especially important right now as the state’s foster care network is struggling to find enough homes for the many foster children who need a family.

These laws are just a sample of the hard work your representatives are doing on behalf of you, the Texas taxpayer and voter. We appreciate your hard work in electing people who stand for the values of millions of Texans.