Capitol Update from Rep. David Spiller
Several key deadlines in the Texas House are approaching. Sunday, May 23rd was the deadline for the Calendars Committee to schedule bills for a vote by the House. Tuesday, May 25, was the deadline for the House to consider Senate bills and Senate joint resolutions on second reading. Wednesday, May 26th, was the last day for Senate bills and Senate joint resolutions to be voted on third reading.
On Sunday evening, the Texas house took the final vote to put the Constitutional Carry bill (HB 1927) on a direct path to the Governor’s desk. The bill as passed will focus on several key provisions:
• If you are an unlicensed individual above the age of 21, you have the right to carry a handgun in a holster in non-prohibited public places.
• An individual who is previously prohibited from possessing firearms under state and federal law will not be given the right to possess one.
• Additionally, the unlicensed carry of a handgun in sensitive places will still be prohibited.
• Places where weapons were previously prohibited, such as schools or college campuses, will not be changed.
• Lawful citizens will still go through the same process to purchase a weapon under current law.
SB 8 the Texas Heartbeat Act: SB 8 would make it illegal for an abortion to be performed after a child’s heartbeat is detected in the womb. SB 8 is the strongest Pro-Life law to pass since Roe vs. Wade and I am proud to support it.
HB 1195 protecting small businesses from extraneous tax bills: Texas businesses can rest assured that Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans they received will not be taxed. I am grateful Gov. Abbott signed HB 1195 into law, keeping small businesses from receiving tax bills while they work to recover and rebuild from COVID-19. I am proud to be a co-author on this legislation.
HB 7 A smart solution for unemployment benefits: Under HB 7 the state will be able to efficiently replenish its unemployment fund without crushing small businesses with unemployment taxes. This is a smart policy that will keep Texas on track and help businesses focus on their staff and customers. This is another bill that I am proud to lend my support to as a co-author.
HB 1024 Alcohol-to-go: Effective Alcohol-to-go has been signed by the Governor and will go into effect immediately. Also signed this week, HB 1755 allows customers to take home open bottles of wine purchased at a restaurant.
Thank you to all of the constituents who have continued to engage in discussion with me about important legislative matters. For those of you who have not yet contacted my office, I would encourage you to do so. I always look forward to hearing from you and value your feedback. My Capitol phone number is 512-463-0526 and my email is district68.spiller@house.texas.gov. It is an honor to serve in the Texas House.