BIEDERMANN PRAISES CONSERVATIVE VICTORIES IN SPECIAL SESSION
September 13, 2021
AUSTIN, TX — With the 2nd Called Special Session having come to a close, State Representative Kyle Biedermann gave his perspective on the accomplishments achieved over the last couple of weeks in the Legislature. “This second special session gave Republicans the opportunity to pass strong pro-life and pro-family legislation while also increasing funding to secure the border.” Biedermann said, “These are the priorities District 73 sent me to accomplish in the State House, and I was proud to co-author this legislation to keep Texas strong.“
Below are the talking points released by our Republican Caucus detailing the specific legislation:
- The Texas legislature passed Senate Bill 1 to secure the integrity of Texas’ electoral process. This bill takes significant steps forward to restore voter confidence in elections by creating statewide standards for uniform conduct of elections.
- Senate Bill 6 is the bail reform package Texans have long-awaited. The bill simplifies the bail system in Texas to provide defendants with speedy bail decisions while simultaneously emphasizing public safety. This measure will prevent dangerous criminals from being afforded opportunities to commit more crimes.
- Rising property taxes have caused many Texans to struggle with the affordability of owning a home. Senate Bill 8 provides homebuyers with a homestead exemption immediately following their purchase of a new home. Senate Bill 12 and Senate Joint Resolution 2 give elderly or disabled homeowners more relief by lowering the ceiling for property taxes imposed by a school district on their residence homestead to reflect any reduction from the preceding tax year in the district’s maximum compressed rate.
- Senate Bill 4 protects Texas women from complications from the risky use of abortion-inducing drugs. The bill requires that these medications be only administered by a physician and enhanced reporting on adverse events from these drugs. This will prevent dangerous complications that might arise from mail-order use of abortion drugs.
- As the Biden Administration continues to ignore the growing crisis at the Texas-Mexico border, the Texas House has stepped up to address the issue. With the passage of House Bill 9 we have committed $1.8 billion to securing the border, including:
- $1 billion dedicated to funding border security operations through border security grants to local law enforcement.
- $300 million dedicated to funding additional border security personnel.
- $750 million dedicated to building temporary and permanent physical barriers along the border.
- $11 million dedicated to purchasing ambulances at border security processing centers.
- The House also passed supplemental appropriations that include critical funding for many state agencies, including the Legislature. House Bill 5, appropriates $90 million for the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to increase the number of providers in the foster care system and ensure that children do not have to sleep in unsanctioned locations, including DFPS offices or hotels. The bill also provides over $700 million for a 13th check for Texas’ retired teachers, $100 million in property tax relief, and $17 million in cybersecurity enhancements.
- Several other key pieces of legislation are finally headed to the Governor’s desk.
- House Bill 20 requires social media platforms to increase transparency over their terms of use to limit user censorship.
- Senate Bill 3 ensures that Texan civic values are expressed in public education.
- Senate Bill 7 provides a supplemental “13th check” payment of up to $2,400 to retired teachers.
- Senate Bill 9 requires education on family violence, dating violence, and child abuse in schools.
- Senate Bill 15 seeks to expand the state’s existing virtual school program, giving all school districts discretion to open and operate virtual learning programs.
Biedermann concluded, “The Democrats attempted to stop or slow the session down by breaking quorum but because of their antics a 2nd session was called. They not only failed to keep the session from happening but they also failed their attempt to kill bills that Texans have asked for and expected us to pass.“
Our 3rd special session begins on Sept 20 and will we will be busy again with redistricting and other important legislation I will give another legislative update soon. Feel free to continue to contact me or my office anytime, I’m honored to serve all my constituents in District 73.
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