HB 38 Reinforces Traditional Marriages
      I  have co-authored HB 38 in support of traditional marriages in Texas.  The federal Defense of Marriage Act of 1996 permits states to develop their own policies toward same-sex marriages and several states have done so. While Texas does not permit same-sex marriages, this bill  prohibits the state from recognizing marriages between persons of the same sex even if they are performed in a state that does. Our nation has been based on the traditional family unit and I think it is important for its continued success.  This is a bill I have co-authored since 1997.

 

Resolution supports President Bush
     I  co-authored House Concurrent Resolution 75 which urges Congress to support President George Bush's policies of war on terrorism, homeland security, and disarmament action.  Those of us signing on to this bill stand strongly behind the policies of our former governor and urge others to rally behind him as he confronts problems of national and international security.  This Resolution was approved in the House Wednesday.
     My thoughts and prayers are with the men and women serving in Iraq and the families they have left behind.  We stand by them for their commitment to this country and for their efforts to ensure democracy in the world. May the war be short and the troops return safely.

 

Schools Asked to Provide One Minute of Silence
     I am proud to co-author legislation requiring a one-minute moment of silence at the beginning of each school day during which a student may pray, meditate, reflect, or engage in a silent activity that does not distract.  The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag is required following the moment of silence unless the parent or guardian of a student requests that they be excused.  It is important to give students the opportunity to practice their faith and express pride in their country, especially during this time of war and turmoil.  This legislation was approved Tuesday by the House Public Education Committee and will now go before the House.

 

Sludge Bill Heard in Enviromental Regulation
    Last week  I laid out my sludge bill, House Bill 2546, before the House Committee on Environmental Regulation. In my bill, I proposed more restrictions and requirements to companies involved in the practice of applying Class B sludge to help ensure more safety for citizens, land and water. These new requirements include a more vigorous tracking system, identification of crops grown at the site of application, suggested agronomic application rate, proof of certain types of insurance, proper licensing of supervisors, date, source, quality and quantity of sludge applied and transportation requirements.
     I am expecting to get a committee substitute on my bill in the next couple of days that will add further restrictions on the Class B sludge applicators. One of the necessary changes I will make is prohibiting the application of sludge within 500 feet of any waterway in a coastal county. The other change will be to requiring a posting on the fence that identifies the property as a "beneficial application site" so that the public will be aware of what is being applied to the land. I plan to vote the bill out of committee within a week to make it eligible for consideration on the House floor.

 

Prompt Pay Bill Would Help Physicians
    I have joint-authored HB 1810, the "Prompt Pay Bill," as another step towards solving the health care crisis. This bill will ensure that physicians are reimbursed in a fair and timely manner for their work. It targets insurers who are slow to pay or refuse to pay without sufficient causes. It is time that we allow doctors to focus on what they were meant to do and that is to provide the highest quality of patient care. Insurance companies are businesses and are responsible for paying their bills on time, just as other businesses and individuals are. This bill targets insurance companies that do not adhere to these business standards and laws.  It has been heard by the Insurance Committee and is currently pending.

 

Committee Hears Ticket Scalping Bill
    I have filed HB 432 as a response to constituent complaints about the grossly exaggerated cost of tickets, particularly to family-related events.  On Tuesday, March 24, I laid out this bill before the House Committee on State Affairs and put forth the argument that ticket scalpers should be penalized for monopolizing this industry and unfairly shutting out the average consumer.  Of particular concern to me and several members of the committee is the fact that many non-profit organizations, such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, strive to create a family-oriented environment by offering affordable tickets.  Ticket scalping practices completely disregard these efforts through their current practices.  HB 432 would make it illegal to re-sell a ticket for more than $5 over the face value.  This bill was left pending for further consideration and debate.
 

Dr. Burns Is Physician of Day
      Dr. Jimmy Burns recently served as Physician of the Day for the House of Representatives.  Dr. Burns started practicing in West Columbia in 1964 after completing a tour with the U.S. Navy.  Although he retired from full-time practice in 1999, he still makes house calls every day to take care of his long-time patients and do charity work. Dr. Burns was honored on the floor of the House and spent the day handling medical needs for legislators.

 

On My Calendar
Monday, April 7
      Legislature in Session, Austin
      Insurance Committee Meeting
Tuesday, April 8
      Legislature in Session, Austin
      Environmental Regulation Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 9
      Legislature in Session, Austin
Thursday, April 10
      Legislature in Session, Austin