Latest news with #KenKing
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
THC regulation, protecting victims of human trafficking up for consideration in upcoming special legislative session
AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Governor Greg Abbott is calling Texas lawmakers back to Austin for a special legislative session to begin on July 21. Currently, the governor has identified six vetoed bills that are up for further consideration. Chief among the list is the highly scrutinized Senate Bill 3, which would have outlawed all consumable hemp products containing THC, the intoxicating chemical found in cannabis. In his veto proclamation, the governor made it clear he wants the legislature to look at regulating the hemp industry over a complete ban. He argues the way SB 3 is currently written would be legally fought for years to come. 'If I were to allow Senate Bill 3 to become law, its enforcement would be enjoined for years, leavingexisting abuses unaddressed. Texas cannot afford to wait,' Abbott wrote. At one point in its legislative lifespan, SB 3 was not structured as a complete ban on THC products. State Rep. Ken King, R- Canadian, substantially changed the bill in the House Committee on State Affairs. It allowed the hemp industry to continue manufacturing hemp drinks and tinctures, and 'other consumable forms as long as they do not resemble a common snack marketed to children,' according to a summary of the bill changes. The King version of the bill also created a regulatory framework for those products that would have been carried about by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the Department of State Health Services. 'It allows for some hemp sales to be continued. It bans vapes. It bans vape shops. It bans all synthetics. Delta-9, the natural flower that's grown and sold in Texas, would remain,' King said. The bill was ultimately changed back to its original state after an amendment by State Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, on the House floor. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick had been a champion of the bill the entire session, making it one of his top priorities before the session started. He had called these products 'poison' to the community and would not settle for anything less than an outright ban. He took to social media late Sunday night to express his frustration with the governor's decision. 'His late-night veto, on an issue supported by 105 of 108 Republicans in the legislature, strongly backed by law enforcement, many in the medical and education communities, and the families who have seen their loved ones' lives destroyed by these very dangerous drugs, leaves them feeling abandoned. I feel especially bad for those who testified and poured their hearts out on their tragic losses,' Patrick wrote on his official X account. Senate Bill 1278: Protecting victims of human trafficking Texas lawmakers overwhelmingly passed a piece of legislation this session that would provide a defense for the victims of human trafficking who were convicted of a crime they committed while being trafficked. State Sen. Tan Parker, R-Flower Mound, authored SB 1278 to address this issue. The bill would establish an affirmative defense, 'if the survivor can demonstrate that their conduct was coerced or committed under duress or that they, or a member of their family or household, were threatened with imminent death or serious bodily injury as a victim of trafficking of persons and compelling prostitution,' according to a bill analysis. Gov. Abbott vetoed the bill because he felt it went too far. The governor argues the bill separates the link between culpability and conduct. He writes in his veto proclamation, 'That means a person could be immune not only for acts of prostitution that are linked to their own prior victimization, but also for raping a child, murdering a law enforcement officer, or engaging in acts of terrorism. We can and should recognize that victimization begets more victimization. But legal responsibility cannot always be passed off to someone else. Some who started off as victims later make a choice to perpetrate similar crimes against others.' Senate Bill 648: Addressing deed fraud SB 648 looks to create protections against a form of identity theft that targets property ownership. It would require more steps when filing an instrument conveying real property, like the deed to a home. The bill was authored by State Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, who told the the Senate Business and Commerce Committee that this type of theft allows someone to successfully forge your property deed and transfer the ownership of your property to their name without your consent. Gov. Abbott vetoed the bill because he said it imposes barriers that will burden low-income Texans. 'The bill would require property owners-but only those who have not retained an attorney or title agent-to jump through additional hoops, like producing every named heir to execute an affidavit of heirship,' Abbott wrote in his veto proclamation. Senate Bill 1253: Encouraging water conservation from developers Developers are charged impact fees by local governments for new developments and the costs associated with adding new wastewater and water infrastructure. SB 1253 would incentivize developers to install efficient water and wastewater infrastructure and appliances in their buildings in return for credits on the impact fees. Gov. Abbott took issue with an amendment added to the bill in the House on the third reading. Abbott said the bill 'dramatically' changed the bill because it singled out property owners in 'one groundwater conservation district and subjects them to new burdens for exercising private property rights,' according to the governor's veto proclamation. Senate Bill 1758: Studying the relationship between a cement kiln and semiconductor manufacturing In Grayson county there is a unique situation. A private company is trying to establish a cement kiln to ramp up cement production. However, the proposed cement kiln facility is located near already established semiconductor manufacturing facilities. The concern is the cement plant would create vibrational disturbances that would impact the work of the semiconductor plants. SB 1758 mandates an environmental study on the seismic impact the cement plant would have. The governor did not sign this bill and let it become law, but it is still being placed on the special session agenda. Abbott appears to take issue with the five-year moratorium placed on the cement plant after the study is completed, no matter the results. The governor believes this bill could be unconstitutional. 'Governments may not use regulatory power to upset 'distinct investment-backed expectations' in property based on surmise-at least not without furnishing adequate compensation,' Abbott wrote in his veto proclamation. Senate Bill 2878: Judicial omnibus bill SB 2878 is a 139-page omnibus bill that deals with new courts, changes to judicial administration, and changes to jurisdiction. But the governor said the bill contains 'significant, standalone policy proposals that failed to receive adequate consideration during the legislative session.' The governor pointed out a provision in the bill that would allow unlimited automatic expunctions for completing any pretrial intervention program. The governor did say most of the bill should become law but that parts of it needed to be taken out. Other items being looked at These are the current bills under up for consideration in the special session, but more could be added later on. Patrick said he would like to see bail reform placed on the special session during a news conference discussing the THC-ban bill veto. Reporters also asked Patrick about a report that the White House wants Texas to redraw its congressional districts for the U.S. House of Representatives. 'I'll just say that if we can pick up Republican seats in Texas to make Congress stronger, after what the Democrats did to our country in the last four years, and what they're still going criticizing the President of the United States,' Patrick responded. 'Want to impeach him for protecting American lives by taking out an Iranian nuclear threat to the world. I want more Republican Congressmen.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
03-06-2025
- General
- Associated Press
What Texas lawmakers did after the state's largest wildfire
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Texas lawmakers approved a series of bills this year that aim to better prepare Texas for wildfires and to mitigate their damage. The legislation includes a study on wildfire risk zones, increasing funding for rural volunteer fire departments, and creating a statewide inventory of firefighting equipment that is accessible to all fire departments in Texas. The legislative package was inspired by the state's largest wildfire in history. The Smokehouse Creek fire scorched more than 1 million acres in the Panhandle and killed three people. A special House committee was formed following the fires to investigate the cause and make legislative recommendations. Senate Bill 34, filed by state Sen. Kevin Sparks, R-Midland, is the most sweeping proposal. It includes a study on fuel loads, which is material that is likely to catch fire in a specific area, such as dry grass or vegetation. The study would also establish wildfire risk zones for residents, homes and businesses. The bill also creates a statewide database of firefighting equipment and increases funding to volunteer fire departments in areas at high risk for large wildfires. Rep. Ken King, a Republican who lives in Canadian where much of the damage from the wildfires took place, co-sponsored the bill. King led the House committee that investigated the fires and later released a detailed report about the disaster. 'We took a lot of testimony, and a lot of work went on to do what's right for our volunteer firefighters,' King said. 'Senate Bill 34 combines several volunteer firefighter priorities.' The bill requires that at least 10% of the money in the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance program go to volunteer fire departments in areas at high risk for large wildfires. Texas A&M Forest Service and West Texas A&M University will launch a study to determine wildfire risk zones based on fuel loads of flammable material like vegetation. Most of the wildfires that burned through the Panhandle started when power lines came into contact with dry vegetation. The Smokehouse Creek fire started when a rotten utility pole snapped and the power lines landed on dry grass. The bill requires that researchers consider several factors when determining these risk zones, including the projected loss of life, property and natural resources should a wildfire occur in the zone and the financial impact of costs associated with recovering after a wildfire. This study is due by Dec. 1, 2026, and would be submitted to the governor, lieutenant governor, and the Legislature. 'Constant wildfire threats that require preparation, coordination, and resources is the most pressing issue for the Panhandle,' Sparks said in a previous statement. Another recommendation from the House committee report was the statewide inventory of firefighting equipment that is available during a wildfire. According to the report, there was an uncoordinated response between responding agencies during the Panhandle fires, and a lack of knowledge about what equipment agencies had and what was needed. Texas A&M Forest Service, the state agency that manages Texas' forests and natural resources, will operate and maintain the database. Fire departments will be able to see equipment descriptions, search by location and equipment types, and have contact information for fire departments listed in the database. Volunteer stations will also have access to the inventory. One of King's bills also addresses what he and other lawmakers have deemed a regulatory 'no man's land,' as state agencies lacked the authority to inspect power lines at oilfield well sites and facilities. Lawmakers identified this as a problem after the investigative committee concluded that unmaintained electrical lines for oilfield equipment started the Smokehouse Creek Fire and others in that same week. Data from the Forest Service shows power lines have caused roughly 60% of fires throughout the Panhandle since 2006. Under King's bill, the Railroad Commission, which oversees the oil and gas industry, will notify the Public Utility Commission when it identifies substandard power lines at well sites or at other facilities used for oil and gas production. The notification must include a description of the condition and whether the well is abandoned. The Railroad Commission must also notify the landowner. The two agencies will then work together to request that a state fire marshal or local authority to inspect the site, and request that the electric service provider disconnect service. While the Legislature made a lot of progress toward improving the state's response to wildfires, one bill that failed to pass would have created a statewide network to connect all first responders and state agencies. House Bill 13, by King, sought to create the Texas Interoperability Council, which would be tasked with the implementation of a statewide plan for emergency communication use. The proposal was praised by first responders during the legislative process. Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd testified to lawmakers in March that it was the 'boldest move' he's seen in his career. That bill passed the House in April, but was not taken up by the Senate. ___ This story was originally published by The Texas Tribune and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas lawmakers pass medical marijuana bill that includes chronic pain
A bill expanding Texas' medical marijuana program is headed to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's desk. The latest version was negotiated by members of the Texas House and Senate, including several lawmakers representing parts of Tarrant County. A compromise version of House Bill 46 advanced on Sunday, June 1, as negotiated in a conference committee made up of lawmakers from both chambers. It includes a number of recommendations from supporters of medical marijuana on how to improve the program, called the Texas Compassionate Use Program. The bill's measures include: Permitting satellite locations where dispensing organizations can securely store medical marijuana for distribution. Currently the products can only be stored overnight at an organization's main location, creating distribution challenges. Requires the state to have 15 dispensing organizations. At least three are required now, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Allows inhaling medical marijuana as an aerosol or vapor. Smoking is still not allowed. It also expands qualifying medical conditions to include: A condition that causes chronic pain. A traumatic brain injury. A terminal illness or condition that requires hospice or palliative care. The version that passed out of the House in May also included glaucoma, degenerative disc disease and spinal neuropathy, and included language specifically folding veterans into the program. The bill defines chronic pain as 'pain that is not relieved with acute, post-surgical, post-procedure or persistent non-chronic pain treatment and is associated with a chronic pathological process that causes continuous or intermittent severe pain for more than 90 days and for which a tetrahydrocannabinol is a viable method of treatment.' The Senate's version had included language that would have required patients to be on an opioid for 90 days before qualifying for the medical marijuana program. That requirement wasn't acceptable to the House, said Rep. Ken King, a Republican from Canadian who authored the bill. 'While we were not able to find agreement on degenerative disc disease, glucoma, spinal neuropathy and veterans, we believe with the new definitions of chronic pain, most of these patients will be covered,' King said. Tony Tinderholt, an Arlington Republican, who was a member of the conference committee, maintained that veterans are covered under the bill. 'The veterans out there watching need to know that the Texas Compassionate Use Program has been protected,' Tinderholt said. The expansion comes as Texas is positioned to ban consumable TCH products, like the delta-8 and delta-a gummies, vapes and drinks that can be found at stores and gas stations across Texas. The ban was a top priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who on May 28 held a news conference blasting the THC products. Members of the hemp business community have called for new regulations, like age restrictions, and better enforcement of existing regulations, rather than a ban of the products. The Texas Hemp Business Council has called on Abbott to veto the legislation.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Medical cannabis expansion bill adds chronic pain patients, advances to Governor
AUSTIN (Nexstar) – With time running out in the legislative session, lawmakers reached a deal to expand the state's medical marijuana program. Sunday evening, both the House and Senate approved a conference committee agreement on House Bill 46, relating to the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP). The legislation calls for expanding the number of licensed cannabis providers in the TCUP from three to 15. It also allows patients with chronic pain and patients with traumatic brain injuries to take part in the program. The issue of how to define chronic pain for TCUP eligibility was a point of difference between the House and Senate. Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian, who authored HB 46 spoke about the differences Sunday as he laid out the conference committee report. 'The Senate had defined chronic pain as a pain that continues for more than 90 days after a prescription of an opioid. This was not acceptable, so the conference committee agreed that to define chronic pain as persistent, severe pain that lasts more than 90 days for which THC is a viable method of treatment,' King said. King said that veterans are not specifically listed as eligible for the program. Similarly, he said that lawmakers were not able to reach agreement on conditions like glaucoma, degenerative disc disease, and spinal neuropathy. However, King said the definition of chronic pain would cover most of those patients. TCUP launched in 2015 for epileptic children and has since slowly grown to include more people, including those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. It provides low-THC cannabis to patients with a proper prescription from a physician. There are currently three licensed dispensing organizations that cultivate and deliver the products to patients. Nico Richardson is the CEO of Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation, one of the dispensing organizations based in south Austin. Richardson says one of the main issues for the TCUP is accessibility. He says when a patient makes an order they will either have to drive to the main facility of the organization, meet the organization at a pick-up location, or have the product delivered to their house. The size of Texas creates a long waiting period for the patients, Richardson explained. Expanding the number of providers seeks to serve patients in a more effective and timely manner. The push to expand TCUP gained attention in recent weeks as separate legislation advanced to ban over-the-counter products containing hemp-based THC. THC is the compound in cannabis that causes a high feeling. Legislation passed by both the House and Senate would ban THC products, like vapes, snacks, and drinks currently sold in stores around the state. Some critics of the ban raised concern about people who use the products to treat pain. State Rep. Penny Morales Shaw, a Democrat from Houston, raised concerns earlier this month during debate on the House floor for the veteran community. 'You're taking away potentially their freedom to choose this product that in their own words saved their lives,' Morales Shaw said from the back microphone. State Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, who wrote the amendment that changed the bill from a regulation on THC to a complete ban, sympathized with those concerns but argued the proper help for veterans would need to come from the state's regulated TCUP. 'I don't ever want somebody to be denied access to a medication that may be a benefit,' Oliverson said. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick voiced support for the THC ban, but also called for expanding TCUP, saying those who need THC for medical use would get it in a controlled way. 'It will be the largest medical cannabis program, regulated medical cannabis program in the country, and probably the most well-designed,' State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock said. Both the THC ban and the TCUP expansion are now on the desk of Gov. Greg Abbott. He has until June 22 to decide whether to sign the legislation, veto, or let it go into effect without his signature. Supporters of the TCUP expansion are optimistic the legislation will become law. 'The veterans out there watching need to know that the Texas Compassionate Use Program has been protected,' Rep. Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington, said while speaking in the chamber. He was one of the House members on the conference committee. 'We actually got a little more than what we thought we'd get out of that conference committee,' Tinderholt said. 'Veterans are covered, chronic pain is covered, and this bill will cover all of the things that we wanted when it went over to the Senate and there were modifications made.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
30-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Bill that gives Texas increased oversight of largest energy users wins Legislature's approval
A bill that gives Texas oversight over energy transactions between power generators and the state's largest consumers of electricity heads to Gov. Greg Abbott after the Texas Legislature agreed on changes Thursday. Senate Bill 6 also proposes new ways to assess the amount of electricity that is available to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the main manager of the state's grid, giving them the authority to shut off power to industrial consumers in an emergency. 'What we've done here today may become the model for the rest of the country,' said state Sen. Phil King, R-Weatherford, the bill's author. The bill would give ERCOT the power to oversee energy transactions between power generators and large consumers that don't involve the state's grid. ERCOT would also have the authority to cut their power and use it during an emergency. King has said his bill will allow the state to better manage electric supply at times of high demand. Power generators and companies said the new oversight measures proposed by the bill would be excessive for a market accustomed to the free trade of energy without requirements imposed by the state. They have said the bill could discourage companies from doing business in Texas. King said the new rules are not meant to do so. 'I think what this bill is seeking to do is set out clear rules where large load customers that want to come to Texas know what they're getting when they get here,' said state Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian, who sponsored the bill in the lower chamber. The bill would also require companies to disclose whether they have other projects in the state. Sen. Phil King said this would give ERCOT information to better predict and meet energy demands in the future more accurately. That's necessary to determine the state's electricity needs without overbuilding, which would result in higher rates for everyday consumers, he said. Texas will need almost double the electricity it consumes today to meet a demand driven mainly by data centers and the oil and gas industry, a demand that ERCOT President Pablo Vegas said the grid, in its current state, is capable of meeting when that demand arrives. Lawmakers added and removed some provisions from the bill during a debate in the House on Monday. One amendment got rid of a previously accepted proposal by state Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo, which gave new large businesses in Texas the option to get electricity faster from the grid if they let ERCOT reduce their power consumption at will. Another amendment approved Monday, introduced by state Rep. Richard Peña Raymond, D-Laredo, would inject any excess electricity back into the grid and use any money from selling that energy to lower water bills for electricity ratepayers. Dan Diorio, senior director of state policy at the Data Center Coalition, a national group, said they were receptive to the changes sent to the upper chamber. The Data Center Coalition 'is appreciative that changes made to Senate Bill 6 during the legislative process intend to balance the need to support economic development with efforts to ensure the continued stability of the Texas electricity grid,' Diorio said. ___ This story was originally published by The Texas Tribune and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
