Latest news with #TanParker
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Medical examiner expansion bill moves to full House consideration
This story is part of KXAN's 'A Hanging on Backbone Creek' Catalyst investigation, launched November 18, 2024. As Texas' population grows, critics point to the need for more medical examiners in death investigations, instead of the state relying so heavily on its current process in most counties, where an elected justice of the peace — already assigned many court-related duties — also has the power to determine cause and manner of death with scant training and often without autopsies or forensic expertise. During our reporting, Texas lawmakers resumed efforts to modernize that antiquated system, as a nearly-forgotten mystery resurfaced with a fresh review of a young girl's strangulation case. AUSTIN (KXAN) – A bill that would lower the population threshold for Texas counties to create medical examiner offices – expanding the number of those death investigation offices as the state grows – passed out of the House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee 10-0 Friday, bringing it closer to final passage by the full chamber and then to the governor's desk. Senate Bill 1370, authored by state senators Tan Parker, R-Flower Mound, and Joan Huffman, R-Houston, would require counties to establish medical examiner offices when they reach 1 million people, rather than the current statutory level of 2.5 million. Texas currently has a two-tiered death investigation system, with medical examiners and justices of the peace certifying the cause and manner of unexpected deaths in the state. Just over a dozen of the more populous counties use medical examiner offices led by appointed physicians. Most of Texas' 254 counties use elected justice of the peace judges who are not required to have medical training or forensic science expertise. The bill also clarifies that neighboring counties can establish medical examiner districts to share costs and resources. Supporters have touted the measure as one that will strengthen the state's death investigation capacity. KXAN has thoroughly investigated the state's death investigation system, including the origin of justices of the peace in Texas and a push by experts and lawmakers to expand the use of medical examiners. The Senate bill has an identical companion bill, House Bill 5131, authored by Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, but it has not advanced beyond a subcommittee on county and regional government. Anchia is carrying SB 1370 in the House and laid it out earlier this month in that same subcommittee. With only days left this legislative session, the bill will face tight deadlines in its final stages. If it advances to the governor's desk and he signs it into law – or allows it to become law without his signature – it would take effect Sept. 1. Anchia tells KXAN he plans to call for an interim charge ahead of the next session in 2027 to look at how Texas can attract more medical examiners to the state, as the nation faces a shortage of doctors holding that specialty. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Southland Appoints Tan Parker to Its Board of Directors
GRAPEVINE, Texas, May 22, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Southland Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: SLND and SLND WS) ("Southland"), a leading provider of specialized infrastructure construction services, today announced the appointment of Tan Parker to its Board of Directors ("the Board") effective May 19, 2025. Mr. Parker brings a distinguished combination of public service and private sector experience to Southland. Mr. Parker combines almost two decades of legislative service with extensive private‑sector credentials. In the Texas Legislature, Senator Parker currently chairs the Senate Republican Caucus and previously served as Chair of the House Financial Services Committee. He has led legislative initiatives focused on AI, AI governance, cybersecurity, homeland security, and capital markets including leading the legislative efforts to develop the Texas Stock Exchange and support the new satellite NYSE and NASDAQ exchanges in Texas. Mr. Parker also has extensive executive experience across private equity and venture capital. He is the founder & president of Applied Business Strategies, co‑founded med‑tech ventures MagnaSci Biotechnology Funds and Septum Solutions, and chaired the Texas Industrial Development Corporation's infrastructure investment fund. Mr. Parker began his career with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, served as a Regional Vice President at Computer Sciences Corporation, and sits on the University of Dallas Board of Trustees. He holds a B.A. from the University of Dallas and an from the London School of Economics. Mr. Parker's appointment filled a vacant board seat. About Southland Southland is a leading provider of specialized infrastructure construction services. With roots dating back to 1900, Southland and its subsidiaries form one of the largest infrastructure construction companies in North America, with experience throughout the world. The company serves the bridges, tunneling, communications, transportation and facilities, marine, steel structures, water and wastewater treatment, and water pipeline end markets. Southland is headquartered in Grapevine, Texas. For more information, please visit Southland's website at View source version on Contacts Southland Contacts:Alex MurrayCorporate Development & Investor Relationsamurray@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas House votes to build statue of woman with unborn child on Capitol grounds
The Texas House passed a resolution Tuesday approving the construction of a Texas Life Monument at the state Capitol. The statue will replicate the National Life Monument originally installed in Rome and depicts a woman with an open womb and a child inside. Senate Concurrent Resolution 19 was authored by Sen. Tan Parker, R-Flower Mound, and passed the House by a vote of 98-44. Rep. Once Gov. Greg Abbott signs off on the resolution, it goes to the State Preservation Board, which will consider the plan for the monument's construction. Caroline Harris Davila, R-Round Rock, who sponsored the resolution, spoke in support of the monument. She said the statue will provide Texans with 'a public space to reflect on the beauty and sanctity of the love of a mother for her child.' 'The monument would serve as a peaceful space for families to honor motherhood, the strength of women, and the hope and beauty of human life,' Harris Davila said. Harris Davila also emphasized that the monument will not depict a uterus or any female reproductive organs that might sexualize the statue. According to her, it will be funded entirely through private donations, not public money. The statue will be installed on the grounds of the Capitol complex. Later this week, the House is expected to vote on Senate Bill 31, known as the 'Life of the Mother Act.' The bill aims to clarify when doctors in Texas can legally perform abortions to save a woman's life. For example, it defines what constitutes a medical emergency and explicitly permits doctors to remove fetal remains after a miscarriage. However, critics argue that the bill still falls short of adequately protecting women's health. Since Texas banned nearly all abortions following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, at least three women have died and dozens have been denied necessary medical care. Disclosure: State Preservation Board has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. First round of TribFest speakers announced! Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd; U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California; and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas are taking the stage Nov. 13–15 in Austin. Get your tickets today!
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawmakers roast freshman for his bill to create Wise County water district
Republican Rep. Andy Hopper, a freshman from Decatur, was taken to task Thursday night over his first bill, which would create a regional water district in fast-growing Wise County. The bill was voted down by a wide margin, 41-78, but a Senate bill from Sen. Tan Parker, R-Flower Mound, still has a chance. Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, questioned Hopper on several points in the bill, such as the lack of an elected board members, whether the water district is a government entity, and concerns over no cap on bonds that would be sold. 'So, I think in many ways, this violates the principles that many of us have,' Capriglione said. Capriglione and Hopper did not return calls seeking comments on Friday. 'I've never really filed a MUD bill,' Capriglione said, referring to a municipal utility district. 'So, this is my first time to really take a look at one.' Hopper explained that his bill was modeled after the Upper Trinity Ground Water District in Denton County. Leaders in Alvord, Aurora, Boyd, Bridgeport, Decatur, Newark, New Fairview, Paradise and Rhome have worked together with county leaders for a over a year to develop a regional approach to address the water demand, as studies indicate there isn't enough ground water to sustain the growth. Supporters believe the district would allow municipalities and water providers to better coordinate the water supply and help the cities handle the rapid development. But Hopper's explanations did not sway lawmakers who killed the legislation after some light-hearted banter from Rep. Richard Pena Raymond, D-Laredo, who congratulated Hopper on his first bill, which includes no elections and eminent domain. Hopper explained eminent domain would be needed for water lines and treatment plants. Raymond pretended to talk on a cell phone. 'Mr. Hopper, I've been authorized by the chairman of the Democratic Party to to offer three Democrats in exchange for you and a guaranteed contract with payment to be negotiated later behind closed doors,' he joked. Hopper was chastised for killing the local calendars so his bill was moved to the general calendar in the House. Some lawmakers, including Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, implied that was one of the reasons the bill failed to pass. 'You know what? I believe in fighting for what I believe in. That's what I'm here for,' Hopper told Moody. Boyd Mayor Rodney Homes said he is still optimistic since the bill still has legs in the Senate. Nine Wise County cities worked to get the water district legislation to move forward. 'The water district isn't dead yet,' he said. Holmes added that earlier this week, there was a snag when developers complained that they did not have adequate representation on the board. However, more seats were added to allow developers to have more input, he said. Homes said he thinks Hopper got crossways with the legislators because he stands up for what he believes in, and some don't like that. 'That was a dog and pony show last night, just to get back at Andy,' he said.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Trio of bills aim to strengthen Texas death investigations
AUSTIN (KXAN) – Three Republican-authored bills under consideration at the Capitol could have a wide-ranging impact on Texas' death investigation systems. Rep. Tom Oliverson, a medical doctor and anesthesiologist from Cypress, authored two measures: one to require medical examiner review before bodies are cremated, and another that would mandate medical examiners to be board certified. Legislation by Sen. Tan Parker, of Flower Mound, would expand the number of counties eligible to create medical examiner offices for death investigations. Dr. Stephen Pustilnik, chief medical examiner of Fort Bend County, backs all the bills and spoke at several hearings on the measures. He said each piece of legislation is a stepping stone toward improved death investigations across the state. READ THE FULL STORY: Trio of bills aim to strengthen Texas death investigations Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
