Latest news with #TexasLegislativeSession
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Craddick files bill to strengthen oversight, enforcement in Texas oil and gas industry
Mar. 4—AUSTIN — Rep. Tom Craddick, R-Midland, has filed House Bill 3707 to strengthen oversight and enforcement measures related to petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, and oil and gas waste. This legislation aims to enhance public safety, environmental protection, and industry accountability by addressing the inspection, purchase, sale, possession, storage, transportation, and disposal of these materials. "Oil and gas theft has long plagued the industry, threatening the integrity of Texas' energy sector," Craddick said in a news release. "HB 3707 provides law enforcement with the tools necessary to deter and prosecute these crimes while ensuring the responsible management of seized petroleum products." The bill introduces stricter penalties for violations and creates new criminal offenses for illegal activities involving petroleum products and oil and gas waste. By enhancing oversight, HB 3707 seeks to deter bad actors and promote best practices within the industry. "Texas has long been a leader in oil and gas, and with that leadership comes the responsibility to ensure that oil and gas resources are managed safely and efficiently," Craddick added. "This legislation is a necessary step to protect Texans from fraudulent or unsafe practices." The Texas Legislative Session began on Jan. 14, 2025, and will run through June 2, 2025. HB 3707 is a proactive measure to safeguard Texas' vital energy sector while reinforcing public trust in its operations.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Texas Senate passes SB 26 aiming give raises to teachers
The Brief The Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 26, aimed at improving teacher pay and retention The bill will now move to the house, then possibly to the Governor's desk AUSTIN, Texas - Texas teachers are one step closer to getting a pay raise. On Wednesday, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 26, aimed at improving teacher pay and retention. RELATED: Teacher pay raise bill sails through Texas Senate committee What they're saying Senator Creighton, author of Senate Bill 26, stood before a bipartisan group of lawmakers to break down the legislation at the state capitol on Wednesday afternoon. "Today I am laying out Senate Bill 26, the first pilar of my Texas teacher bill of rights and one of Governor Abbott's emergency priorities this session, one of Lt. Governor Patrick's highest priorities of the session," says Conroe Senator and Committee Chair Brandon Creighton. "This is a permanent commitment in the state budget to elevate the teaching profession in Texas and to raise their salaries," says Creighton. By the numbers The bill would grant independent school districts with 5,000 or fewer students a teacher pay raise starting at $5,000. Teachers with five or more years of experience would get $10,000. In larger districts, the pay raise would start at $2,500 and increase to $5,500 for teachers with experience. The other side Clay Robison with the Texas State Teachers Association says the benefits are not enough to improve retention rates. "The legislature can do better than this, and they must do better than this if they want to ease the teacher shortage in Texas," says Texas State Teachers Association spokesman Clay Robison. The bill was approved unanimously by the Senate Education Committee last week before the legislation passed the full Senate on Thursday. Robison says this was expected. "We're fully aware that this is going to be fought out in the House. The house has also proposed a teacher pay raise. They approach it differently. It is also inadequate. There's plenty of time for that for the legislature to get their act together and pay teachers more than either the House or the Senate is offering now. And we hope that this will happen in the House," says Creighton. What's next The bill will now move to the house, then possibly to the Governor's desk. The Source Information from the Texas Legislative Session
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Craddick files House Bill 5 to establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
Feb. 25—AUSTIN — Representative Tom Craddick has filed House Bill 5 to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing research, prevention, and treatment strategies for Alzheimer's. "Alzheimer's is a growing crisis that affects countless Texans and their families. We must take bold action to combat this disease," said Craddick. "HB 5 establishes a dedicated institute to drive research, develop prevention programs, and support groundbreaking medical advancements that will improve the lives of Texans." The Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas will fund and accelerate research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of dementia, Alzheimer's, and related disorders while supporting medical and scientific breakthroughs that enhance Texas' leadership in medical research. The institute will award grants to institutions of higher education, medical research facilities, and other public or private entities dedicated to combating Alzheimer's. Additionally, it will develop prevention programs aimed at reducing the impact of dementia on Texas communities. "Texas ranks third in the nation in the number of Alzheimer's cases and second in the nation in Alzheimer's deaths. The establishment of this institute will provide hope to all future generations that Texas will be a leader in Alzheimer's Prevention," added Craddick. The Texas Legislative Session began on January 14, 2025, and will run through June 2, 2025. HB 5 represents a major step in addressing one of the most pressing healthcare challenges of our time.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
More DEI related legislation ahead of filing deadline, what's the likelihood of bills becoming laws in Texas?
AUSTIN (KXAN)— More Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) related legislation is being filed during the 89th Texas Legislative Session ahead of the filing deadline on March 14. The legislation supports the ban of these practices on various levels in Texas. On Monday, Rep. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, filed Senate Bill 12 and Senate Bill 1565. These bills seek to expand the ban of DEI from public universities and colleges to public schools K-12. Creighton introduced Senate Bill 17, which banned DEI in public higher education institutions. SB 17 passed the Texas House in May 2023, and Gov. Greg Abbott signed it into law during the Texas 88th Legislative Session in June 2023. Earlier this month, Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine, filed House Bill 2548, which seeks to stop public universities and colleges from requiring core classes that cover topics like systemic racism, social justice, gender identify and more. The bills are separate, but related due to their similar language. SB 17 was more broad, and proposed legislation that follows the bill narrows in on more specific restrictions related to the DEI ban. Non-partisan nonprofit Texas 2036 said it's not uncommon for similar legislation to be filed in consecutive sessions. The nonprofit added that legislation similar to bills that have become law, do hold more weight during session— with a better chance of becoming law through an extensive legislative process. Critics of DEI and similar legislation worry about the progression and the impact. Abbott ends DEI programs in state agencies 'This is not some attack out of nowhere,' Chas Moore with the Austin Justice Coalition said. The Austin Justice Coalition held a press conference on Feb. 20, criticizing House Bill 2548 specifically. 'We feel that this basically, if you are anything outside of the status quo, we don't want our institutions of higher education to let you teach about it,' Moore said. 'And now we're going to penalize our institutions, our college institutions.' Gov. Greg Abbott and other republicans said DEI gives preferential treatment and have vowed to making things more fair by doing away with 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Craddick receives 89th Legislature committee chairmanship and appointments
Feb. 13—MIDLAND — State Representative Tom Craddick was reappointed as the Dean of the Texas House of Representatives on Thursday. "It is an honor to serve in this role and be recognized for my tenure in the Texas House; a body I have always loved serving amongst," said Craddick. In addition, Craddick was appointed to two committees important to House District 82 and the Permian Basin. Craddick will serve as the chair of the House Transportation Committee. "Transportation is the lifeline of our community and is vital to improving the safety of our loved ones. Even one transportation fatality is one too many. Safe transportation options for all Texans is important. The Permian Basin is the heartbeat of the Texas economy and roads are the key to protecting this economic driver. All Texans struggle with a tremendous shortage of roads. Building new roads and improving the safety of existing roads will be a priority of mine this Session," Craddick said. Craddick has again been appointed to serve on the House Energy Resources Committee. This committee will oversee the legal framework for oil and gas operations in Texas. "As the economic driver in Midland, Martin and Dawson counties is oil and gas businesses, it is an honor to continue to represent the hard working constituents of my district on this Committee," he said. "The Texas House stands ready to address the most pressing issues facing our state, and I have full confidence Chairman Craddick's leadership of the House Transportation Committee will greatly contribute to the success of the 89th legislative session," said Speaker Dustin Burrows. "Every Texas House committee serves an important role guiding the policies that shape our state and ensuring proper oversight of the legislative process. Chairman Craddick is a proven champion of conservative policies that leave a positive impact on the lives of all Texans, and I look forward to our collaboration to deliver another monumental conservative session for Texans." "These committees are important to House District 82. I have heard from the residents of these communities about the importance of protecting the oil and gas community. I am honored to represent my constituents through these appointments," said Craddick. The Texas Legislative Session began on January 14 and will meet until June 2.
