Texas Senate week in review: May 20-27, 2009

(Austin)  Students at Texas colleges with a concealed handgun license would be permitted to take their guns to class under a bill approved by the Senate Tuesday.  Current law doesn't prohibit concealed carry licensees to be armed on campus, but it does ban guns from college buildings and classrooms.  SB 1164 by San Antonio Senator Jeff Wentworth would change that, allowing guns in the classroom, public buildings and residence halls.  Wentworth said recent school shootings at colleges in Virginia and Illinois inspired this bill. 

"They were picked off like sitting ducks in the classroom in Virginia," he said.  "I just think we ought to be able to defend ourselves from that kind of situation.  It happens very rarely, but when it does happen, it's catastrophic."

To qualify for a concealed handgun permit, a person must be 21 years of age and pass classroom and gun range qualifications.  SB 1164 would not allow colleges to prohibit concealed carry licensees from having guns in their dorm rooms, but officials could set rules on how those guns must be stored.  The bill would also allow private institutions to opt out of the law, and doesn't change current law that prohibits guns at college sporting events.  The bill now heads to the House for further consideration.

Some of the 31 bills passed by the Senate May 19 include:

- HB 2283, sponsored by Deuell, would permit the state to offer Roth IRAs to employees,

-HB 1257, sponsored by Williams, would permit small businesses damaged by a natural disaster to pay property taxes in four installments,

-HB 2467, sponsored by Whitmire, would make playgrounds drug free zones. 

Budget writers completed deliberations on the state appropriations bill late Wednesday night, and the Senate's Finance Committee Chairman said the budget will move out of committee early next week.  Bryan Senator Steve Ogden appeared with Finance Committee Vice Chair Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa of McAllen and Lt. Governor David Dewhurst Thursday to talk about important provisions of 2010-2011 state budget. 

"I'm proud of the budget," said Ogden.  "It is balanced, I think we used the stimulus money about as wisely as we possibly could, and I think as we go forward, the state of Texas is going to be in good shape with this budget."

Ogden highlighted three major shifts in spending policy represented in the budget bill.  First, is a substantial increase in money for Texans with intellectual disabilities.  The budget has $500 million more for community-based services for these individuals, which Ogden believes will cause a shift from institutionalized treatment to treatment options closer to home.  The second shift centers around public education spending. 

Ogden said the conference committee put $1.9 billion more toward public education, contingent on a new school finance bill, one that emphasizes transparency and equity, clearing the Legislature, a prospect about which he is optimistic.  The final change is a shift in funding for the Texas Department of Transportation.  This session's budget, said Ogden, reduces diversions from the state highway fund by $400 million, and utilizes billions in voter- approved general obligation bonds toward transportation infrastructure. 

The final state budget will be voted out of committee Tuesday, said Ogden, and will be ready for a vote in both chambers before the end of next week.

SENATE APPROVES BILL TO PROMOTE ADULT STEM CELL RESEARCH

05-20-09

(Austin)   Scientists working on adult stem cell research would be able to collaborate more easily under a bill approved by the Senate Wednesday.  SB 73, by Flower Mound Senator Jane Nelson, would create a framework to promote cooperation between organizations involved in finding medical cures through adult stem cell treatments.  "Adult stem cell research has already yielded treatments for about 70 diseases," said Nelson "Through this new structure, our universities can more easily pool resources, pool information and promote this life-saving research."  

Also approved by the Senate Wednesday was a bill to help ex-convicts move back into society after their release.   HB 1711, sponsored by Criminal Justice Committee Chair Senator John Whitmire, would direct the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to create a comprehensive reentry and rehabilitation program for the more than 70,000 inmates released from Texas prisons each year.  Under the bill, the goal of reintegration would begin as an inmate enters prison.  Officials would assess each incoming offender to determine what skills the inmate would need to develop to have the opportunity to be successful upon release back into the community.  TDCJ would be required to develop programs to teach inmates life-skills training, like money management, nutrition and exercise, as well as education programs, employment training, substance abuse and mental health treatment programs, and parenting classes. 

The bill also emphasizes family unity as a vital component of successful reentry into society.  TDCJ would have to look at visitation and phone policies to determine how they impact how inmates can maintain contact with their children.  The agency would also have to house an inmate in a facility close to his or her family, if possible.  The bill would also direct TDCJ to conduct studies every two years, to determine how well the reentry programs reduce recidivism and promote family unity.

The Senate will reconvene Thursday, May 21 at 8 a.m. to consider local and uncontested bills, and will convene in regular session at 11 a.m.