AUSTIN – “Today, the Texas Senate passed Senator Donna Campbell’s Senate Bill 531, (SB 531), also known as the “Sharia law” bill, to third reading. “The bill’s purpose is to ensure that the constitutional rights of those who are part of the proceedings involving marriage, dissolution of marriage or a suit affecting the parent-child relationship,… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick congratulated Senator Craig Estes and the Senate members for the passage of Senate Bill 2065 (SB 2065). SB 2065 by Sen. Estes protects houses of worship, religious organizations and their employees and clergy or ministers, from being required to participate in a marriage or celebration of a marriage… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and Senate Criminal Justice Chair John Whitmire announced the first ever 2015 Darrington Prison Seminary Graduates from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. “The prison seminary is the first in history, in Texas,” said Patrick. “Working with Sen. Whitmire, we established this program to begin changing the lives of inmates… Read more »

HOUSTON – Today, Lt. Governor Patrick, along with Senator Paul Bettencourt, addressed the media regarding property tax reform accomplishments by the Texas Senate. The Texas Senate continues leading the charge for real property tax relief and reform by providing meaningful assistance to all property owners and Texas businesses, large and small. “As one of Texas… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 1760 (SB 1760) by Senator Brandon Creighton. “Property tax relief has been one of the Senate’s top priorities,” said Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. “SB 1760 delivers true tax relief for Texas homeowners by placing a downward pressure on the oppressive growth of property taxes through transparency.”… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 19 (SB 19) by Senator Van Taylor. “Expanding ethics requirements for our public officers is not only the right thing to do, but it instills public trust,” said Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. “Transparency in state business is a key factor to a sound and limited government.”… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and Border Security Subcommittee Chairman Senator Brian Birdwell released the following joint-statement upon the passage of Senate Bill 3 (SB 3) by Senator Birdwell, 26-4: “Securing our border has always been a federal government responsibility but a Texas problem,” said Patrick. “Now that the Texas Senate has overwhelmingly… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Senate Education Chair Larry Taylor and joint authors Senator’s Bettencourt and Campbell, passed Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), known as the tax credit scholarship bill, to third reading. “The historic passage of SB 4 in the Texas Senate is a clear victory for our parents, students and Texas,” said Lt. Governor Dan… Read more »

AUSTIN – Senate Education Chair Larry Taylor’s Senate Bill 14 (SB 14) passed out of the Senate today. “No parent should have to wait five years before being allowed to intervene in their child’s under-performing school,” said Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. “Parent empowerment is key to success and our children deserve a better education. “I… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today is “Tax Day” and the perfect opportunity for me to once again reiterate my position regarding property tax reductions for struggling Texans. I continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Governor Greg Abbott who said in his State of the State address, “I will also insist on property tax reduction. It’s time for property… Read more »