On Thursday, February 9 Speaker Joe Straus announced the Chairman and members of the committees for the 85th Legislature. Now the Texas House of Representatives can begin to organize and prepare for remainder of this 140-day legislative session. Lt. Governor had previously announced his committee selection early in the session. Some of the key House committees that NFIB/Texas watches closely are Appropriations, Business & Industry, Economic & Small Business Development, Licensing & Administrative Procedures, State Affairs, and Ways & Means. Of course there are many others that we monitor, but most of the legislation on our watch list come through the committees previously listed.
Key to watch in the House this session will be Ways & Means to monitor any legislation that continues the NFIB/Texas-led effort to repeal the state franchise (or margins) tax and State Affairs which will likely have another shot at our key legislation that will get government out of the business of partnering with unions in collecting their dues at taxpayer expense. That bill is filed in the House as HB 510 by Rep. Sarah David (Houston) and in the Senate as SB 13 by Senator Joan Huffman (Houston).
If you are interested in seeing the makeup of the House and Senate committees click here.
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to represent your interests in the Halls of the Capitols in Austin and Washington, D.C. It is truly an honor to do so.
Will Newton
NFIB/ Texas Executive Director
