Lara Keel 83rd Legislative Session Update: HB 2781 http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/billtext/html/HB02781F.htm House Bill No. 2781 is requiring a change in procedure regarding water conservation initiatives and rainwater harvesting. It passed on May 22nd of 2013. The idea is that all on-site reclaimed system technologies fit under new specifications, and be implemented under appropriate and specified circumstances. Henceforth, […]

Texas 83rd Legislative Session Update: HB 535 http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/billtext/html/HB00535F.htm House Bill No. 535 is proposing that state bidders promote the purchase of and give preference to specifically cited local venders, including all agricultural product purchases. The bill is advocating for preference of goods that are from service-disabled veterans who are Texas citizens. This is only if […]

Lara Keel Texas Lobbyist 83rd Legislative Session Update: HB 139 http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/analysis/html/HB00139E.htm House Bill No. 139 is proposing that “revitalization efforts” for various urban areas suffering social, physical, and economic problems be improved upon and increased. This bill plans to provide benefits to these areas by adjusting population criteria and to exercise “urban renewal powers” in […]

Lara Keel Texas Lobbyist 83rd Legislative Session Update: HJR 24 http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/billtext/html/HJ00024E.htm House Joint Resolution No. 24 is proposing a constitutional amendment that would authorize the Legislature to provide an exemption from taxation of part of the market value of a disabled/partially disabled veteran’s house. This would also apply to the veteran’s surviving spouse. Governor Rick […]

Lara Keel Texas 83rd Legislative Session Lobbyist Report: HB 1122 http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/fiscalnotes/html/HB01122H.htm House Bill No. 1122 is aiming to allow Dallas Independent School District to create a pilot program where students are able to earn a High School degree in an estimated three years. Interestingly, the bill would take the costs of the fourth year of […]