The Texas League of Conservation Voters, a coalition of Texans committed to clean air, clean water, and access to public lands, water, fish and wildlife has recognized Rep. Pete Gallego as a 2007 “Legislative Champion” for his work on water issues.

“Rep. Gallego understands that water is the lifeblood of his district and this state, and that there is no issue more important or complex. He knows the facts, engaged in the process, and puts his nose to the grindstone to make sure things get done. His leadership and work on this issue set a high standard for all elected offic

The Texas League of Conservation Voters, a coalition of Texans committed to clean air, clean water, and access to public lands, water, fish and wildlife has recognized Rep. Pete Gallego as a 2007 “Legislative Champion” for his work on water issues.

“Rep. Gallego understands that water is the lifeblood of his district and this state, and that there is no issue more important or complex. He knows the facts, engaged in the process, and puts his nose to the grindstone to make sure things get done. His leadership and work on this issue set a high standard for all elected offic

Currently under the Local Government Code, Chapter 334, municipalities are authorized to derive revenue from sales and taxes to construct, operate, maintain or renovate municipal parks. County parks are not included in this definition. Terrell County is at a disadvantage because there are no nearby towns that are incorporated in the county; therefore they are ineligible to develop a recreation facility or park.

Under H.B. 1166, a county that has a population of less than 2,000 and that contains no incorporated territory of a municipality would be authorized to develop county parks and recreation systems under the definition of venue

Currently under the Education Code only children of members of the armed forces of the United States who are or were killed in action, who died in service, who were missing in action, or whose death is documented to be directly caused by illness or injury connected with service in the armed forces receive tuition assistance.  We want to extend that benefit.

Under H.B. 1163, the children and spouses of a member of the Texas National Guard or the Texas Air National Guard killed since January 1, 1946, while on active duty either in the service of this state or the United States, also qualify for this exemption if they are a

Defendants with legitimate claims of insanity have a very difficult task in getting a fair and objective determination of their claims. HB 1724 would take a step towards improving such defendant’s ability to get fair resolution of the claims.

HB 1724 would make it clear that a defendant is entitled to acquittal on insanity ground if that defendant persuades the jury that because of his/her mental disease or defect, he/she psychotically perceived his/her conduct as morally right even if he/she remained aware that this conduct was legally wrong.

This change is intended to make clear that the insanity defense is available

Defendants with legitimate claims of insanity have a very difficult task in getting a fair and objective determination of their claims. HB 1721 would take a step towards improving such defendant’s ability to get fair resolution of the claims.
HB 1721 would make it clear that the insanity defense may apply to a defendant who knew in a narrow and purely intellectual sense that the conduct was wrong. A defendant in entitled to be found not guilty by reason of insanity if his mental impairment deprived him of a meaningful appreciation that the conduct was wrong.

This change is intended to make clear that the insanity defense

Defendants with legitimate claims of insanity have a very difficult task in getting a fair and objective determination of their claims.  HB 1161 would take a step towards improving such defendant’s ability to get fair resolution of the claims.
HB 1161 would require that in jury trials the trial court tell the jury that if the defendant is acquitted because of insanity, the defendant would be subject to the procedure provided by legislation adopted during the 79th Regular Legislative Session and embodied in Chapter 46C of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Too many jurors come to trial with an incorrect perception that

Texas’ sole method of carrying out a capital sentence is by lethal injection.  Pancuronium bromide is one of the commonly used drugs in executions and is currently utilized in Texas.   However, the growing consensus is that this substance causes unnecessary human suffering.  According to the New York Times, the muscle relaxant pancuronium bromide may render a person helpless without dulling pain, thus providing a “chemical veil” over the convict’s suffering.
Lethal injections typically consist of three drugs: a short acting barbiturate sodium thiopental, pancuronium bromide and potassium ch

House Bill 1167 relates to the regulation of fireworks by counties during drought conditions. Under current law, cities are allowed to ban all fire works. Counties are allowed to ban only fireworks with sticks or fins - even under statewide burn bans and drought conditions.

HB 1167 would allow counties the same authority to ban all fireworks under these conditions and protect communities from major fires by empowering their local communities.

House Bill 1164 relates to the presentation of Star of Texas awards to federal law enforcement officers and special agents who are killed or sustain serious or fatal injuries while assisting state or local law enforcement agencies in this state.

During the 78th Legislative Session, Rep. Gallego’s HB 1937 designated September 11th as Texas First Responder Day and created the Star of Texas Award. Since then, some federal agents have been killed while assisting Texas first responders. 1164 allows these federal law enforcement officers to be eligible and receive the Star of Texas Award.