Weekly Newsletter: April 11, 2011
April 11, 2011
Dear Friends,
Last week, the House was hard at work hearing a number of bills that have successfully made it through the committee process. Among those bills was House Bill 1343, of which I am the author. The passage of my first bill will help to ensure that mortgage fraud offenses are prosecuted in a timely manner.
Four more of my bills were heard in committees last week. House Bills 3311 and 3314, both relating to the responsibilities of attorneys ad litem, were heard in Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. These bills seek to hold attorneys ad litem accountable in their duties to meet with their child clients early and often enough to adequately prepare to represent their best interests in court. In addition, House Bill 3756, related to imposing liens for labor and materials provided by interior designers, was heard in the Business and Industry committee; and House Bill 3669, related to the funding for and user friendliness of the Power to Choose website, was heard in the State Affairs Committee.
This week also promises to be exciting in terms of my legislative agenda. Four of my bills will be heard in various committees.
Two of the four bills will be heard in Criminal Jurisprudence and are related to DWI offenses. HB 982 ensures that ignition interlock devices are installed and maintained according to court order when an individual is charged with a DWI offense. HB 3477 mandates that a person’s driver’s license be revoked upon the fifth DWI-related conviction. Each bill seeks to hold DWI offenders more accountable for their actions.
My third bill this week will be heard in the Human Services committee. HB 3670 requires the establishment and implementation of statewide accreditation standards for facilities providing training for employees and operators of certain childcare facilities. Currently, those who run and work in daycare centers and childcare centers are required to go through hours of training before they can operate. Unfortunately, the people training them do not have to go through training or have any specific knowledge or credentials. It is imperative that those who care for children are trained, but it is a problem that the trainers currently have no accreditation standards. This bill seeks to remedy this problem.
My fourth bill this week will be heard in the Licensing and Administrative Procedures committee. HB 3553 seeks to enhance penalties for tow companies that unlawfully tow.
Other news: The Texas House passed significant legislation, sponsored by former Speaker Tom Craddick, that will make it illegal to text message while driving. I believe this legislation will continue to improve public safety in the State of Texas, and I was happy to support it.
Additionally, I was pleased to have my friends, former Dallas City Councilman Gary Griffith and Cyndi Reynolds, stop by my office last week. Councilman Griffith was accompanied by a group of young people, with the Texas Leadership Forum, visiting the Capitol and learning about the legislative process. I encourage everyone to come by my office if you’re in Austin. I’d love to see you!
This week promises to be busy and exciting as I continue to work on legislation that will help to safeguard my constituents and all the citizens of Texas. Please stay in touch by visiting my House website.
As always, I’m honored to be your voice in Austin.
Sincerely,
Stefani Carter
