Legislative update
I was recently sworn into the 88th Texas Legislative Session as Texas State Representative for House District 17 - covering Bastrop, Burleson, Caldwell, Lee and Milam Counties. The Texas State Legislature, which meets in odd-numbered years for a 140-day session, has begun, and we’ve hit the ground running. My legislative goals for this 88th Session include protecting water rights, increasing funding and support for law enforcement, reducing property tax burdens, and securing the border.
After being sworn-in, I filed my first two bills, both in support of rural law enforcement. House Bill (HB) 1487 creates a rural law enforcement grant program that allows rural counties to apply for state funds to be used for sheriff and constable recruitment, salary, and training. This bill is critical to communities across the state which are in desperate need of more law enforcement funding. HB 1486 provides for the adoption of a mental health leave policy for dispatchers who experience a traumatic event while on the job. Legislation was passed last session that did this for our police officers, and I want to expand that policy to dispatchers who are mission critical in emergencies.
In addition to the bills I have personally filed so far, I am also working closely with my House colleagues on several other very important issues and will be co-authoring and supporting legislation to fully fund school safety priorities, expand mental health resources to rural Texans, add more power to the state grid, keep men out of women’s sports, prohibit foreign governments from buying Texas agricultural land, and protect our historical monuments.
Last week, House Speaker Dade Phelan announced Committee Assignments. I am grateful to be appointed to serve on the House Committees on Energy Resources, County Affairs, and Resolutions Calendars. These appointments place me in a strong position to advocate for the interests of our rural communities in District 17.
I have also joined the Texas Water Caucus, Texas House Republican Caucus, Texas Sportsman Caucus, and the Texas Conservative Coalition.
We have had numerous constituent meetings with people from all over our great district, and look forward to many more. Our Capitol Office is located in Capitol Extension E2.816, and our phone number is (512) 463-0682. Please do not hesitate to reach out … whether you have a question on a bill, an idea for legislation, feedback from the district, or just want to introduce yourself. We look forward to meeting you.
Representative Gerdes is a resident of Bastrop County and serves the citizens of Texas House District 17, which covers Bastrop, Burleson, Caldwell, Lee, and Milam Counties. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Ben Watson, Chief of Staff, at (512) 463-0682.