April 21 was San Jacinto Day—more than just a date on the calendar, it’s a defining moment in Texas history that reminds us where we came from and what we stand for. In 1836, the Texian Army’s decisive victory secured independence and set the foundation for the freedoms we enjoy today. That same spirit of grit, independence, and looking out for one another still runs deep across our state—and it’s especially evident here in East Texas, where those values aren’t just remembered, they’re lived out every day.
With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…
Capitol Update
This week, we’re taking a closer look at two House committees that play a major role in keeping our communities safe: Corrections and Criminal Jurisprudence.
The House Committee on Corrections focuses on the systems responsible for incarceration, rehabilitation, and reentry. This interim, members are monitoring key legislation from the 89th Legislature and taking a closer look at how crimes committed inside correctional facilities are investigated and prosecuted, with an emphasis on improving coordination and closing gaps. The committee is also reviewing workforce programs like Texas Correctional Industries to ensure individuals are gaining practical skills that support successful reentry and reduce repeat offenses—something that directly impacts communities across East Texas.
Last session, the Legislature made significant investments in agencies under this committee’s jurisdiction, including funding for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to support staffing, healthcare, and facility improvements. For many rural areas, including our region, these facilities are not only critical to public safety but also serve as major employers—making these investments important for both community stability and local economies.
The House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence is focused on the broader justice system—from law enforcement to prosecution and sentencing. A key priority this interim is examining violent crime clearance rates to better understand where cases are falling short and how coordination between law enforcement and prosecutors can be strengthened. Across the state, where many counties operate with limited resources, ensuring investigators and prosecutors have the tools they need is essential to delivering justice and keeping communities safe.
The committee is also charged with addressing the growing threat of fraud and financial exploitation targeting elderly Texans and reviewing juvenile justice policies to ensure they promote both accountability and rehabilitation.
Last session, the Legislature directed funding toward public safety priorities, including support for prosecutors, forensic capacity, and juvenile justice programs. These resources are especially important for smaller, rural jurisdictions that rely on state support to maintain strong and effective justice systems.
Together, these committees are focused on making sure those investments deliver results—not just in Austin, but across our communities—by strengthening our justice system, supporting those on the front lines, and keeping Texans safe.
The mobile office is on the road again in April, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations: May 6 at the County Courthouse in San Augustine from 9:30-11:30 am, May 13 at the Polk County Commissioner’s Court Room in Livingston from 9:30-11:30am, or at the Tyler County Courthouse in Woodville from 1:30-3:30 pm; May 20 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30am, or at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30pm.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 and my Capitol office may be reached at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will be posting regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and sharing information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.
