Last week, our nation witnessed an unspeakable act of violence against former President Donald Trump when a deranged man attempted to assassinate the former president, wounding him and others and killing a father and fire chief.
I am immensely grateful that President Trump was not seriously hurt, and my thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this senseless act of violence and their families. Let me say, in no uncertain terms, that political violence has no place in this country. As another national election approaches, let us remain civil in both our discourse and dealings with others.
For too long, our country has been too deeply divided by differing opinions and beliefs. While it is natural for people to disagree on specific issues, we must stop demonizing others who hold differing perspectives. It is time for us to turn back to the word of God and remember the teachings of our Lord.
1 John 4:20: “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”
With that, we’ll dive back into our examination of House interim charges. . .
House Interim Charge: Juvenile Justice & Family Issues
The House Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Issues has jurisdiction over bills regarding juvenile delinquency, gang violence, juvenile criminal law, juvenile court proceedings, youth rehabilitation, and many other issues. The Committee also oversees state agencies such as the Texas Juvenile Justice Board, the Advisory Council on Juvenile Services, and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
Over the interim, the Committee will study the definition of “best interest of a child” in the Texas Family Code. The Committee will study the term to determine whether policy changes can better protect the rights and interests of children and parents. The Committee will also evaluate the system for adjudicating and dismissing cases involving delinquent conduct and determine whether changes to the juvenile court system and planning for services to keep children in the juvenile justice system closer to home will lead to better overall outcomes for youth and public safety.
House Interim Charge: Youth Health & Safety, Select
The House Select Committee on Youth Health and Safety has jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to improving the ability of governmental entities to address the needs of Texas’s youth through programs and services such as child protective services, mental health services, educational institutions, and the juvenile justice system.
Over the interim, the Committee will monitor the implementation of House Bill 3, which provides Texas schools with a new standard of emergency preparedness and ensures adequate state funding is provided to school districts to ensure that schools can implement these new standards. The Committee will also monitor the implementation of House Bill 18, which prohibits an Internet Service Provider from entering into an agreement with a known minor without the consent of the minor’s guardian and requires the ISP to provide the ability for the parent or guardian to enable protective settings permanently. I was proud to coauthor HB 3 and HB 18 to protect our children.
The Committee will also evaluate current programs and services for children and families that are either in or at high risk for entering the foster care and juvenile justice systems. They will study the barriers to accessing community-based behavioral health services for children with intense behavioral health needs, with an emphasis on ensuring that parents do not have to give up custody of children to gain access to services.
The mobile office is on the road again in August, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on the following dates at the following times: August 7 at the San Augustine County Courthouse in San Augustine from 9-11 a.m.; August 14 at the Polk County Commissioner’s Courtroom in Livingston from 9-11 a.m. and the Tyler County Commissioner’s Courtroom in Woodville from 1:30-3:30 p.m.; and August 21 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9-11 a.m. and the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
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/.
