As we approach the joyous occasion of Christmas, we’re immersed in the fanfare and pageantry that often surrounds the yuletide season. While, in many ways, we embrace the spirit of Christmas through gift-giving, cherished time with family, or even giving back to those in need, it’s my hope that we find time to be still and recenter on why we have reason to celebrate – Christ’s coming into the world so that He might offer up His life as a sacrifice for the sins of man.
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” — Isaiah 9:6.
May this Christmas be filled with joy, peace, and an abundance of blessings for you and your loved ones.
With that, we’ll dive back into our examination of House interim charges. . .
House Interim Charge: Criminal Jurisprudence
The House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence has jurisdiction over all matters related to criminal law, probation and parole, and criminal courts. During the interim, the Committee will monitor the implementation of House Bill 17 from the 2023 Legislative Session. HB 17 was passed to reign in rogue district attorneys who adopt policies that are contrary to state law and endanger the public. I was proud to support HB 17 and see it signed into law.
Additionally, the Committee will evaluate the criminalization of children by human traffickers into other criminal enterprises, such as aggravated robbery. This Committee will examine the Texas Penal Code definition of “duress” as an affirmative defense for survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence, as well as make recommendations to prevent the criminalization of survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence for the crimes of their abusers.
House Interim Charge: Homeland Security and Public Safety
The House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety has jurisdiction over all matters related to law enforcement, homeland security, disaster preparedness, and many other issues.
During the interim, the Committee will monitor the implementation of House Bill 3290 and Senate Bill 602. HB 3290 distributed federal funds to emergency communication districts to support the deployment and reliable operation of next-generation 9-1-1 service and allocated state funds to ensure that our next-generation 9-1-1 service in Texas is adequately funded and efficiently deployed.
SB 602 provides border patrol agents with the tools necessary to combat the border crisis by granting agents with the powers of arrest, search, and seizure for any felony under state law at a port of entry or a designated traffic checkpoint if the officer has completed training on criminal laws in the State of Texas.
The mobile office is on the road again in January and our District Director will look forward to seeing you on the following dates in the following locations: January 8 at the Polk County Commissioner’s Courtroom in Livingston from 9:30-11:30 am and the Tyler County Commissioner’s Courtroom in Woodville from 1:30-3:30 pm; January 15 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30 -11:30 am and the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 pm.
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 our Capitol office at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will post regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and share information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/
