A major accomplishment of the 82nd legislative session was the unanimous passage of HB 3746, otherwise known as Alicia’s Law. The bill, my biggest initiative of the session, gives the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces administrative subpoena power to combat child pornography and sexual abuse. Alicia’s Law was named after Alicia Kozakeiwicz, who at age 13, was contacted by a predator through the internet, abducted and held for four days in a basement where she was tortured. These kinds of crimes are the fastest growing class of crimes in our country. More than 30,000 indvidual computers in Texas were identified by the Department of Justice as trafficking in sadistic images of children being raped and tortured. This must stop; we must give our law enforcement the tools they need to go after these predators!

Education funding was another topic of much discussion and debate during the 82nd Legislative Session. The budget for the 2012-2013 biennium increased general revenue funding to public schools by adding $1.6 billion more to public education for the next two years. Legislators also decreased state mandates on local school districts to allow for more flexibility and less bureaucracy at the local level.

During this session, we faced an unprecedented budget shortfall. The budget for the 2012-2013 biennium totals $172.3 billion,including a decrease in overall state spending by $15.2 billion from the last biennium. Though difficult decisions had to be made, we were able to balance the state budget without raising taxes. Just as families are forced to tighten their belts and cut household spending, legislators were tasked with drafting a budget that is fiscally responsible and works within our means.

Aiding in Texas Tech University’s pursuit of becoming a tier-one research institution, the Legislature outlined the method for distributing funds from the National Research University Fund to qualifying schools. The plan divides the money equally among the qualifying institutions. This will facilitate greater research opportunities for students and recognition of the universities in Texas that are making great strides in various research arenas.

Lawsuit reform was another critical issue tackled by this legislature. We continued our state’s great tradition of enacting policies that keep Texas on the forefront of job growth by passing laws to expedite legitimate lawsuits, while minimizing frivolous claims that hurt Texas businesses and cost Texans jobs. The reforms incorporated in the “loser pays” legislation cuts the cost of litigation, facilitates easier access to courts, and ensures that Texas remains business friendly.

In addition to the items mentioned above, we also passed legislation that protects private property (eminent domain), protects the sanctity of life (sonogram legislation), and ensures the integrity of our elections (voter ID). The following legislative update provides you with an overview of the constitutional amendments that will appear on the November ballot for your consideration, as well as a brief synopsis of legislation I authored during my first legislative session.

In addition to the items mentioned above, we also passed legislation that protects private property (eminent domain), protects the sanctity of life (sonogram legislation), and ensures the integrity of our elections (voter ID). The following legislative update provides you with an overview of the constitutional amendments that will appear on the November ballot for your consideration, as well as a brief synopsis of legislation I authored during my first legislative session.