- HB 1098 In February 2007, a governor's order was mandated that all female children be vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) prior to admission to the sixth grade with provisions for the parent to opt out. Such a vaccine requirement is premature and potentially puts at risk the health and safety of young girls. Representative Merritt coauthored a bill, HB 1098, which prohibits the immunization against HPV from being a condition of admission to any elementary or secondary school. This bill successfully passed in the House by a 135-2 vote and became effective immediately on May 8, 2007.
- HB 1 HB 1 - The State Budget Bill On May 25, 2007 this bill passed the House 112 - 31. After much consideration, Merritt voted NO to the budget this session for the following reasons: • There was an exceptionally large volume of special 'earmarked' items added into the budget which would benefit only specific regions of the state, specific members, specific universities and various other areas which would not benefit this state as a whole. These items were added during the controversial period of the last two weeks of the sessions. • The across the board teacher pay raise was cut in half by the budget conference committee. • The 13th check for retired teachers is now contingent upon the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) funding. If in September this fund is determined to be underfunded, then active teachers will be required to increase their contribution rate from 6.4% to 6.57% (active teachers will foot the bill). Currently, the state has the surplus money to pay for this 13th check, but this budget bill requires the money to be expended from TRS. • Many of the dedicated funds, like the sporting goods tax fund, are not being used 100% for their intended purposes. This fund was intended to be used to improve our state parks. After this biennium, the dedicated fund will become 'undedicated' and the money will go into the General Revenue Fund. It is fairly certain that the new business tax will not bring in enough to pay for property tax cut margin. • $4.2 billion of the budget was put into savings by the House. Yet, after the combined Senate and House Conference Committee completed the budget, the state surplus is $2.5 billion.
- HB 3 The House vote on HB 3 was 142-2. Representative Merritt voted in favor of this bill. This bill creates a basin-by-basin process to address environmental flow issues, and makes recommendations on meeting freshwater in-flow needs for estuaries and bays.
- SB 12 SB 12, the Clean Air bill, expands the uses of the Texas Emissions Reduction and Low Income Vehicle Repair Assistance Program (LIRAP). These programs are designed to reduce emissions from motor vehicles and increase the amount and number of individuals eligible for grants for the purchase of new vehicles if your vehicle is older than 10 years and not meeting emissions standards.
- HB 3732 HB 3732, the Clean Energy bill, establishes an 'ultra clean' energy grant and loan program that will provide the State Energy Conservation Office with money to encourage the development of ultra clean energy technology. This bill was passed in the House 112-30.
- HB 3693 HB 3693 was passed to create energy efficiency mechanisms intended to provide reductions in consumption and demand to avoid crises during peak energy times. This bill passed the House 140-2.
- SB 792 The legislature passed Senate Bill 792 which establishes a statewide moratorium on comprehensive development agreements, like the Texas Trans Corridor, for two years. This bill will allow the North Texas Toll Authority to complete pending toll projects and extensions of existing projects. Passed by the House, 127-19. Merritt voted in favor of this bill. This bill was signed by Governor Perry on June 11, 2007.
- SB 8 SB 8, known as Jessica's law, was passed, 140-4, and makes child sex abuse a capital crime under certain circumstances. This bill imposes a minimum 25 year sentence for sexually violent offenses against a child younger than 14. It will also make a second conviction for sexually violent offenses against a child younger than 14 a capital offense.
- SB 103 SB 103 was the central proposal for TYC reforms. This bill passed in the House by an overwhelming 137-0 vote. This bill established an Office of Independent Ombudsman to act as an intermediary between parent, the youth, the public and TYC. An Office of Inspector General was created with licensed peace officers to investigate criminal complaints. A Special Prosecution Unit was also created to prosecute offenses within TYC.
- HB 3983 In response to the negligent behavior of the governing board of the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) with respect to the lack of action taken through years of ignoring allegations and reports of sexual abuse between TYC staff and the resident children, Representative Merritt filed HB 3983l which proposed to terminate the current governing board. This bill called for a governing board of the Texas Youth Commission to consist of seven members appointed by the Governor with the consent of the senate.
- Reform One of the biggest accomplishments of this session was the uncovering of the unfortunate allegations of abuse at the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) facilities. Representative Merritt along with other legislators and Governor Perry aggressively passed significant reforms affecting the structure and operations of the TYC. With urging from Texas legislators, a conservator was appointed by Governor Perry to oversee necessary reforms affecting the structure and operation of the TYC. These reforms included the process for reporting abuse and neglect, the classification system for offenders, the agencies hiring process and the reentry system for transition into life after incarceration.
- SB 3 Representative Merritt was also successful in amending SB 3 with an amendment which would create an economic water development commission for the Texas-Louisiana border region. Several members of the east Texas delegation supported and co-authored this amendment with Representative Merritt. Those members are Representative Berman (Smith), Representative Frost (Bowie), Representative Homer (Lamar), Representative Hopson (Panola) and Representative Hughes (Camp). However, both of these amendments were stripped from the bill by the Texas Senate. Ultimately Representative Merritt voted no to SB 3, 113-28 being the final vote. Representative Merritt will continue to strive to have the Prairie Creek reservoir added during the next legislative session while working in conjunction with the Texas Water Development Board. He is continuing his effort to create the economic water development commission as well.
- HB 2006 HB 2006 passed the House by a 125-11 vote. Merritt voted in favor of this bill which is an effort made by the Texas Legislature to further protect property owners in condemnation cases. The bill requires that the condemning entity must make a good faith effort to acquire a property through a voluntary purchase. THIS BILL WAS VETOED BY GOVERNOR PERRY.
- HB 4 HB 4, a water conservation bill passed in the House 144-1. This bill was created to improve water conservation including educating Texans about the importance of water conservation.
- SB 758 Representative Merritt will continue to support reforms in the Child Protective Services program in this state. SB 758 was passed in the House, 142-0. This bill is necessary to continue needed reforms in protective services and to improve quality and accountability in foster care. This bill was signed by Governor Perry on May 30, 2007.
- HB 109 There was lots of controversy over the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) this session. As of January 2007, CHIP is serving only 321,815 children when there are 1.4 million children in Texas lacking health care coverage. Out of those children, there are over 700,000 children that are eligible but not currently enrolled in CHIP. At this time, Texas is 18,000 children below CHIP budgeted caseloads for 2006. Initially, Representative Merritt voted yes to the CHIP bill, HB 109, hoping to fully restore the CHIP program in Texas. However, after many amendments to the Conference Committee version of the bill HB 109, Representative Merritt could not vote in favor of this bill. This 'new' bill would not fully restore the CHIP program in Texas. HB 109 finally passed in the House by a 134-14 vote with Representative Merritt voting against the bill. The primary reason he voted against this bill is the fact that it only partially restores the program. The new bill will extend the eligibility period from 6-12 months. It will also eliminate the 90-day enrollment waiting period. It will now use net income instead of gross income to determine eligibility. Community and school-based outreach programs will be reinstated to increase awareness about the CHIP program. Although this new bill has a few benefits, it does not meet the goal of fully restoring the CHIP program. 5,193 children lost their health coverage under the Children's Health Insurance Program in June, according to today's reports from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Since March 2007, 24,295 have lost CHIP coverage. There is a continued decline in enrollment which only reinforces the fact that the Texas Legislature must completely restore the CHIP program. During the previous session, we partially restored the CHIP program but that is not quite enough.
- SB 10 SB 10 was passed in the House, 145-3. Representative Merritt voted in favor of this bill. This bill will improve the Texas Medicaid program by focusing on expanding funding for health coverage; increasing consumer choice, responsibility and consumer focused health incentives. It will also increase the enrollment for people who are eligible for Medicaid. The goal of this bill is improving the Texas Medicaid program by focusing on prevention, individual choice, better planning, modernizing services, reducing Texas' rate of uninsured, and helping Texans to live longer, healthier lives.
- See Chart Representative Merritt has always been an advocate for higher education believing in its importance to our young adults as a way of improving their quality of life. The linking chart lists the money that has been appropriated for District 7 and east Texas colleges and universities. Source: www.lbb., the Legislative Budget Board.
- HB 3900 Representative Merritt was one of the co-authors of HB 3900 which passed the House, 141-0. This bill establishes the Texas Tomorrow Fund II, which creates new savings options to help families pay for higher education. Under this new law families will be able to lock in today's rates for tuition and fees for their children's future higher education needs.
- HB 1034 HB 1034 was coauthored by Representative Merritt. This bill will add the words "one state under God" to the Texas state pledge of allegiance. This bill passed the House 142-1.
- HB 3678 He also co-authored HB 3678 which clarifies first amendment rights of students at school and authorizes the school district to adopt and implement a policy that establishes a limited public forum and permissible forms of religious expression by students. The bill passed in the House by a 107-28 vote and became effective immediately on June 8, 2007.
- HB 1287 Representative Merritt also co-authored HB 1287 which will allow public schools to offer elective courses in the academic study of the Bible. The bill passed in the House 139-1.
- HB 2814 HB 2814 was passed in the House, 106-34, with Representative Merritt voting in favor of. This bill will establish a pilot program to increase bilingualism among Texas students.
- HB 2237 Representative Merritt voted for HB 2237 which creates a High School Completion and Success Initiative Board to develop and manage a strategic plan that coordinates public and private high school improvement initiatives. This bill was passed in the House by a 138-0 vote. This board will also provide grants to school districts to fund activities for students at risk of dropping out of school.
- HB 2236 HB 2236 will end the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test. The bill passed in the House with no opposition, 145-0. Representative Merritt voted to replace the TAKS test for graduation purposes with end-of-course exams, which is a better way to measure progress with classroom learning.
- SB 378 SB 378, also known as The Castle Doctrine, was also passed by the legislature to protect citizens. The bill passed the House by a 133-13 vote. This legislation allows Texans to defend themselves with deadly force without requiring them to retreat and reduces the likelihood that citizens could be charged with a crime for acting in self-defense.
- HB 957 HB 957 passed the House by a 138-9 vote. This bill advocates participation by certain state employees in a default investment product.
- HB 3764 The business of Skeeter Boats, Inc. is located in Kilgore, Texas which is within House District 7. Currently, these types of boats are authorized to be shown or tested using dealer or manufacturer licenses. Statute prohibits the demonstration from involving recreational use or participation in a contest or event. These prohibitions ensure that boats are not used permanently without being registered, and thereby avoiding a sales tax. Representative Merritt along with fellow republican, Representative Mike O'Day authored HB 3764 which passed the House, 142-0. This bill will allow the Parks and Wildlife Commission to establish rules concerning the issuance and price of validation cards. It will also permit the limited and temporary use of vessels for recreational purposes or participation in contests or events. The bill will require any fees collected by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to be deposited in the game, fish, and water safety account.
- HB 3819 He authored HB 3819 which would create a high-speed rail authority for both the Texas-Louisiana and Texas-Mexico border regions. The bill was passed unanimously by the House Committee on Border and International Affairs with a 5-0 vote. This legislation had plenty of bi-partisan support by House members with the following members all signing onto the bill as co-authors: Representative Leo Berman (R), Representative Norma Chavez (D), Representative Stephen Frost (D), Representative Pete Gallego (D), Representative Bryan Hughes (R), Representative Paul Moreno (D), Representative Joe Pickett (D) and Representative Rene Oliveira (D). This group of members is not only bi-partisan but also is composed of members from the east Texas border region as well as the south and west Texas border regions of this state. On April 16, 2007, this bill was sent to the House Calendar Committee to be set on the House Calendar in order to be considered and voted on by House members. Due to the time constraints of the legislative session, this bill did not make it to the House and Senate floors to be considered, debated and voted on. He will re-file this bill in the 81st legislative session.
- HB 3818 Representative Merritt has been working diligently in establishing a Texas-Louisiana border region economic development steering committee. This session he authored HB 3818 which would create the operation of this economic committee in District 7. On May 8, 2007, this bill passed uncontested by the members of the House. On May 10, 2007, this bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Emerging Technologies and Economic Development. On the last day of session, May 31, 2007, this bill was still waiting to be addressed by that Senate Committee. Representative Merritt was successful with a similar piece of legislation which would create an economic water development steering committee. This amendment received support from the majority of House members of the east Texas region. Yet this amendment was also removed from SB3 by the members of the Texas Senate. Representative Merritt will continue to pursue this legislation in the 81st legislative session since the Texas-Louisiana Border is such a vital part of this region.
- HB 4125 Judges and their courts are all a very important part of our community. Representative Merritt works diligently with all of the judges in District 7 and Smith and Gregg counties to ensure that our legal system is running smoothly and fairly. He authored HB 4125 which would allow for a pay raise for statutory county court judges in Gregg County. SB 2016 was the Senate companion to this bill and was passed uncontested in the House and unanimously in the Senate, 30-0. The bill was sent to Governor Perry to be signed on May 23, 2007.
- HB 2949 Representative Merritt and Janet Merritt both raised three teens, Missy, Meredith and Thomas who are now fine young adults. He understands that teens require special attention, guidance, direction and sometimes discipline during these crucial years of development. Representative Merritt authored HB 2949 which improves the teen court program in the Texas-Louisiana Border region. This bill increases by $20 both the court fees and court costs for the teen court program in this area. This money will go into the improvement and expansion of this program which has been one of the most successful teen courts in Texas. The successful passage of this bill was uncontested in the House and had a unanimous vote of 31-0 in the Senate. Governor Perry signed the bill on May 28, 2007.
- HJR 54 He also co-authored HJR 54 which is the accompanying resolution to HB 1022. This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to make the tax exemption. This constitutional amendment will be on the ballot for the General Election in November 2007.
- HB 1022 He coauthored HB 1022 which unanimously passed the House, 142-0. Through his successful efforts in the legislature, this bill will allow for a tax exemption on motor vehicles owned by an individual used not only in the course of the owner's occupation but also allowing for the personal activities of the owner while using his work vehicle.
- HB 3609 HB 3609 passed the House by a 142-2 vote. This bill gives a membership and service credit in the ERS for certain employees. This bill was VETOED BY THE GOVERNOR.
- HB 3470 HB 3470 passed the House by a 147-0 vote. This bill recommends a program of supplemental health coverage for eligible individuals under the TRICARE military health system offered through ERS.
- HB 3322 HB 3322 passed the House by a 132-0 vote. This bill initiates a plan-to-plan transfer of certain assets from the TexaSaver 457 plan administered by ERS.
- SB 3 Representative Merritt successfully amended SB 3 with an amendment that would add the Prairie Creek reservoir to the list of additional surface water resources for the state.
- HB 2365 HB 2365 passed the House by a 142-0 vote. This bill addresses the financial accounting and reporting for this state and political subdivisions.
- Texas Legislature Online Total number of pieces of legislation filed by State Representative Tommy Merritt: 34 Total number of pieces of legislation filed by both House and Senate Chambers: 10,938 (including resolutions) Total number of bills filed: 6,190 Total filed by House members: 4,140 Total passed by House members: 1,240 Total filed by Senate members: 2,050 Total passed by Senate members: 963 Total number of bills sent to Governor Perry: 1481 Total number of bills signed by Governor Perry: 1407 Total number of bills vetoed by Governor Perry: 49 Source: All legislative statistics are based on reports provided by the Texas Legislative Information System available at http://tlis/. Governor Perry had veto power until June 17, 2007. During the last few days of Governor Perry's veto period, several bills and line-items were vetoed. One of the more drastic measures taken was a line-item veto to House Bill 1, the State Budget. $153 million was vetoed for FY09 from the Higher Education Group Insurance Contributions for public community and junior colleges. This veto has created a negative impact for all Texans. In order to make up the difference for this veto, these colleges will have to increase tuition and most likely raise the ad valorem taxes for each district. Unfortunately, two of the colleges which were included in this veto are Tyler Junior College and Kilgore College. Kilgore College may lose $2.1 million as a result of this veto. Tyler Junior College may face a loss of $2.8 million. The state budget had allowed for $153,979,799 to be appropriated statewide for Higher Education Group Insurance Contributions for FY09. Governor Perry decided that this budget cut was necessary. "In order to remedy this situation, I have asked Governor Perry to call a special session of the Texas Legislature to fix the problem. I have also asked Tom Craddick, Speaker of the House, (1) to have the Legislative Budget Board make a budget execution to fund this money, (2) to ask Governor Perry to call a special session, or (3) to pass an emergency appropriations bill when the Texas legislature convenes in January 2009." Representative Merritt is working with other members of the legislature around the state to solve this crisis as soon as possible.
- HB 233 Representative Merritt also cosponsored HB 233, passed in the House by a unanimous vote, 136-0. This bill allows for the waiver or reduction of the concealed handgun license fees for certain members and veterans of the military. This bill will become effective on September 1, 2007.
- HB 1633 A 45 day waiting period is typical when applying for Medicaid and applicants are required to pay for any medical costs out of their own pocket during this time. HB 1633 which was passed in the House, 142-0, will now expedite the approval process for military families waiting to be approved for the medical assistance program.
- HB 1260 HB 1260 passed the House, 140-0. This bill exempts certain military personnel who are being deployed to serve in a hostile fire zone from certain state and local government fees in order to ease the burden created by this short preparation period. The bill lists specific fees that are exempted, including fees to obtain copies of birth and marriage certificates and fees for transferring property titles.
- HB 125 Representative Merritt coauthored HB 125 which passed in the House 144-0. This bill extends the exemption from college tuition and fees to the children of members of the armed forces who became disabled as a result of a service-related injury.
- HB 2105 HB 2105 passed the House, 141-0. This bill entitles certain veterans with a disability to register two motor vehicles for two sets of special license plates and authorizes the veteran to receive two disabled parking placards. Previous law only allowed one of each to be distributed to disabled persons. Veterans will now have the exception to this law.
- HB 1416 HB 1416 passed the House, 141-0. The Veteran's Land Board finances land loans for veterans using deed of trust and mortgage loans. HB 1416 will now authorize the sale of any land loan made by the Veteran's Board and requires the deposit of the net proceeds from such sales to go into the veteran's land fund.
- SB 11 SB 11 was successfully passed by the legislature with a 139-1 vote in the House. Representative Merritt voted in favor of this bill. This homeland security bill establishes a statewide mutual aid system to provide integrated statewide aid response capacity between local government entities; allows state employees who hold an amateur radio station license to be granted leave to assist during a disaster; designates and allows additional emergency vehicles to be used during a disaster; allows for roving communication interception orders and expands the list of offenses for which interceptions may be authorized to include kidnapping and unlawful restraint and human trafficking. Although some of his amendments were not completely successful throughout the Texas legislature, Representative Merritt believes that the passage of the bills was a tremendous combined effort of all the members. These bills will help to assure Texans that Homeland and Border Security is a high priority for the elected officials of this state. Thanks to these bills the citizens of this state will be safer when it comes to border and homeland security. Representative Merritt is busy monitoring the effectiveness of these bills and will continue with his pursuit in improving homeland security during the next legislative session.
- HB 13 HB 13 was passed by the House by 138-3 vote. Representative Merritt voted in favor of this bill. This is the bill which will be creating the Border Security Council who will be appointed by the governor. This bill would also designate the Department of Public Safety to have the primary responsibility to analyze criminal intelligence information. Representative Merritt made a tremendous effort to improve this bill by amending it to include the establishment of a Texas Community Oriented Homeland Security Policing Services Program to address border and homeland security through partnerships between the State Office of Homeland Security and local police authorities. He introduced another amendment to HB 13 which would direct the governor to develop a statewide homeland security strategy which would improve the state's ability to detect and deter threats to homeland security and respond and recover to security emergencies. He also authored an amendment to HB 13 which would create a Homeland and Border Security Council designating who the council would consist of and their duties. This council would advise the State Office of Homeland Security giving this power to the Council instead of the Governor's office. The House Committee on Defense Affairs and State-Federal Relations which Representative Merritt serves on would have the authority to determine whether or not the state could make agreements addressing immigration under I.C.E. - Section 287(g) of the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. While this measure was defeated in the House, 103-37, Representative Merritt is continuing these efforts to enable the state to work hand-in-hand with federal agencies to solve our immigration crises.
- SB 11 The Texas legislature has made great improvements in providing homeland security. This session SB 11 and HB 13 were the major pieces of homeland security legislation which were addressed by the Texas legislature.
- HB 12 Representative Merritt was one of the coauthors of HB 12. The bill passed the House by an overwhelming 139-0. This bill will allow more money from the sporting goods sales tax to go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission in order to save our state parks during the next biennium. Tyler State Park located in northern Smith County is eligible to receive more money from the state for improvements and restoration.
- HCR 67 In addition to the water bills, Representative Merritt coauthored HCR 67. This legislation is being used to urge Congress to provide further drought relief toTexas. To alleviate the financial burden on the state, Texas Department of Agriculture will administer a total of $16.1 million in assistance received from the USDA to eligible livestock producers in 216 drought-stressed counties, but with more than $12 billion in total economic loss as a direct result of the drought, more assistance is needed. It is imperative to alleviate the financial strain which farmers and ranchers have experienced because of the devastation to their crops and livestock, as well as for the individuals and families who have suffered during this period. Through HCR 67 the Legislature of the State of Texas will expect to see further drought relief provided to Texas from Congress.
- HB 2664 HB 2664 passed the House by a 143-0 vote. This bill requires audits of certain public retirement system actuarial valuation.
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