State reps from Bay Area file several bills ahead of state legislative session
Medical marijuana, illegal immigration, lobbying restrictions, abortion and sports gambling are some topics covered in bills filed by state representatives of the Bay Area for the upcoming state legislative session. Nov. 12 marked the first day state legislators could file new bills for the upcoming 89th legislative session, which begins in January.
What you need to know: Among the more than 1,400 bills filed on the first day, State Rep. Terri Leo Wilson, R-Galveston, filed 27 bills which spanned a number of areas legislatively.
Diving in deeper: State Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, who covers the northern part of the Bay Area but predominantly resides in Houston, filed bills related to allowing medical marijuana and changing the state constitution to allow for sports gambling, according to bills filed. She is also involved in bills curtailing abortion restrictions.
What else: These bills have yet to be voted on or signed into law and are subject to change or be dismissed entirely prior to approval.
League City changes roadway impact fees to fund capital improvement projects
Developers in League City will now pay updated impact fees, or capital recovery fees, to fund roadway development to help the city offset infrastructure costs as it grows.
What happened: On Nov. 12, League City City Council voted 7-1 to update the city’s land use assumptions, the capital improvement plan for roadway facilities and roadway impact fees. Council member Tommy Cones voted against the motion.
Harris County's first LGBTQIA+ commission presents inaugural report
Members of Harris County's first LGBTQIA+ commission presented the organization's inaugural report during the Nov. 12 Harris County Commissioners Court meeting.
The backstory: Spearheaded by Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones, Harris County commissioners voted in June 2023 to create the county's first LGBTQIA+ commission, which is made up of 10 volunteer members appointed by the court.
The approach: The inaugural report gives an overview of the work the commission has done in its first year, which included naming officers, creating three standing committees and hosting a series of listening sessions to engage with the community.
Major takeaways: During the listening sessions, LGBTQIA+ residents and allies voiced concerns on issues like safety, access to mental health resources, representation and support for LGBTQIA+ youth encountering hostility. The report included a slate of policy recommendations for county officials to consider.
12 events to attend in the Greater Houston area this weekend, Nov. 15-17
Looking for something to do in the Houston area this weekend? Check out this weekend's guide! All events are subject to change.
'The Little Mermaid' National Youth Theater in Tomball presents "The Little Mermaid."
Nov. 15, 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Free
201 S. Elm St., Tomball
Fall Community Campout Pack a tent and sleeping bag for a night of family-centered activities, dinner, movies and s'mores around the campfire at Katy's VFW Park. Attendees, who must have registered by Nov. 10, may bring their own food and drinks. No campers, trailers or alcohol is permitted.
Centerpoint Energy presents recovery plan for customers for the next 15 years
CenterPoint Energy has begun a recovery plan for its customers impacted by the May 16 derecho, which will cost customers about an additional $1 per month for the next 15 years, according to a Nov. 8 news release.
What to know: In its release, the company proposes a recovery plan that would surcharge customers over $1 beginning in the second half of 2025 and then below $1 in 2026.
Digging deeper: The company filed its first phase of the plan with the the Public Utility Commission of Texas, according to the news release. The plan would save customers $50 million in interest charges on the $450 million in storm response cost.
Texas lawmakers file first bills of 2025 legislative session
Texas' 89th legislative session unofficially began Nov. 12, about two months before lawmakers return to Austin. Legislators and elected members filed over 1,500 bills that gave a glimpse into what they hope to tackle in 2025.
The details: Members of the Texas House and Senate filed proposals on education, immigration, abortion and more. Many of these bills will not make it to the governor's desk—less than 10% of legislation filed in 2023 ultimately became law.
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