Two Weeks Notice for Legislature
May 20, 2009Monday, June 1st marks a significant day at the state capitol. Known as ‘Sine Die,’ from the Latin “without day” – the name signifies the conclusion of the Regular Legislative Session. That means lawmakers now have less than two weeks to complete the state’s business before returning to their home districts.
During the time remaining, we in the House of Representatives will be considering Senate bills and the Senate will be considering House bills. The legislation that makes its way through both chambers will then be sent to the governor for final passage.
Bills on the Move
I’m pleased to announce that SB 1360, a bill I sponsored, has cleared the House and Senate and was sent to Governor Perry. This legislation amends the construction and completion deadlines for the Lake Columbia project – an initiative that greatly benefits our rural communities.
I’ve authored two other proposals that were recently passed by both bodies – HB 3336 which will ensure effective practices by Orthotists and Prosthetists, and HB 3670 which permits dental assistants to provide additional services. Safely granting dental assistants more responsibility will allow dentists and dental hygienists to see more patients and decrease patient wait times.
The Senate is currently reviewing HB 3669, the bill I referenced in last week’s Chronicle which was filed to stimulate economic development of Houston County by boosting funds dedicated to local tourism.
Deliberation on ‘Entergy’
Last week, lengthy debate in the House centered around the State Supreme Court case ‘Entergy v Summers.’ Last month, the Court considered whether a contract employee injured at a work site can sue the site owner for negligence if the owner has workers’ compensation insurance. After the court decided that the worker did not have the right to sue because the law does not explicitly prohibit a work site owner from being considered a general contractor (general contractors are protected from workplace injury suits), the Texas House proposed legislation that would undo the decision.
After careful consideration, I was one of only five Democrats to vote “no” on HB 1657 because I believe an owner should have the right to cover subcontractors with workers’ compensation insurance and I believe that reversing the court’s opinion will only increase litigation, without protecting workers and owners from common on-site accidents.
Spirited debate on a wide variety of topics will no doubt continue in the remaining days of this Legislative Session. Though some issues, like those related to ‘Entergy,’ will be challenging, legislators should use our last two weeks wisely, with quick attention to our state’s top priorities such as strengthening our economy and improving our schools
Sincerely,
Chuck Hopson
