Legislative session pro-God, children

by Christina Campbell

While many questions remain unanswered at the end of the 80th Legislative session in Austin, one issue has been answered clearly — Texas believes God has a place in schools and in government buildings, not to mention the Texas Pledge of Allegiance.

One resolution the Texas Legislature managed to pass during the chaotic session was the insertion of “under God” into the pledge.

However, God won more than that this year.

In a time when other states are fighting over the use of God’s name or image in government buildings, Texas chose to have “In God We Trust” etched above the rostrums in the House and Senate. The legislature also lifted restrictions on religious expression in schools.

And now, God can even save you a little money if you are getting married.

While new legislation raised the marriage license fee from $30 to $60, couples who participate in an eight-hour marriage counseling class are exempt from paying the fee and are also exempt from the 72-hour waiting period.

“I want to congratulate members of the Texas Senate and House for their five months of hard work on behalf of the people of this great state. This has been a productive session.

“We’ve delivered the largest tax cut in Texas history, increased funding for schools, colleges and universities, enhanced border and homeland security, cracked down on child predators and held down spending to less than the rate of population growth plus inflation,” Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst said.

Dewhurst’s Texas Children First initiative successfully lobbied for several laws aimed at helping Texas children.

At the top of the list this year is Texas’ version of Jessica’s Law, aimed at strengthening laws against child predators, including mandatory minimum 25-years to life sentences on a first sexually violent offense and the law allows prosecutors the option of seeking the death penalty on a second offense.

“We can say as a result of this session that the border will be more secure, healthcare will be better funded, college will be more accessible and school property tax rates will continue to decrease,” Governor Rick Perry said.

The legislature also passed funding for teacher pay raises, including incentives, and allotted more than $1.3 billion in new funding for universities and community colleges.

Other successful bills included laws requiring background checks for anyone coming into contact with public school children, raising the penalties for anyone soliciting minors on the Internet and requiring every school in the state to have at least one defibrillator on campus. A bill requiring random steroid testing for high school athletes passed as well.

“I believe by protecting our children we protect the future of our great state, and I can't thank the members enough for all they have done this session to make sure our children have the opportunity to grow into safe, healthy and productive adults,” Dewhurst said.

The Legislature also took action to improve air quality, expand access to children's health insurance and deliver local school property tax relief to the elderly and disabled.

Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) finished his first session in Austin this week and supported legislation including, increased funding for Texas state parks, extending additional property tax relief for senior citizens, empowering citizens to protect their home from invaders and increasing benefits for retired teachers.

“It’s been a busy five months in Austin, and now I’m ready to get back to the district to continue serving the citizens I represent,” Nichols said.

The legislature also passed a $152.5 billion budget that reduces local school property taxes by $14.2 billion in fiscal year 2008- 2009, and sets aside $7.5 billion to guarantee continued property tax relief until 2010-2011.

Comprehensive water legislation passed aims to help ensure an adequate water supply for Texas in the future.

But not everything passed this session was as clear — at least not to those who aren’t in Austin.

In a session where it seemed the largest battle was over who the Speaker of the House should be — it is and remains Tom Craddick — a number of reforms aimed at helping consumers failed to find enough champions to pass into law.

Average citizens will not receive any help with rising gas prices, out-of-control college tuition rates or with the rising costs of homeowners insurance — all these bills failed to pass this session.

Although, consumers can now expect rebates to be returned in 60 days, thanks to a new bill, and one less hassle was taken care of when a bill passed that extends the no-call list to cover cell phones.

Other bills surviving the intense session included one making it illegal to chain a dog outside unattended and anyone owning a non-indigenous snake of the poisonous or constrictor variety must receive a permit.

However, the legislature failed to pass a bill that would protect home-buyers from purchasing poorly constructed new homes but, a new law does require the seller of a home to disclose if the house was previously used as a methamphetamine lab.

Another issue on the agenda was red-light cameras — which now must be readjusted to catch motorcycles — and the violators who can no longer take defensive driving for speeding over 95 mph.

Also, landowners who allow radio-controlled airplane pilots to fly on their property are no longer obligated for damages or injury from an accident.

The same goes for a host serving oysters at an event where a person gets sick. The host cannot be sued for serving what was classified as “inherently unsafe” food.

A smoking ban failed to pass, although places selling tobacco must now post signs warning of the dangers to pregnant women.

The legislature also provided $3 million in funding over the next decade for cancer research.

“However, like the old Clint Eastwood movie, this was a session of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.’ Much work was left undone, and I hope legislators will fix their eyes on the unfinished business of the people instead of the political squabbles when they return to Austin,” Perry said.