AUSTIN – The state mandated deadline for Governor Greg Abbott to veto or sign bills was May 16, marking the end of all legislative and gubernatorial actions for the 86th Legislative Session. The Republican-led legislature united to pass landmark legislation to reform Texas’ outdated public school finance system, provide property tax reform and improve the way the state addresses mental health needs.

Rep. Clardy worked effectively for constituents in House District 11, successfully passing bills to protect 2nd Amendment rights, increase transparency of the regulations of long-term care facilities, protect students with epilepsy in Texas public schools, and improve the core functions of our local governments.

Highlights from Rep. Clardy's legislative work include passing House Bill 3231, which protects 2nd Amendment rights by preventing municipalities from using zoning and other regulations to prevent gun shop owners from operating within city limits. House Bill 684, or Sam's Law, was named for Samantha Watkins of Kilgore who passed away due to complications from an epileptic seizure. This bill requires seizure-specific first aid training for all public school employees. House Bill 2205 will provide long- term care facilities a more equitable and transparent process for dealing with informal dispute resolutions at the Health and Human Services Commission, an effort to make sure Texans who depend on these facilities will continue to have access to quality care.

Rep. Clardy also passed several bills that designate the naming of highways to honor law enforcement or military personnel:

· HB 1039: Designating a part of U.S. Highway 59 as the Constable Darrel Lunsford Memorial Highway

· House Bill 1779: Designating a part of S.H. 21 as the Sergeant Tom Sitton Memorial Highway

· House Bill 1858: Designating a part of U.S. Highway 259 as the Deputy Sheriff Raymond Bradley Jimmerson Memorial Highway

· House Bill 1969: Designating a part of S.H. 7 as the Bataan and Corregidor Veterans Memorial Highway

A complete list of the bills filed by Rep. Clardy may be found at: https://capitol.texas.gov/reports/report.aspx?ID=author&LegSess=86R&Code=A2355

Rep. Clardy is serving his fourth term as the State Representative for House District 11, which includes Cherokee, Nacogdoches, and Rusk counties.

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