weekly legislative report “THE LEADING VOICE OF THE DEER INDUSTRY IN TEXAS.” January 13, 2016 Capitol News The 85th Legislature is underway! The House will reconvene Tuesday, January 17th at 2:00pm. The Senate will reconvene Tuesday, January 17th at 11:00am. • Texas House unanimously elects Joe Straus as Speaker After a 150-0 vote, San Antonio Republican Joe Straus was reelected House Speaker for a record- tying fifth term. Speaker Straus ties Pete Laney and Gib Lewis for the longest tenure presiding over the Texas House. • Dan Patrick announces run for reelection Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick announced Monday that he will seek reelection in 2018. Patrick is currently serving his second session as the presiding officer of the Texas Senate. • Comptroller Hegar lays out 2018-19 Biennial Revenue Estimate (BRE) See attachment below • Senator Kel Seliger Sworn in as President Pro Tempore After taking oath Tuesday, Chairman Seliger of Amarillo is now third in-line to the governorship of Texas. Senate District 31 includes Potter, Randall, Ector, and Midland counties. • HB 904 filed by state Rep. Poncho Nevárez Relating to the classification of exotic and nongame animals. LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES BIRTHDAYS TDA Capitole rDe Day TBD 1/16 Rep. Roberts 1/20 Sen. Lucio 1/29 Rep. Larry Gonzales 2/3 Rep. Rose 2/4 Rep. Yvonne Davis 2/5 Rep. Stephenson 2/13 Sen. Zaffirini LOCAL, STATE, AND NATIONAL NEWS • Confirmation process for former Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson underway. The Texas native appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Tuesday seeking confirmation as the United States Secretary of State. Read more • Lawmakers looking to assure a safe border. Texas lawmakers intend to bill the federal government for $2.8 billion for the states incurrence at the border. Read more TEXAS DEER ASSOCIATION WEEKLY REPORT • PAGE 2.