Parker files bills on economic development, child safety

State Representative Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound) filed nine measures in the Texas House of Representatives Tuesday as the start of his bill package for the 83rd Legislative Session. 

Many of Rep. Parker’s newly announced bills pertain to child safety and well-being initiatives in Texas, a subject he has enjoyed wide success with as the state’s creator of Jenna’s Law.

Filed by Parker, House Bill 1205 would enhance the penalties facing a licensed professional, such as a teacher or nurse, who deliberately fails to report known or suspected acts of child abuse with the explicit intent of concealing the crime. 

House Bill 1206 would give local law enforcement the ability to actively investigate certain missing child cases that they currently cannot act upon, specifically when a child is suspected of being kidnapped by a parent or guardian. 

Parker also filed measures to get homeless students better access to information on local assistance programs available to them, to designate an Influenza Awareness Day in Texas and to move foster children more quickly through the adoption process and into a permanent home.

“Protecting our children should be at the forefront of every legislative session and it will remain so as long as I am in the Texas House of Representatives,” Parker said.  “I am very excited for this start to my bill package and for the additional measures that will follow shortly.”

Parker also filed bills pertaining to moving the state’s sales tax holiday weekend to a more accommodating date for families, and measures meant to remove financial penalties that act as obstacles to developing land previously designated for agricultural use. 

In addition to these measures, Parker expects to file additional bills in the coming days pertaining to strengthening manufacturing in Texas through greater workforce development, creating a state managed infrastructure investment fund to build more roads and additional legislation to assist homeless children in Texas.

State lawmakers have until March 8 to file all legislation to be considered this session.