DAILY BRIEF: Legislation brings attention to county lawmakers

HOT TOPIC: Henderson County’s two representatives in the State House have both drawn attention for legislation they have filed.

State Rep. Lance Gooden (District 4) has gotten considerable coverage this week for the fight against what he calls “indiscriminate surveillance.” Gooden has filed legislation to outlaw the use of unmanned vehicle and aircraft — drones — to take photos on private property. Since the technology has been available, the commercial drone market has exploded and people can easily buy machines, like the DJI, online. The Law has so far struggled to keep pace with this rapid increase in technology.

“Why should the government or anyone else be able to watch my every move?” Gooden asked the Texas Tribune.

Gooden is also carrying a bill, prompted by Henderson County District Attorney Scott McKee, to close a loophole in the penal code with regard to intoxicated assault and “bodily harm.”

The county’s other representative, State Rep. Jim Pitts (District 10), has filed two bills important to Henderson County residents:

• HB 398 would end the so-called STAAR 15-percent rule, an idea supported by educators; and
• HB 553, which would protect 2nd Amendment rights.

Pitts has also filed legislation to expand the no-texting-and-driving zone around schools, something we support.

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WHAT YOU MISSED

The Athens Hornets will be headed to the playoffs after a big win last night.

Results from the TVCC rodeo last weekend.

Macie Marshall is the Athens High School Student of the Month.

We added Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter to our Facebook page. Check out the tabs at the top.

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WHAT OTHERS ARE TALKING ABOUT

There are some Palestine, Texas residents on that crippled Carnival cruise ship.

The Tyler Paper caught up with Henderson County Judge Richard Sanders and asked him how things were going in the new Annex building.

State Rep. Lance Gooden had an interview with The Texas Politics Project (video).

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