Press release
Last weekend, legislation that allows smaller cities to enact the same regulations as larger cities on where sex offenders can reside finally passed both houses of the Texas Legislature. The stand-alone bill, filed each legislative session since 2009, never made it fully through the process in either chamber. An amendment that was attached to the bill in the Senate earlier this month, and that survived a lengthy debate on the full House floor, is finally making its way to the Governor’s desk.
The issue was brought to State Representative Lance Gooden by Eustace residents after outrage in the community over their inability to do what larger cities could do in protecting areas near schools.
“I’m glad we were finally able to get this across the finish line after numerous successful attempts by Democrats to kill this legislation,” Rep. Lance Gooden said. “Senator Nichols has been a wonderful partner in these efforts and I can’t thank him enough for helping us get this language on in the Senate.”
Eustace Mayor Dustin Shelton intends to work with the City Council to ensure the new law benefits the community swiftly. “As soon as this law is in effect, I will push the council to pass regulations that keep our children safe,” Shelton said. “I want to thank Rep. Gooden for leading the charge for his ‘small town protection act’. He’s been a lion through this whole process.”
Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse praised Henderson County’s legislators for their work this session on this issue and several others. “We’ve got effective friends in Austin in Senator Nichols and Rep. Gooden. I’m very appreciate for their support on this legislation and for standing up for law enforcement across the state.”
The session ended on Memorial Day and the Legislature awaits news of a special session call by Governor Abbott.