HD 33 Capitol Report
From the Desk of State Representative Katrina Pierson
A Message from Representative Pierson
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving House District 33 at the Texas Capitol. As we move through this term, I’ve been working on legislation that reflects our community’s needs. Below are updates on recent progress.
With over 150 bills co-authored this session, there are too many to list here. You can view the complete roster on my House member page: https://www.house.texas.gov/members/33.
Legislative Collaborations & Policy Priorities
- HB4962 (Candidate Citizenship Bill): As part of my commitment to clarity and trust in the election process, I have filed HB4962. This is a citizenship bill aimed at enhancing transparency in public office candidacy. The bill requires candidates to disclose any citizenship they hold in nations other than the United States, ensuring voters are informed of potential dual citizenships. It also mandates that the secretary of state post this information online for public access.
- HB3560: Requires background checks for all unlicensed employees with patient access and the utilization of the Employee Misconduct Registry for freestanding psychiatric hospitals.
- HB259: Amends the Penal Code to remove short-barrel firearms from the prohibited items list, simplifying firearms regulation and supporting Texans’ Second Amendment rights.
- HB1832: Amends the Penal Code to enhance criminal penalties for illegal entry or presence by aliens.
Texas House Passes Historic School Choice Legislation
In a monumental victory for school choice advocates, the Texas House has passed SB2, a historic bill that brings school choice to Texas, which I co-sponsored. This legislation empowers parents to choose the best education for their children and opens new pathways to success for underserved communities. I’m grateful to my colleagues for their steadfast support, and I’m thrilled for the opportunities this brings to Texas families as we take a bold step toward a stronger, freer future for our state.
PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT.
Commitment to Republican Priorities
You spoke, I listened. Throughout the session I have prioritized the agenda of the Republican Party of Texas. To that end, I have joint and co-authored bills aimed at ending federal overreach, banning taxpayer funded lobbying, ending the sexualization of Texas’ kids, supporting election integrity, securing our border & power grid, and preventing the sale of Texan land to foreign adversaries.
- HB309: Ends taxpayer-funded lobbying: bans cities, counties, and special districts from spending public money to hire or join groups that employ registered lobbyists, and lets any local taxpayer sue to stop violations and recover fees.
- HB100: Protects classrooms from inappropriate content by prohibiting districts from buying or using any instructional material the State Board of Education places on its rejected list and tying textbook-fund dollars to that standard.
- HB162: Locks Texas agencies and local governments from recognizing or enforcing out-of-state extreme-risk protective orders (red-flag gun seizures), bars acceptance of related federal grants, and makes knowing enforcement a state-jail felony.
- HB239: Requires public entities to restrict multi-user restrooms, locker rooms, shelters, and jail quarters to individuals of the same biological sex; authorizes civil penalties for non-compliance and empowers citizens to seek injunctive relief.
- HB354: Creates a dedicated Border Protection Unit under DPS with authority to deter, arrest, and repel illegal border crossings, construct border barriers, and coordinate statewide strategy; also adds new trespass and fentanyl provisions.
- HB383: Bars employers from imposing COVID-19 vaccine mandates or punishing individuals for declining; complaints go to TDLR, which may levy administrative penalties.
- HB363: Adds a consumer-protection layer to new Municipal Utility Districts by requiring would-be developers to give 30-days’ certified-mail notice to affected county commissioners courts before filing a creation petition with TCEQ.
- HB1377: Prohibits the World Health Organization, United Nations, and World Economic Forum from exercising jurisdiction in Texas and bans enforcement of their rules, fees, taxes, policies, or mandates by the state or its political subdivisions.
- HB1549: Prohibits businesses, except sexually oriented businesses, from selling obscene devices, allowing county or district attorneys to seek injunctions and civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation, plus investigation and prosecution costs.
- HJR15: Puts a constitutional amendment on the November 2025 ballot to let judges deny bail to defendants charged with first-degree sexual felonies, violent crimes, or continuous trafficking when clear-and-convincing evidence shows no bail conditions can protect victims or the community.
- HJR91: Proposes a constitutional amendment to recognize an individual’s unalienable right to refuse vaccination and prohibits making vaccination status a condition for employment, travel, education, business, or receiving government services.
- HJR103: Puts a measure on the 2025 ballot to give the Texas Attorney General concurrent jurisdiction with local prosecutors over election-crime cases, ensuring statewide enforcement when locals decline.
Securing Texas
Texas House passed the strongest bill in America countering the threat of foreign acquisition of Texas land, SB17.
I’ve coauthored numerous bills as part of a broader package to secure Texas against foreign enemies–namely China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Click here to read more from Fox News.
- SB17: Prohibits designated countries’ governments, entities, or individuals from China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or governor-designated nations from acquiring Texas real property, with enforcement by the attorney general, divestiture, fines, and a state jail felony for violations.
- HB34: Prohibits state investments in certain countries like China and Russia, requiring divestment from scrutinized companies with ties to these nations. It mandates notification and potential divestment within 90 days if companies do not alter their status.
- HB119: Regulates lobbying by requiring registration for those acting for foreign adversaries and prohibits related compensation, with civil penalties. It defines foreign adversaries broadly and empowers the attorney general to enforce compliance through fines and injunctions.
- HB127: Protects higher education from foreign adversaries by enhancing penalties for theft of trade secrets, providing civil and administrative penalties. It strengthens security measures against such threats in academic institutions.
- HB132: Protects confidentiality of information used to prevent or investigate hostile acts by foreign adversaries, expanding the scope to include tactical plans and critical infrastructure details. It ensures such data is safeguarded for national security purposes.
- HB173: Prohibits public higher education institutions from accepting gifts or grants from certain foreign countries to safeguard against foreign influence. It focuses on enhancing transparency and security in higher education funding.
Community Engagement
It was an honor to welcome constituents participating in Collin County Days at the Capitol. I also had the pleasure of meeting with delegations from the City of Sachse and Plano Young Republicans to discuss legislative priorities and mutual concerns. I deeply appreciate everyone who took the time to visit Austin and share their perspectives. Your feedback is invaluable and helps guide my work.
Great hosting the City of Sachse in the Capitol Office during Collin County days.
So much fun having the Plano YRs at the Texas Capitol.
TFRW Legislative Days at the Capitol are always a blast.
Honored to add my name to the rider that support’s Rockwall’s Children’s Advocacy Center.
Made it back home in time to attend Collin County Lincoln Day.
Couldn’t miss out on GO BLUE for Rockwall County.
Thank You for Your Support
I am grateful for your continued engagement—whether by phone, email, or personal visits to the Capitol. Please know that I will keep listening and working diligently on your behalf to secure a thriving future for Rockwall and Collin County.
Contact Information
- Phone: (512) 463-0484
- Email: District33.Pierson@house.texas.gov
If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, do not hesitate to reach out. My team and I are here to serve you.
Sincerely,
Katrina Pierson
State Representative