State Rep. R.D. “Bobby” Guerra filed his first bills on Tuesday for the next Texas Legislature and named his constituents’ priorities.
Guerra, a Democrat who represents District 41, said in a news release that those priorities include improving the state’s healthcare and education systems; protecting consumers and small business; increasing efficiency in government and transparency; and improving energy infrastructure.
“My legislative agenda for the 88th session focuses on the core fundamental pillars that each Texas family needs to be healthy, productive and prosperous,” Guerra said in a statement. “Families need health care, education and economic opportunities to thrive and these bills provide the basic foundation for success.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues to make this state the best place to live and work for all Texans.”
Guerra filed a total of seven bills Tuesday that address health care, education and voter registration.
In regards to health care, one piece of legislation would create a task force that would evaluate implementing a telehealth portal in all schools to provide health care to students and employees.
Another bill would expand Medicaid to anyone federally eligible.
Two other bills in the field of education and healthcare would require notification by schools if a nurse is not on campus and add an additional requirement for immunization reporting to include metrics on people with disabilities.
Education-wise, Guerra filed legislation to create a seal of biliteracy for students that would indicate they have studied and are proficient in two or more languages by high school graduation.
Another piece of legislation would require high schools to provide voter registration material to all eligible students.
Guerra is also seeking to pass a bill that would require automatic voter registration for certain people and allow for online voter registration for people meeting certain criteria.
“These bills are just the first bills of a robust legislative package he has prepared that will improve the lives of all Texas families,” the release stated.
Guerra has represented District 41, which encompasses portions of McAllen, Pharr, Edinburg, Mission, Palmhurst and Lopezville, since 2012.
He is the vice-chair of the Public Health committee, serves on the House Committees on Local and Consent Calendars and Ways and Means, and the Selection Committee on Healthcare Report.
