The Austin Report from Sen. Royce West

Child Care Crisis in Texas: S.B. 1145 Offers Relief for Providers Amid Economic Struggles

One of Senator West’s marquee issues this session has been providing tax relief for childcare centers. Senator West’s S.B. 1145, which passed in the Senate, if passed in the House and signed by the Governor, will allow cities and counties the option of granting a property tax exemption to property used for a child care center, with certain limitations, whether the center rents or owns their facility. The legislation would require landlords to pass tax savings on to tenants. The passage of S.B. 1145 would a step in the right direction to help address economic stressors facing child care centers following the COVID-19 pandemic.

S.B. 1341: Helping Seniors Obtain Birth Certificates for REAL ID Compliance

Senator Royce West's, S.B. 1341, seeks to provide guidance to the Department of State Health Services and the state registrar in their review of delayed birth registration applications. The bill aims to make it easier for Texans, particularly senior citizens, who were not born in a hospital to obtain their birth certificates. Currently, many of these individuals are unable to obtain their birth certificates, making it difficult for them to obtain a driver's license or state-issued identification card that meets the REAL ID compliance standards required by May 7, 2025. If passed, the bill would prohib- it the state registrar from denying an application for delayed birth registration based solely on the presence of information that contradicts other evidence submitted.

2023 Women Judges' Day

Senator Royce West started Women Judges' Day in 2015 to honor and recognize the achievements of female judges in Texas. Since its founding, Women Judges' Day has become a bi-annual event in Texas. The day provides an opportunity for women judges to network and build relationships with one another, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity in the legal profession. Senator West's commitment to promoting diversity and equality in the legal profession has earned him numerous awards and accolades. Thanks to his efforts, women judges in Texas are recognized and celebrated for their contributions to the legal system, and his legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of creating opportunities for all individuals to succeed.