My five cents...

My five cents…
stuIs e
A weekly column from Sen. Robert Nichols
by Sen. Robert Nichols, Senate District 3
For immediate release Contact: Shelby Vestal
February 20, 2025 Tel: 512-463-0103
word count: 765
This week will mark the anniversary of the "Travis Letter." On February 24th, 1836, William B.
Travis wrote a letter addressed "To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World" ending
his letter with the powerful "Victory or Death."
Here are five things happening around your state:
1. Bill filed to give teachers pay raises
Senator Brandon Creighton filed Senate Bill 26 this week which would give permanent teacher
pay raises to all teachers across the state. The bill would increase teacher pay in accordance to
experience and additional increases for teachers at smaller schools. Teachers with 3-4 years of
experience would receive an increase of $2,500 per year at schools of more than 5,000 students
and $5,000 at schools with 5,000 students or less. Teachers with 5 or more years of experience
will receive a $5,500 pay increase at schools of more than 5,000 students and $10,000 at schools
with 5,000 students or less. Additionally, the bill would expand the existing Teacher Incentive
Allotment (TIA) which was created in 2019. This bill would create an additional category for
teacher designations which will create additional pay. Under this legislation, the number of
teachers designated would increase from 33 percent to 50 percent. Additionally, the bill would
provide free pre-K for teachers’ children at the district they’re employed. Texas teachers deserve
a pay raise and I look forward to supporting our teachers this session.
2. Bail reform bills pass Senate
This week the Texas Senate passed a package of bills reforming the state’s bail system. Three bills,
all by Senator Joan Huffman, will require a denial of bail to certain violent offenders and will
increase accountability of bail setting. SJR 1 will ask voters to approve an amendment to the state
constitution that would require judges to deny bail to any illegal immigrant arrested on suspicion
of a felony offense, if the judge has probable cause to believe the suspect committed the alleged
crime. SB 9 will increase judges access to criminal history and will require that bail be set by an
elected judge as opposed to a magistrate for certain offenders, including those accused of the most
serious violent crimes. Lastly SB 40 would prohibit any taxpayer funds from being donated to
charitable bond organizations.

Senator Huffman offered SJR 1 in memory of Jocelyn Nungary, a 12-year-old girl from Houston
who was allegedly attacked and murdered by two illegal immigrants.
3. FCIC successfully investigates, prosecutes card skimming
A Smith County court issued a life sentence to Fabrizio Slatineanu who illegally entered the
country and was found guilty of stealing credit card information through a "skimmer," a small
device that can be inserted into ATMs or gas pumps. Officials stated that Slatineanu stole more
than $280,000 from Smith County residents in a single weekend. The case was prosecuted by the
Smith County District Attorney's Office. The conviction was a result of a multi-agency
investigation involving the Smith County Sherriff's Office, the Tyler Police Department, the
Lindale Police Department, and the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center. The FCIC
coordinates with law enforcement across the world to protect consumers and the Texas economy
by preventing, identifying, and investigating organized financial crimes.
4. TDA launches downtown revitalization program
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) will continue a program to provide funding to
improve infrastructure for economic activity within designated downtown districts or Main Street
areas. Eligible applicants must be incorporated municipalities. TDA states that Downtown
Districts can typically be described as a city's historic area of commerce, an economic center of
the community, or the areas around a courthouse or city square. Communities can apply now and
applications will be due April 3rd.
5. School safety, broadband, tax-payer funded lobbying bills filed this week
This week I filed several bills regarding a variety of issues in our district and state. Senate Bill
1262 will continue efforts from last session to improve the safety of our public schools by
allowing the Texas Education Agency to commission peace officers. This added ability will
ensure our public school have access to significant safety measures. Additionally, I filed Senate
Bill 1405 which will align the state's definition of internet or broadband speed with the federal
standard. SB 1405 will add measures to increase accessibility to high speed internet. I also filed
Senate Bill 1420 which will prohibit cities, counties, and school districts from hiring taxpayer-
funded, contract lobbyists.