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
May 29, 2025 Tel: 512-463-0103
word count: 739
The state legislature will adjourn on Tuesday as we reach the 140th day of the legislative session,
or Sine Die, which means “without days.” It has been a productive session and I am honored to
have once again had the opportunity to represent east and southeast Texas in the Texas Senate!
Here are five things happening around your state:
1. Major water infrastructure bill passes both chambers
The Texas House and Senate passed legislation to address the state’s water crisis. Our state has
faced growing challenges in recent years including water scarcity, and inoperable or damaged
infrastructure. Legislators in both chambers have worked tirelessly this session to develop plans
to combat this issue. This week, the Senate approved House Joint Resolution 7 by Representative
Cody Harris, which is a constitutional amendment that would dedicate $1 billion a year for the
next 20 years to secure the state’s water supply. This constitutional amendment will be sent to the
voters on the November ballot. Additionally, Senate Bill 7 by Senator Perry passed the House
which outlines the framework the Texas Water Development Board can use to fund water projects
including the development of water supply infrastructure, fixing leaky pipes, and repairing broken
wastewater systems.
2. Five East Texas BBQ spots names in Texas Monthly top 50
This week Texas Monthly released their annual review of the top BBQ restaurants in the state of
Texas. Texas Monthly visited 319 barbeque joints and after rigorous review they compiled the top
50 BBQ joints in the state. Of the top 50, I am proud to say 5 are in my district! Redbird BBQ in
Port Neches, 1701 BBQ in Beaumont, Mimsy’s Craft BBQ in Crockett, Brendyn’s BBQ in
Nacogdoches, and B4 Barbeque in Mabank, all placed in the top 50. East Texas is full of
outstanding BBQ! We also boasted two honorable mentions with Jacksonville’s JW Barbecue, and
Dayton’s Weaver’s BBQ. This article is anticipated year round from BBQ lovers across the state.
Congratulations to the well-deserving winners!
3. School accountability bill passes Senate

This week, the Senate passed House Bill 4 by Rep. Buckley which reforms the states existing
accountability and assessment system. HB 4 replaces the STAAR exam with an instructionally-
aligned assessment model. The STAAR test will be replaced with assessments administered three
times per year, which will allow for student progress to be tracked, and for timely diagnostic data
to be delivered to teachers and parents. The new model will deliver test results in 24 hours. The
bill also stipulates that A-F accountability ratings must be issued annually. It is essential that TEA
and the state legislature have access to timely and accurate school accountability data. I am
committed to continue working for improvements in public education, and am confident in the
reforms that are a part of this bill.
4. Name, Image, and Likeness bill passes Senate
This week the Senate passed House Bill 126 which will allow colleges to enter into “name, image,
and likeness” or NIL agreements with athletes. Currently, only organizations that are separate from
universities, such as advertisers or booster clubs, can enter these agreements with athletes. This
legislation comes after multiples lawsuits against the NCAA, challenging their restriction on
athlete pay. This legislation provides some essential guardrails, while ensuring that college sports
in Texas remain competitive for recruiting talent and providing sustainable athletic programs. This
bill included stipulations like requiring that an athlete is at least 17 years of age and prohibiting
contracts with sexually-oriented business, or alcohol or tobacco companies. Additionally, athletes
will be required to take a financial literacy course. This bill is crucial for ensuring the integrity of
our college athletic programs. The legislation was developed with the input of coaches and athletic
administrations from colleges across the state.
5. Expansion of Texas Compassionate Use Program passes Senate
This week, the Senate passed a bill expanding the state’s Compassionate Use Program which
allows for the use of medical marijuana under specific circumstances. This expansion includes use
for chronic pain and Crohn’s disease, and allows for vaporized and aerosol products to be sold by
prescription. House Bill 46 by Rep. Ken King allows for the use of cannabis patches, lotions, and
prescribed inhalers and vaping devices. The legislature is committed to keeping dangerous and
unpredictable products out of the state, while continuing to ensure that Texans have access to safe
and regulated products. HB 46 also seeks to increase accessibility to these products by adding
satellite locations for approved dispensaries.