Chris believes we must do everything possible to keep our families and children safe from the threat of sexual predators.

As state representative, Chris tightened registration requirements to make sure sex offenders living in our neighborhoods can be tracked. Some offenders claim to be homeless in order to evade registration requirements butChris’s law requires them to register with their local law enforcement agency every two weeks.

Chris also authored and passed out of the House legislation requiring computer technicians to report the discovery of child pornography to law enforcement. Even though this measure had strong support from law enforcement, it died it the Senate. Chris intends to re-file this important piece of legislation.

Tougher DWI Penalties

Deeply moved by the tragic case of Abdallah Khader, a 2-year old Arlington boy who was critically injured by a drunk driver and is in a permanent vegetative state, Chris authored legislation that eventually became known as “Abdallah’s Law.”

The law increases penalties on repeat drunk drivers, like the man who critically injured Abdallah. The legislation ensures that previous convictions in other states will be taken into account when prosecuting drunk driving cases in Texas.

ARLINGTON – A repeat drunk driver, John Patrick Barton had three prior convictions and now faces murder charges.

However, his is not the only face that has sparked outrage over the state’s drunk driving laws. Stewart Richardson had seven previous convictions before his alleged eighth left an Arlington child in a vegetative state. If convicted, Richardson’s sentence cannot exceed 20 years, no matter how many convictions.

Now, there is a push to change that.

State Rep. Chris Turner is leading the effort for tougher DWI laws, which would be called Abdallah’s Law, named after three-year-old Abdallah Khader.

While the law wouldn’t help Abdallah, it could help other victims and maybe get more drunks off the roads.

Steroids now help keep Abdallah alive in a permanent vegetative state. Abdallah can’t move, but his story has moved a lot of people. About 10,000 people have signed up on the Facebook page “Pray for Abdallah.” People are outraged by the long DWI history of Richardson, the driver who crushed the Khader family’s car, leaving Abdallah in his current state.

“A person with seven DWIs before, I thought it was obvious to put this man in jail for life,” said Loubna Elharazin, Abdallah’s mother.

Prior to the crash with the Khader family,  the DWIs were in other states. Unless Texas prosecutors convince an appeals court otherwise, the most Richardson faces if convicted is 20 years.

“I think the time is right for the legislature to act on this, and really, really get aggressive with drunk driving,” Turner said.

Turner, who met with Abdallah’s family, wants laws tightened to make sure all out-of-state DWIs carry their full weight in Texas courts. Turner also wants tougher penalties for intoxication assault when the results are catastrophic.

“Obviously, that type of catastrophic injury is far different than breaking a leg, breaking an arm, that sort of thing,” he said.

Change in DWI cases is something Abdallah’s mother hopes will save lives.

“No law that’s going to get passed will take this pain away,” she said. “It’s not going to change anything, but it will protect other people.”

Khader turns four next week. His family will throw him a party, but just like his third birthday, he’ll never know it.

Texas is the worst state for drunk driving deaths. In the state of Texas, there were 1,292 alcohol-related deaths in 2007. Twenty-one percent of were in North Texas, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Saturday, dozens of members of “Abdallah’s Army,” as they call themselves, will don their bright yellow T-shirts and take part in the annual Walk Like MADD, sponsored by MADD. Thousands are expected to take part in the walk, which begins at 8:30 a.m.

• Because of his work on issues affecting veterans and their families, Turner was named the bi-partisan Legislative Veteran’s Caucus “Freshman of the Year.”
• Given the “Leadership Award” by the Texas Veterans Commission.
• Turner authored H.B. 1299 which will create one scratch off lottery ticket to provide an estimated $8 million annually for critical and emergency aid to Texas veterans through the Fund for Veterans Assistance. The bill passed the House and was ultimately amended to a Texas Veterans Commission bill.
• Turner authored H.B. 1636 which ensures that all state employees who are called to active military duty are able to continue to accrue their vacation and sick time and do not lose these benefits because they were deployed. The bill was the House companion to Senator John Carona’s S.B. 833, which Turner sponsored.
• Turner authored and passed H.B. 3951 requires state colleges and universities ensure a professional in their financial aid office is familiar with and trained on the major educational benefits available to veterans.
• Turner authored H.B. 3952 extending the Hazelwood Act to the spouses of Texas military members who are killed in the line of duty or left completely disabled. Turner amended the measure to S.B. 93.
• Turner added an amendment to H.B. 1935 which establishes the Jobs and Education for Texans Grant Program. The amendment will ensure that those organizations that have programs benefiting veterans will be given priority in the grants awarding process.

Fighting for Consumers and Small Business

• For his efforts on behalf of consumers, Turner was named “Freshman of the Year” by the non-partisan pro-consumer organization, Texas Watch.
• Turner authored H.B. 995 which passed the House Committee on State Affairs unanimously (15-0) and was later amended onto another House Bill. The legislation will require retail electric providers to give their customers at least 30 days written notice that their fixed price electric contract is expiring.
• For his efforts on behalf of consumers, Turner was named “Freshman of the Year” by the non-partisan pro-consumer organization, Texas Watch.
• Turner filed several pieces of legislation protecting homeowners from unfair practices by the insurance industry.

Improving Our Public Schools & Helping Texas Universities  Excel

• Turner co-authored H.B. 3646, which will provide an additional $1.9 billion in school funding and increase the equity among school districts.
• Turner co-authored H.B. 51, the “Tier One” bill, which opens the door for “emerging research universities,” such as the University of Texas at Arlington, to become a “Top Tier” research university.

Shielding Our Families from Sexual Predators

• Turner authored H.B. 2396 will require sex offenders who claim to be homeless to register with their local law enforcement agency every 2 weeks. The bill was combined with an identical piece of legislation during the committee process and was signed into law by Governor Perry.
• Turner authored and passed out of the House legislation requiring computer technicians to report the discovery of child pornography to law enforcement.  This measure had strong support from law enforcement, but unfortunately the bill died in the Senate.

Supporting Texas Businesses and Cutting Taxes

• H.B. 1637 made improvements to the shared work unemployment compensation program, making it possible for many of our large manufacturers and other employers who operate on swing shifts to take advantage of this state program. Turner passed this bill on the first day the House considered legislation.
• Turner co-authored H.B. 4765 which will exempt small businesses with less than $1 million of revenue from paying Texas franchise taxes.
• Turner co-authored H.B. 831 which would exempt Chambers of Commerce from paying ad valorem taxes on property they owned and used for their primary functions.

AUSTIN- State Representative Chris Turner ended his first legislative session with the passage of several significant measures aimed to aid Texas veterans, protect consumers and enhance economic development in House District 96.

AIDING TEXAS VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Turner passed several key measures to aid Texas veterans and their families:

Turner filed and passed legislation that will generate up to $14 million over the next two years to pay for critical services for Texas veterans. This measure, which establishes a dedicated lottery scratch-off game to benefit the Permanent Fund for Veterans Assistance, was a top legislative priority for leading veterans’ organizations. Services that will be made possible with this bill include PTSD counseling, transportation assistance to VA health care facilities and job placement assistance.

Turner also passed legislation that will help ensure that our veterans and their family members are able to take full advantage of the educational benefits which they have earned by guaranteeing that there is a trained veteran’s aid specialist at every public Texas college and university.

Turner successfully passed legislation to allow state employees who take a leave of absence for military service to continue to accrue vacation and sick leave.

Finally, Turner’s measure to expand the Hazelwood college financial aid program to the spouses of service members who are killed or completely disabled as a result of their service is on its way to the Governor’s desk.

“With over 1.7 million veterans in Texas, I was honored to fight for our veterans to ensure that they receive the benefits they have earned and deserve,” said Turner. “With thousands of Texans fighting wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, we must do all we can to make sure that they will receive the help they need when they return home.”

As a result of Turner’s effective work on veterans’ issues, the bipartisan Veterans’ Caucus named Turner its “Freshman of the Year.” “I am humbled to have received this tremendous honor from my colleagues, and I intend to keep fighting for Texas veterans and their families,” Turner said.

CONSUMER PROTECTION

Another of Turner’s key accomplishments this session was authoring legislation requiring electric utility companies to provide their customers with written notice that their contract is close to expiring, giving consumers time to shop around and find a reasonable electric rate. Turner passed his bill out of the House State Affairs Committee, but it was one of hundreds that was never scheduled for a vote on the House floor.

The legislation was ultimately passed as an amendment that Senator Wendy Davis added to another bill, and it will go a long way toward preventing huge, unexpected rate hikes on Texas families.

“For the past year, I have heard story after story of families’ residential utility bills doubling overnight as a result of a contract ending unexpectedly,” said Turner. “Texasfamilies don’t need or deserve huge rate hikes, especially in tough economic times. The utility companies need to be upfront with their customers and let them know when their rates may go up and by how much.”

HELPING DISTRICT 96

Turner’s top priority during the 81st Legislative Session was to stay in touch and work hard for the constituents he represents. Prior to the beginning of session, Turner met with city and local leaders to discuss issues affecting them and how he could help.

As a result of one such meeting, Turner filed and passed HB 1300, which creates the Kennedale TownCenter. Aimed to improve and diversify the economic base in Kennedale, the city and the Kennedale Economic Development Corporation, will create a mixed use development that will house retail, professional offices and restaurants.

“The TownCenter will provide much needed economic development and business revenue to the city and reduce the tax burden on homeowners,” said Turner. “My top priority has been and always will be to serve and be responsive to our district, and I remain honored and humbled to represent the families of southern Tarrant County in the Texas Legislature.”

STATE REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS TURNER’S LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS

• H.B. 1299 was amended to a Texas Veterans Commission bill, which passed on the last day of session. It will create one scratch off lottery ticket to provide and estimated $8 million annually for critical and emergency aid to our veterans through the Fund for Veterans Assistance
• H.B. 995 passed the House Committee on State Affairs unanimously (15-0) and was later amended onto another House Bill. The legislation will require retail electric providers to give their customers at least 30 days written notice that their fixed price electric contract is expiring.
• H.B. 1300 will create the Kennedale TownCenter Development District. The district will create a mixed-use commercial facility and will help lessen the tax burden on Kennedale homeowners.
• H.B. 2396 will require sex offenders who claim to be homeless to register with their local law enforcement agency every 2 weeks. The bill was combined with an identical piece of legislation during the committee process, which is now headed to Governor Perry.
• H.B. 1636 ensures that all state employees who are called to active military duty are able to continue to accrue their vacation and sick time and do not lose these benefits because they were deployed. The bill was the House companion to State Senator John Carona’s SB 833, which Turner sponsored in the House and has been sent to Governor Perry.
• H.B. 1637 adjusted the definition of the 40-hour work week as it pertains to the shared work unemployment compensation program making it possible for many of our large manufacturers and other employers who operate on swing shifts to take advantage of this state program. Turner passed this bill on the first day the House considered legislation. The measure has been signed by Governor Perry.
• H.B. 3951 requires state colleges and universities ensure a professional in their financial aid office is familiar with and trained on the major educational benefits available to veterans — particularly the GI Bill and the Hazelwood Act. The bill passed the House and Senate and has been sent to Governor Perry.
• H.B. 3952 extends the Hazelwood Act to the spouses of Texas military members who are killed in the line of duty or left completely disabled. Turner amended the measure to SB 93 and will be soon sent to Governor Perry for signing.
• Turner added an amendment to H.B. 1935 which establishes the Jobs and Education for Texans Grant Program. The amendment will ensure that those organizations that have programs benefiting veterans will be given priority in the grants awarding process.
• Turner authored and passed out of the House legislation requiring computer technicians to report the discovery of child pornography to law enforcement. This measure had strong support from law enforcement, but unfortunately the bill died in the Senate.

Austin – Legislation targeting those in possession of child pornography passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Technology, Economic Development and Workforce Monday. State Representative Chris Turner filed the legislation, House Bill 2397, which would require computer technicians who discover child pornography to report their findings to local law enforcement. Currently, those in over 30 professions in Texas, including photo processors, are required to report the discovery of child pornography.

“By requiring computer technicians to report the discovery of child pornography, we are giving law enforcement one more tool to help fight this heinous crime,” said Rep. Turner. “We need to do everything possible to protect our children from child predators and this is one more step in the right direction.”

HB 2397 has garnered strong bipartisan support: the bill’s joint authors include Reps. Patricia Harless, Rob Eissler, Tan Parker and Kristi Thibaut.

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC),  forty (40) percent of those found to possess child pornography also commit sexual acts with children.

“As a law enforcement officer involved in investigating sexual predators, I often depend upon people to notify me when they discover suspected child pornography,” said Andy Bryant, Senior Support Specialist, Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department. “These pictures and videos are not just images on a computer screen, they are evidence of abuse and victimization. The more ways we have to find these predators and perpetrators, means the more people we can put behind bars.  Ultimately, that means fewer children who will become victims.”

Similar laws have been passed in at least eight states. In many cases, computer technicians have been instrumental in the discovery of child pornography:

Minneapolis, MN (2008): Best Buy’s Geek Squad received a hard drive to recover data from a middle school janitor. In the course of the recovery the technician found over 800 pornographic images of young girls between the ages of 7 and 15.

New Brittain, CT (2008): An alert from a computer technician led to a police investigation that uncovered photos and videotapes of young children being drugged and raped. T

Portland, Maine (2007): A man was convicted after a technician discovered he had hundreds of pornographic images of children.

House Bill 2397 will be sent to the House Committee on Calendars for consideration on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives. The text of the bill may be found here: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/billlookup/billnumber.aspx

Austin - In an effort to create added protections for children and communities across the State of Texas, State Representative Chris Turner has filed legislation which targets both child pornography and sex offenders who seek to evade registration laws.

House Bill 2397 would require paid computer technicians who find child pornography on a computer they are repairing to report their findings to local law enforcement. Similar laws have been passed in at least eight states. In Florida in May 2008, a Best Buy Geek Squad employee discovered what appeared to be child pornography on a computer which he was repairing. The discovery led to the arrest of a 37-year old man who was charged with six counts of having obscene sexual pictures of children.

“By requiring computer technicians to report the discovery of child pornography, we are giving law enforcement one more tool to help fight this heinous crime,” said Rep. Turner. “We need to do everything possible to protect our children from child predators and this is one more step in the right direction.”

When passed and signed into law, House Bill 2396, will require sex offenders who claim no permanent residence to register with local law enforcement at least every seven days. According to the Texas Police Chiefs Association, many sex offenders falsely claim they are homeless in order to avoid eviction from homes where they cannot legally reside due to their sex offender status.

“It is critical that local law enforcement are able to track sex offenders in their communities,” said Rep. Turner. “We can’t let sex offenders claim they are homeless so that they can evade the law. If they do in fact have no permanent residence, we need to know where they are in order to keep our families safe.”

“It is our job to keep the people in our community safe from sex offenders, which is made considerably more difficult when we don’t know how to find them,” said Chief John R. Chancellor, Legislative Committee Chair, Texas Police Chiefs Association. “This law will help us keep track of potentially violent criminals and will help strengthen the protections we have for our citizens.”

The text of both bills may be found here:
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/billlookup/billnumber.aspx