By Samantha Smith

While Gov. Greg Abbott called a special session Tuesday, a handful of bills authored by Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs) passed through the Texas Legislature prior to the end of the regular session late last month.

One of the primary pieces of legislation that affects the entire region, as well as the state, was House Bill 1403, which heightens the level of prosecution against teachers who are convicted of improper relationships with students. That bill is also known as the “Pass the Trash” law.

Dripping Springs will retain its title as the Official Wedding Captial of Texas due in part to a House Resolution that was passed earlier in the regular session.

State Rep. Jason Issac’s bills that passed in the 85th Texas Legislature regular session

House Committee Resolution 70

Designating Dripping Springs as the Official Wedding Capital of Texas for a 10-year period beginning in 2017- Passed and sent to the Governor.

House Bill 4301

Relating to the creation of the Driftwood Conservation District; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing the authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes. Passed and sent to the Governor.

House Bill 4309

Relating to the creation of the Driftwood Municipal Utility District No. 1; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes. Passed and sent to the Governor.

House Bill 1403

Relating to the prosecution of the offense of improper relationship between educator and student. Provisions included in SB 7, which has been signed into law. Nickname: Pass the Trash.

House Bill 2540

Relating to the conversion of the Hays Caldwell Public Utility Agency to the Alliance Regional Water Authority; providing authority to issue bonds; granting the power of eminent domain; providing authority to impose fees. Senate Companion (SB 1198) sent to Governor. House Bill 2354- Relating to the use and allocation of municipal hotel occupancy tax revenue in certain municipalities. Passed as an amendment to HB 2445, which has been sent to the Governor.

House Bill 427

Relating to the Anthem Municipal Utility District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes. Passed and sent to the Governor.

House Bill 2737

Relating to the creation of an additional judicial district composed of Hays County. Included in Omnibus court bill, SB 1329, which has been sent to the Governor.