Texas Legislative Session begins Jan. 8

There's an article on the Platts website about legislation that will change the name of the Texas Railroad Commission. Because that's what everyone is concerned about. The name. Most important legislation, ever. Anyway, that is Filed House Bill 203.

Other bills that have to do with energy are Filed Senate Bill 71, SB136, HB100 and HB314. Some are duplicates. I couldn't find the one mentioned in the article about forced unitization that would require the owners of mineral rights to join in blocks with other mineral owners under certain circumstances.

There are all kinds of bills filed, and it makes me wonder how the other half lives. I have a very calm life that has nothing to do with human trafficking, prostitution, heir contention, termination of child support due to mistaken identity as a parent, wrongful imprisonment, or the need for a peace officer when entering the marital residence.

There are also the super-hyped, high-profile bills regarding cell phones, smoking, abortion, drug-testing of individuals applying for financial assistance, and abolishment of the death penalty.

Some of them are very pertinent, such as changes in ad valorem taxation, as in SB95, which enables Senate Joint Resolution 9. Oh, and also HB130, relating to honesty in state taxation.

Many traffic accidents are caused by drivers falling asleep, so I'm glad to see the introduction of HB295, proposing a commission to study drowsy driving.

And you have to wonder what HB101 is all about, relating to the use of radio frequency identification technology to transmit information regarding public school students. Will they be putting ankle bands on all the kids?

Go ahead and read the bill descriptions at Texas Legislature Online. You won't need to watch the soap operas today.