KOLKHORST, LEMAN SWORN IN FOR NEW TERMS AS 87TH LEGISLATURE CONVENES

  

The 87^th Texas Legislature began Tuesday, and the lawmakers representing Washington County took oaths of office to mark the beginning of their new terms.

Lois Kolkhorst was sworn in as State Senator of District 18 after defeating Democrat challenger Michael Antalan in 2020’s general election.  She was first elected to the position in 2014 after serving seven terms in the Texas House.

Kolkhorst has already filed essential caregiver legislation in an effort to increase the ability of residents of long-term care facilities to maintain contact and personal visits with their loved ones during state emergencies.  She is prioritizing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and is also seeking changes to eminent domain and internet accessibility for rural areas.

Meanwhile, Ben Leman was sworn in for a second full term as State Representative of District 13.  Leman has served in the position since 2018, and ran unopposed in his bid for re-election in 2020.

Leman has filed several bills pertaining to the Second Amendment and human trafficking.  Like Kolkhorst, he is focusing on eminent domain reform and rural broadband access.

The 87^th Legislature’s regular session will run through May 31^st.