
02/06/2020
The Honorable Jessica Farrar
Rep. Jessica Farrar has represented District 148 since 1995. She serves as Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee and a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Jessica Farrar is currently serving her eleventh term as State Representative of District 148. First elected in 1994 at age 27, she is the longest serving Hispanic member from Harris County in the Texas House of Representatives. Farrar currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee and a member of the State Affairs Committee. Past assignments have included serving as the Vice-Chair of the Environmental Regulation Committee, Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Land and Resource Management, and member of the following House Committees: Juvenile Justice and Family Issues, Corrections, County Affairs, Agriculture and Livestock, and Appropriations. In addition, Rep. Farrar is the Founder of the Women’s Health Caucus and currently serves as its Chair. During the 82nd Legislative Session, Representative Farrar served as Leader of the House Democratic Caucus. She previously served as Secretary of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus (MALC) and Vice-Chair of the Legislative Study Group (LSG). Representative Farrar works extensively on issues related to the environment, women’s health, children's healthcare, education, taxes, homeowner rights, homeland and border security, domestic violence, sexual assault, reproductive rights, insurance coverage, transportation, discrimination, and criminal and juvenile justice. Farrar grew up in Houston. She received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Houston and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Texas School of Law. She is married to Lieutenant Colonel Marco Sanchez, who is a practicing attorney. They live in Houston's Lindale Park neighborhood with their dogs, Cricket, Gator, and Possum.
Operating as usual
The Honorable Jessica Farrar
The Texas Department of Transportation sent a survey to collect input on the North Houston Highway Improvement Project.
--------------------------------------------------
Please click on the link below to take this short survey about the I-45/North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP).* This survey is intended to gather feedback on potential actions TxDOT could take in order to lessen impacts on the communities affected by the proposed highway project.
The survey is intentionally short, only seven questions long and should only take a few minutes to complete. Although the survey is brief the information it provides is critical to helping TxDOT improve the NHHIP. Thank you in advance for your feedback. We look forward to hearing from you. Please complete the survey by Sept. 20, 2019.
*More details about the survey...
TxDOT's NHHIP environmental studies identify and quantify potential natural, human and social environmental effects of the proposed transportation improvements. Adverse impacts that cannot be avoided must be adequately mitigated. Accordingly, TxDOT is required to compensate for or replace lost resources. This survey will help us evaluate currently considered mitigation strategies and potentially identify additional options.
For details about the I-45/North Houston Highway Improvement Project, please visit our website at www.ih45northandmore.com.
Survey123 for ArcGIS is a complete, form-centric solution for creating smart surveys & forms, collecting data via web or mobile devices and analyzing results. Start your free trial.
I want to thank my constituents and the people of Texas for the high honor and privilege of representing them in the Texas Legislature these last 25 years. My time in public service has provided me the opportunity to serve my state and community in ways for which I will forever be grateful.
“This is a preventable disease, and we should and can be doing more,” said state Rep. Jessica Farrar, a Houston Democrat who has advocated for more robust HPV vaccine coverage. “Here we are 12 years later, and look where we could’ve been, but because of certain beliefs, we’re suffering from cancers that could have been avoided.”
The state’s approach stands in stark contrast to that of Australia, where leaders have successfully pushed a nationwide program that has made a sizable dent in cervical cancer rates.
Save the date for a series of community workshops on the North Houston Highway Improvement Project. The first meeting is on Tuesday, August 13th at Harris County Department of Education, 6300 Irvington Blvd.
For more information: www.ih45northandmore.com.
“This is a preventable disease, and we should and can be doing more,” said state Rep. Jessica Farrar, a Houston Democrat who has advocated for more robust HPV vaccine coverage. “Here we are 12 years later, and look where we could’ve been, but because of certain beliefs, we’re suffering from cancers that could have been avoided.”
The state’s approach stands in stark contrast to that of Australia, where leaders have successfully pushed a nationwide program that has made a sizable dent in cervical cancer rates.
The resource fair is hosting over twenty community based organizations and voter registrars to provide information about the services they provide. Thank you for coming!
Event volunteers are excited about #backpacks and #schoolsupplies. Fun fact: over 100 volunteers over the last three days helped make today’s event possible. Thank you 💐
Join us at Moody Park, 3725 Fulton. We’ll be here until 11:00 a.m.
Northside Back to School Fair is underway at Moody Park! Join us.
Much appreciation to the volunteers who helped prepare for the Northside Back to School Health and Resource Fair. 🎒📓📒📖✂️📝 Join is at Moody Park, 3725 Fulton at 8:00 a.m on Saturday, August 3rd.
Reminder - Since 2004, the Annual Northside Back to School Health and Resource Fair has brought supplies and resources to students and their families in the community. Join us on Saturday, August 3rd at Moody Park, 3725 Fulton.
Volunteer opportunities to help prepare for the event are available: https://bit.ly/2MfFr2x.
Scholarship opportunity: The Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program encourages students to become members of the Texas Army National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, the Texas State Guard, the United States Coast Guard, or the United States Merchant Marine, or to become commissioned officers in any branch of the armed services of the United States. Each year the governor and the lieutenant governor may each appoint two students, and each state senator and each state representative may nominate one student to receive an initial conditional scholarship award. Click here for more information or send an email to [email protected].
The purpose of the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program is to encourage students to become members of the Texas Army National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, the Texas State Guard, the United States Coast Guard, or the United States Merchant Marine, or to become commissioned officers in any...
Please join the Hardy/Near Northside TIRZ for a community meeting.
Save the date for the Annual Northside Back to School Health and Resource Fair at Moody Park on Saturday, August 3rd at 8:00 a.m. For more information contact my office or one of the partners on the event's planning committee.
Reminder: Join the Texas Department of Transportation and the Houston Planning & Development Department for an update on the North Houston Highway Improvement Project today at the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center, 6719 W Montgomery Rd. at 6:00 p.m.
Reminder: Join the Texas Department of Transportation for an update on the North Houston Highway Improvement Project today.
Reminder: the HCTRA - Harris County Toll Road Authority is hosting a community engagement meeting this evening, Monday, June 17th at 6:00 p.m., on the Hardy Toll Road extension.
The Texas Department of Transportation is hosting an I-45 North Houston Highway Improvement Project Residential and Community Interface meeting on Saturday, June 8th at 10:00 a.m. at the BakerRipley, 2101 South St. The design for the project was recently revised. Click here to view the revised schematics: http://www.ih45northandmore.com.
Update: my amendment was stripped from the bill today by the Texas Apartment Association and Rep. Matt Schaefer (R-Tyler) who worked to remove it and defeat the entire bill.
I just passed one of my bills as an amendment to another bill. The measure requires prospective tenants to receive notice from the landlord if their unit has flooded in the previous four years. With only two more days to get a bill out of the House and my bill way down the queue, amending another bill is another way to get a bill passed! 😉
Many thanks to Rep. Garnet Coleman for the piggy-back!
The House Committee on Natural Resources is hearing nine bills relating various policy issues, including financial assistance to flood planning and disaster mitigation, water districts and their boards, and infrastructure projects this evening. Watch here: http://tlchouse.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=9&event_id=5045 #TxLege #Water
This morning, I met with representatives from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to discuss their impending report required by Rider 97. Rider 97 of the 85th Legislature’s budget directs HHSC to use allotted funding for a report on the Women’s Health Program, which provides health services to low-income women. The report will be released tomorrow, May 1st. I look forward to continuing discussions on how to best serve Texas women.
This morning, I am laying out HB 3563 in the House Committee on Corrections. The bill creates a criminal penalty for knowingly tampering with or removing an ankle monitor. Last year, an individual cut off his ankle monitor, then proceeded to allegedly murder three individuals, one of which was in the Northline community in the district. Currently, tampering with or removing an ankle monitor is only a parole violation.
Tonight, I also laid out HB3569, which protects the confidentiality of residential eviction information under certain circumstances so that tenants can obtain future rental housing. Tenants with an eviction judgment often cannot obtain housing or must pay more for rent to cover the risk. Currently, state law does not offer expunctions for evictions. HB3569 would protect the confidentiality of a tenant’s eviction when: a judgment was entered in favor of a tenant; a tenant’s case was dismissed; the eviction was brought by the successor in interest following foreclosure on the property; and at least five years have elapsed from the date of the final judgment in the eviction case. Many thanks to Trish McAllister of the Texas Access to Justice Commission and Becky Moseley for their work on this bill.
Today in the House Committee on Business and Industry, I laid out HB 3556. The bill requires landlords to inform prospective residential tenants if the property they intend to rent has been damaged by a flood in the previous four years. Currently, Texas law does not require landlords to inform potential tenants if a residential property has flooded or sits in a floodplain. Much appreciation to Bill Baldwin, Grant Harpold, and Mario Castillo who testified in support of prospective residential tenants.
I laid out HB 3567 in the House Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Issues tonight. The bill removes barriers to obtaining and enforcing a protective order for victims of sexual assault, stalking, family violence, and human trafficking. Much appreciation to the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) for bringing this issue to my attention. HB 3567 gives survivors the chance to heal. #TXLege #BelieveSurvivors
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo visited with area legislators on issues important to the county.
Today in the House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety, I laid out HB 3566, which requires forensic exams to be performed for victims of strangulation assault. I filed this bill due to multiple concerns - from prosecutors and victims alike - that forensic exams are needed to detect unseen medical effects and to collect thorough evidence for cases. Testimony from Cheryl Bakhtiari, Jenny Black, Allison Franklin, and Carvana Cloud will continue upon adjournment of the House floor.
Tonight, I am laying out HB 3564 in the Committee on Business and Industry. HB 3564 provides adequate protections and solutions to resolve residential lease disputes following a casualty loss. The bill addresses issues faced by tenants whose homes and apartments were damaged by Hurricane Harvey.
In the House Natural Resources Committee today, the committee will hear 11 bill proposals. The bills are related to water authorities, improvement and conservation districts, and public water utilities. Watch here:http://tlchouse.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=9&event_id=4945
I am pleased that two of my bills were passed by the House today.
In response to a recommendation by the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force, I filed HB 253, which creates a statewide strategic plan to address postpartum depression. The bill aims to increase access to services available to mothers facing this life-threatening condition.
HB 250 allows for attorney's fees to be paid by those convicted of animal cruelty in certain counties. The bill intends to deter violence against animals from eventually turning into violence against humans.
The Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence is hearing 42 bills on several topics including, liability claims, surprise medical billing, reforming the election of judicial candidates, and other areas affecting the civil justice system. The committee is also voting on pending business from previous weeks. Watch here: http://tlchouse.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=9&event_id=4932 #txlege #JCJ
Congratulations to the students, volunteers at Friends of Field Elementary Houston, TX, and faculty on the re-SPARK dedication at Field Elementary in the Heights.
The SPARK School Park Program helps transform playgrounds into community parks.
I was glad to meet with advocates today to discuss the important role Planned Parenthood plays in providing access to vital health services in Texas communities.
“Representative Jessica Farrar, the Democratic vice chairwoman of the committee, said in a phone interview on Wednesday that she saw the legislation as a ‘scare tactic’ to dissuade doctors from providing abortion services.
Ms. Farrar said the text of the bill showed a clear intention to contradict Roe v. Wade, which established a constitutional right to abortion.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/10/us/texas-abortion-death-penalty.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share
The bill would have made women who obtained an abortion, or doctors who performed one, open to being charged with assault or criminal homicide.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Honorable Jessica Farrar posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to The Honorable Jessica Farrar:
Event volunteers are excited about #backpacks and #schoolsupplies. Fun fact: over 100 volunteers over the last three days helped make today’s event possible. Thank you 💐 Join us at Moody Park, 3725 Fulton. We’ll be here until 11:00 a.m.
My office hosted constituents and residents from Houston's Northside community for their Healthy Northside Advocacy Day at the Capitol. Their legislative agenda included policy recommendations to support working families, public education, environmental health and safety, and to improve access to healthcare. I appreciate the work and training Avenue does to help residents become self-advocates.
Several groups and constituents came by my Capitol office to discuss public education, higher education, gun safety, and title insurance reform. Thank you for the work that each group does to bring awareness to important issues affecting Texans.
Delighted to host the Glee Club from Northside (Davis) High School, performing in the Rotunda of the Texas State Capitol. Aren't they terrific? Three of them just graduated. All three are headed to college in the fall with scholarships!
Energized by the crowd at the Planned Parenthood rally on the South Steps of the Capitol this afternoon. Keep going. Keep working. Keep fighting. Texas women, and the men who are strong enough to love them, will continue to #StandWithTXWomen in this powerful movement to protect women's healthcare. #TXLege
Inspired by all of the energy at the #RoeVWadeTX Rally. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. We need you in this fight. #FightBackTX #SWTW
Allegany County Board of Elections
8 Willets Ave, BelmontSafe Kids Western New York Coalition
818 Ellicott St, BuffaloVeterans Coalition of Orange County, NY
111 Craigville Rd, GoshenDallas Fire Station 18 A Shift
660 N Griffin St., DallasPawnee County Emergency Management
500 Harrison St #104, PawneeIII Corps & Fort Hood NCO Academy
761st Tank Battalion Avenue, Fort Hood