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Rep. Canales, with major successes in economic development and jobs creation, criminal justice reform, and a key champion of citizens’ power over their governments, to seek fourth term - Titans of the Texas Legislature

Featured: Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, son Terry Andrés II, and Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, during a break on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives during the special session of the Texas Legislature held earlier this summer. Canales is married to Erica E. Canales, whose family also features Caleb Ezra, Catalina, Juliana and Trígo. They live in Edinburg.

Photograph By HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY

Noting his successes on behalf of economic development and jobs creation, criminal justice reform, and openness, accountability, and honesty in government, Rep. Terry Canales, a Democrat who represents House District 40 in Hidalgo County, has announced his bid for reelection to a fourth term in the Texas House of Representatives. The Democratic and Republican Party primaries for all state representative seats in Texas are scheduled for early March 2018, with the general election to be held in November 2018, for new two-year terms to begin in mid-January 2019, when the 86th Texas Legislature convenes for its five-month regular session. “My record speaks for itself – it is public and available for all to see on key websites, including my Facebook Page (facebook.com/RepTerryCanales/) and at http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/,” Canales said. “With the conclusion of the recent special session of the Texas Legislature, which ended on August 15, I have been back in the Rio Grande Valley, meeting with community leaders and preparing for the 86th Texas Legislature.” The Edinburg-based attorney emphasized the importance of House District 40 residents being involved in all aspects of the state legislative process. “As always, I look forward to receiving ideas from my my constituents on what state laws and policies are needed to help them in their businesses, their jobs, and with their families,” Canales said. “This office does not belong to me, it belongs to all of the people of House District 40. I always ask for their help and advice in being a leader who is also their servant.” A constituent is a person who lives in an area for which they are able, if qualified, to vote for elected officials. A constituent does not have to be a property owner to be qualified to vote. Canales, D-Edinburg, who was born in Hidalgo County and is a native of South Texas, was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2012. His legislative district, anchored by the majority of Edinburg, covers the heart of Hidalgo County, and includes Elsa, north Pharr, San Carlos, La Blanca, Faysville, and portions of McAllen and Weslaco. “House District 40, the Rio Grande Valley, and all of South Texas continue to build into amazing  economic powerhouses for Texas and our nation because of our people, our work ethic, our education and skills, and our relentless drive for excellence,” said Canales. “It is an honor and a privilege for me to help the people of  this tremendous region to share in the American Dream, so that everyone has opportunities to be happy and successful.” 

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Rep. Canales, with major successes in economic development and jobs creation, criminal justice reform, and a key champion of citizens’ power over their governments, to seek fourth term

By DAVID A. DÍAZ
[email protected]

Noting his successes on behalf of economic development and jobs creation, criminal justice reform, and openness, accountability, and honesty in government, Rep. Terry Canales, a Democrat who represents House District 40 in Hidalgo County, has announced his bid for reelection to a fourth two-year term in the Texas House of Representatives.

The Democratic and Republican Party primaries for all state representative seats in Texas are scheduled for early March 2018, with the general election to be held in November 2018, for new two-year terms to begin in mid-January 2019, when the 86th Texas Legislature convenes for its five-month regular session.

“My record speaks for itself – it is public and available for all to see on key websites, including my Facebook Page (facebook.com/RepTerryCanales/) and at http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/,” Canales said. “With the conclusion of the recent special session of the Texas Legislature, which ended on August 15, I have been back in the Rio Grande Valley, meeting with community leaders and preparing for the 86th Texas Legislature.”

The Edinburg-based attorney emphasized the importance of House District 40 residents being involved in all aspects of the state legislative process.

“As always, I look forward to receiving ideas from my my constituents on what state laws and policies are needed to help them in their businesses, their jobs, and with their families,” Canales said. “This office does not belong to me, it belongs to all of the people of House District 40. I always ask for their help and advice in being a leader who is also their servant.”

Canales, D-Edinburg, who was born in Hidalgo County and is a native of South Texas, was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2012. His legislative district, anchored by the majority of Edinburg, covers the heart of Hidalgo County, and includes Elsa, north Pharr, San Carlos, La Blanca, Faysville, and portions of McAllen and Weslaco.

A constituent is a person who lives in an area for which they are able, if qualified, to vote for elected officials. A constituent does not have to be a property owner to be qualified to vote.

The Democratic and Republican Party primaries for all state representative seats in Texas are scheduled for early March 2018, with the general election to be held in November 2018, for a new term to begin in mid-January 2019.

“House District 40, the Rio Grande Valley, and all of South Texas continue to successfully grow as an amazing economic powerhouses for Texas and our nation because of our people, our work ethic, our education and skills, and our relentless drive for excellence,” the lawmaker said. “It is an honor and a privilege for me to help the people of  this tremendous region to share in the American Dream, so that everyone has opportunities to be happy and successful.”

Canales is married to Erica E. Canales, whose family also features Caleb Ezra, Catalina, Juliana, Terry Andrés II and Trígo. They live in Edinburg.

“Being a father is by far the most daunting challenge I have ever encountered,” Canales said. “Most anyone can raise a child, but raising them right, so that they are productive, self-sufficient, contributing members of society is the real goal.”

While saying his family will always be his top priority, Canales says he also is dedicated to protecting and promoting a legislative agenda at the Texas Capitol that helps individuals and families throughout South Texas.

“At the State Capitol, there are several ways to judge a leader, such as by the quality of the legislation they introduce and pass into law, by the votes taken by that lawmaker, and by helping people learn and succeed in the state legislative process,” Canales said. “In every way that counts, I have championed fairness and equality for all, protected the innocent and the defenseless, helped generate economic development and jobs creation, led the way to abolish a decades-old injustice which results in hundreds of thousands of Texans going to jail every year because they are too poor to pay fines for traffic tickets and other Class C misdemeanors, and I continue to fight against powerful politicians on behalf of openness, accountability, and honesty in government.”

For constituents who don’t have the chance to meet with him, Canales said his District and Capitol offices in Edinburg and Austin are always open to the public.

“I have excellent staff members in both offices, and they are there to help me provide a long list of services, which are free-of-charge, to the people of House District 40,” he said. “The work we do for our constituents ranges from helping them cut through the red tape of government for help, such as qualifying for state programs for individuals and business owners, to teaching constituents how to make the state legislative process work for them.”

During his legislative career, Canales has introduced a significant number of major bills, amendments and resolutions.

For his most recent regular session – the 85th Texas Legislature – he is providing the following summary of dozens of  successful measures carrying his name in his roles as author, coauthor, joint author, sponsor, joint sponsor, or cosponsor.

MOST RECENT STATE LAWS AUTHORED BY CANDLES

The legislator who files a bill and guides it through the legislative process is called the author or the primary author. The senate allows multiple primary authors for each bill or resolution. The House of Representatives allows only one primary author, the house member whose signature appears on the original measure and on the copies filed with the chief clerk. Both chambers also have coauthors, and the house of representatives has joint authors.

HB stands for House Bill. SB stands for Senate Bill.

HB 214
Author: Canales
Sponsor: Burton
Last Action: 06/15/2017
Effective on 9/1/17

Caption: Relating to a recording of certain proceedings of the Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals and the publication of the recordings.

HB 217
Author: Canales | Moody | Collier
Sponsor: Hinojosa
Last Action: 05/18/2017
Effective on 9/1/17

Caption: Relating to the authority of certain persons to defer or abate the collection of ad valorem taxes on a person’s residence homestead.

HB 322
Author: Canales | Miller | Wilson | Shine | Blanco
Sponsor: Hinojosa
Last Action: 06/12/2017
Effective on 9/1/17

Caption: Relating to the expunction of arrest records and files for certain veterans and the waiver of fees and costs charged for the expunction and to the eligibility of certain victims of trafficking of persons for an order of nondisclosure.

HB 351
Author: Canales | White | Collier | Leach | Murr
Sponsor: Hinojosa
Last Action: 06/15/2017
Effective on 9/1/17

Caption: Relating to the administrative, civil, and criminal consequences, including fines, fees, and costs, imposed on persons arrested for, charged with, or convicted of certain criminal offenses and to the creation of a commission to review certain penal laws of this state; increasing a criminal penalty.

HB 822
Author: Canales | Klick | Geren | Moody | Leach
Sponsor: Hinojosa
Last Action: 06/15/2017
Effective on 9/1/17

Caption: Relating to designating April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

HB 1099
Author: Canales | Turner | Faircloth | Longoria | Metcalf
Sponsor: Lucio
Last Action: 06/01/2017
Effective on 9/1/17

Caption: Relating to a residential tenant’s right to summon police or other emergency assistance.

HB 1823
Author: Canales
Sponsor: Zaffirini
Last Action: 06/15/2017
Effective on 9/1/17

Caption: Relating to properly recorded diacritical marks in vital statistics records, driver’s licenses, commercial driver’s licenses, and personal identification certificates.

HB 2937
Author: Canales | Lozano | Longoria | Guerra | Lucio III
Sponsor: Lucio
Last Action: 06/09/2017
Effective immediately

Caption: Relating to the establishment of a pilot program under which a licensed hospital may offer dual credit courses to public high school students.

MOST RECENT STATE LAWS JOINT AUTHORED BY CANALES

Canales was joint author of the eight major bills that became state law. In the House of Representatives, a member authorized by the primary author of a bill or resolution to join in the authorship of the measure and have his or her name shown following the primary author’s name on official printings of the measure, on calendars, and in the journal. The primary author may authorize up to four joint authors.

HB 34
Author: Smithee | Moody | Canales
Sponsor: Perry
Last Action: 06/12/2017
Effective on 9/1/17

Caption: Relating to measures to prevent wrongful convictions.

HB 281
Author: Howard | Guillen | Canales | Alvarado | Stickland
Sponsor: Huffman
Last Action: 06/15/2017
Effective on 9/1/17

Caption: Relating to establishing a statewide electronic tracking system for evidence of a sex offense.

HB 1819
Author: Springer | Dale | Canales | Moody | Capriglione
Sponsor: Perry
Last Action: 05/26/2017
Effective on 9/1/17

Caption: Relating to the criminal consequences of engaging in certain conduct with respect to a firearm silencer.

HB 2059
Author: Phillips | Canales
Sponsor: Hughes
Last Action: 06/09/2017
Effective on 9/1/17

Caption: Relating to the expunction of certain convictions or arrests of a minor for certain alcohol-related offenses.

MOST RECENT STATE LAWS SPONSORED BY CANDLES

Canales was the sponsor of the four major bills that became state law. The sponsor is the legislator who guides a bill through the legislative process after the bill has passed the originating chamber. The sponsor is a member of the opposite chamber of the one in which the bill was filed.

SB 814
Author: Hinojosa
Sponsor: Canales
Last Action: 06/09/2017
Effective on 9/1/17

Caption: Relating to the board of directors of the Agua Special Utility District.

SB 998
Author: West
Sponsor: Canales
Last Action: 06/01/2017
Effective on 9/1/17

Caption: Relating to the statute of limitations for the offense of exploitation of a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual.

SB 1136
Author: Hinojosa
Sponsor: Canales
Last Action: 05/29/2017
Effective immediately

Caption: Relating to the use of municipal hotel occupancy tax revenue by certain municipalities.

SB 1748
Author: Hinojosa
Sponsor: Canales
Last Action: 06/12/2017
Effective immediately

Caption: Relating to use of tax revenue by certain development corporations for job-related skills training.

MOST RECENT STATE LAW JOINT SPONSORED BY CANDLES

Canales was joint sponsor of one major bill that became state law. A joint sponsor is a legislator who joins with the primary sponsor to guide a bill or resolution through the legislative process in the opposite chamber. A joint sponsor must be a member of the opposite chamber from the one in which the measure was filed.

SB 1913
Author: Zaffirini
Sponsor: Thompson, Senfronia | Wu | Canales | White
Last Action: 06/15/2017
Effective on 9/1/17

Caption: Relating to the administrative, civil, and criminal consequences, including fines, fees, and costs, imposed on persons arrested for, charged with, or convicted of certain criminal offenses.

MOST RECENT STATE LAWS COSPONSORED BY CANALES

Canales was cosponsor of seven major bills that became law. A cosponsor is a legislator who joins with the primary sponsor and joint sponsors to guide a bill or resolution through the legislative process in the opposite chamber. A cosponsor must be a member of the opposite chamber from the one in which the measure was filed

SB 15
Author: Huffines | Hall | Hancock | Taylor, Van | West
Sponsor: Fallon | Button | Turner | Raymond | Geren

Cosponsor: Alonzo | Anchia | Anderson, Charles “Doc” | Anderson, Rodney | Bailes | Canales | et al.

Last Action: 06/09/2017 (This bill takes effect January 1, 2018, contingent on voter approval of the constitutional amendment proposed by Senate Joint Resolution 1.)

Caption: Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a first responder who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty.

SB 297
Author: Hinojosa
Sponsor: Miller
Cosponsor: Canales
Last Action: 05/29/2017
Effective on 9/1/17

Caption: Relating to the compensatory time and overtime pay for commissioned officers of the Department of Public Safety.

SB 500
Author: Taylor, Van
Sponsor: Geren | Davis, Sarah | Howard | King, Phil | Johnson, Eric
Cosponsor: Anderson, Rodney | Bailes | Bohac | Burns | Button | Canales | et al.
Last Action: 06/06/2017
Effective immediately

Caption: Relating to the effect of certain felony convictions of public elected officers.

SB 725
Author: Miles
Sponsor:
Bernal | VanDeaver | Price | Thompson, Senfronia | Minjarez
Cosponsor: Anchia | Arévalo | Biedermann | Blanco | Bonnen, Dennis | Canales | et al.
Last Action: 06/09/2017 E Effective immediately

Caption: Relating to the donation and distribution of food at public schools.

SB 1524
Author: Nichols
Sponsor: Morrison, Geanie W. | Martinez, “Mando” | Paddie | Bonnen, Dennis | Deshotel
Cosponsor: Anderson, Charles “Doc” | Anderson, Rodney | Burkett | Canales | Faircloth | et al.
Last Action: 05/23/2017
Effective on 1/1/18

Caption: Relating to the movement of certain vehicles, including vehicles transporting an intermodal shipping container; authorizing a fee; creating an offense.

SB 1873
Author: Hinojosa
Sponsor: Wilson | VanDeaver | Oliverson | Lucio III | Meyer
Cosponsor: Allen | Alonzo | Anderson, Charles “Doc” | Arévalo | Ashby | Canales | et al.
Last Action: 06/15/2017
Effective immediately

Caption: Relating to a report regarding certain health and safety information prepared by the Texas Education Agency.

SJR 1
Author: Campbell | Menéndez | Uresti | Zaffirini
Sponsor: Fallon | Button | Turner | Raymond | Geren
Cosponsor: Alonzo | Anchia | Anderson, Charles “Doc” | Anderson, Rodney | Bailes | Canales | et al.
Last Action: 05/25/2017
Filed with the Secretary of State

Caption: Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a first responder who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty.

MOST RECENT RESOLUTIONS AUTHORED BY CANALES

Canales was author of 24 legislative measures, known as House Resolutions (HR), that were approved by the House of Representatives and signed by the Texas Speaker of the House, and are reported as “enrolled”, and one legislative measure, known as a House Concurrent Resolution (HCR),  that was approved by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. A resolution is a formal expression of recognition, opinion, or decision, other than a proposed law, that may be offered for approval to one or both chambers of the legislature by a member of the house or senate.

HCR 121
Author: Canales
Sponsor: Hinojosa
Last Action: 05/10/2017
Signed by the Governor

Caption: In memory of Salvador Sánchez Díaz of Edinburg.

HR 315
Author: Canales
Last Action: 02/08/2017
H Reported enrolled: Feb 8 2017

Caption: Recognizing February 7, 2017, as Run, Ride & Share Day.

HR 324
Author: Canales
Last Action: 02/27/2017
H Reported enrolled: Feb 27 2017

Caption: Congratulating Miranda Jasso on being crowned Miss PreTeen Galaxy 2017.

HR 326
Author: Canales
Last Action: 02/27/2017
H Reported enrolled: Feb 27 2017

Caption: Congratulating Nola Maresh of Edinburg on being crowned Little Miss Galaxy 2017.

HR 555
Author: Canales
Last Action: 03/03/2017
H Reported enrolled: Mar 3 2017

Caption: Congratulating Angelisa Rendón on being named the 2017 Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg Rio Grande Valley and the South Texas Area Council.

HR 617
Author: Canales

Last Action: 03/07/2017
H Reported enrolled: Mar 7 2017 6:59PM

Caption: Honoring artist Marco Govea of McAllen.

HR 967
Author: Canales
Last Action: 04/04/2017
H Reported enrolled: Apr 4 2017

Caption: In memory of former United States congressman Eligio “Kika” de la Garza.

HR 968
Author: Canales
Last Action: 04/04/2017
H Reported enrolled: Apr 4 2017

Caption: In memory of Leonardo V. Camarillo of Edinburg.

HR 969
Author: Canales
Last Action: 04/04/2017
H Reported enrolled: Apr 4 2017

Caption: Congratulating Fernando Castillo of the Donna Independent School District on his receipt of the 2017 Superintendent’s Award from Abydos Learning International.

HR 970
Author: Canales
Last Action: 04/04/2017
H Reported enrolled: Apr 4 2017

Caption: Congratulating principal Celia Martínez of J. W. Cáceres Elementary School on being named 2015-2016 Administrator of the Year by the Texas Educational Support Staff Association.

HR 971
Author: Canales
Last Action: 04/04/2017
H Reported enrolled: Apr 4 2017

Caption: Congratulating three students from Johnny G. Economedes High School in Edinburg on their selection as 2017 Texas All-State Orchestra members by the Texas Music Educators Association.

HR 972
Author: Canales
Last Action: 04/04/2017
H Reported enrolled: Apr 4 2017

Caption: Commending South Texas College, the City of Pharr, and the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD for creating the Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence.

HR 973
Author: Canales
Last Action: 04/04/2017
H Reported enrolled: Apr 4 2017

Caption: Congratulating Dr. Verónica Estrada of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on her receipt of a McGraw Hill Distinguished Scholar Award.

HR 974
Author: Canales
Last Action: 04/04/2017
H Reported enrolled: Apr 4 2017

Caption: Commending Bert Guerra for his efforts to preserve the spirit of the historic Cine El Rey in McAllen.

HR 975
Author: Canales
Last Action: 04/04/2017
H Reported enrolled: Apr 4 2017

Caption: Congratulating Lamar Academy students Juan Pablo Flanagan, Sabrina Benítez, and Sofía  Escobar on having their science experiment selected for the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program Mission 9.

HR 976
Author: Canales
Last Action: 04/04/2017
H Reported enrolled: Apr 4 2017
Caption: Congratulating the Edinburg Consolidated ISD for having 16 elementary schools earn all the TEA distinction designations for which they were eligible.

HR 1025
Author: Canales | Keough | Nevárez | Guerra | Raymond
Last Action: 05/05/2017
H Reported enrolled: May 5 2017

Caption: Urging Congress to recognize the importance of trade between Texas and Mexico.

HR 1173
Author: Canales
Last Action: 04/03/2017
H Reported enrolled: Apr 3 2017

Caption: Recognizing March 30, 2017, as Rio Grande International Trade Day at the State Capitol.

HR 1941
Author: Canales
Last Action: 05/18/2017
H Reported enrolled: May 18 2017

Caption: Congratulating José Pérez of the Pharr Fire Department on being named Firefighter of the Year by the Rio Grande Valley Firefighter’s and Fire Marshals’ Association.

HR 1942
Author: Canales
Last Action: 05/18/2017
H Reported enrolled: May 18 2017

Caption: Congratulating Arnoldo F. Benavides on his retirement as principal of Freddy Gonzalez Elementary School in Edinburg.

HR 1943
Author: Canales
Last Action: 05/18/2017
H Reported enrolled: May 18 2017

Caption: Congratulating Mariachi Oro from McAllen High School on its success at the 2017 UIL State Mariachi Festival.

HR 1944
Author: Canales
Last Action: 05/18/2017
H Reported enrolled: May 18 2017

Caption: Congratulating the PSJA Memorial Early College High School film team on winning the state championship title in the Division 2 Documentary category at the 2017 UIL State Film Contest.

HR 2048
Author: Canales
Last Action: 05/29/2017
H Reported enrolled: May 29 2017

Caption: Commending Carlos Pimentel for his service as a legislative intern in the office of State Representative Terry Canales.

HR 2049
Author: Canales
Last Action: 05/29/2017
H Reported enrolled: May 29 2017

Caption: Commending Julissa Cantú on her service as a legislative aide in the office of State Representative Terry Canales.

HR 2110
Author: Canales
Last Action: 05/29/2017
H Reported enrolled: May 29 2017

Caption: Commending Alfred Breuer for his service as legislative director in the office of State Representative Terry Canales.

••••••

Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, represents House District 40 in Hidalgo County, which includes portions or all of Edinburg, Elsa, Faysville, La Blanca, Linn, Lópezville, McAllen, Pharr and Weslaco. He may be reached at his House District Office in Edinburg at (956) 383-0860 or at the Capitol at (512) 463-0426.

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