State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham)

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Senate District 18 First Elected 2000

Currently in Office

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Previous Ratings on the Fiscal Responsibility Index

Career: B-
2015: B-
2013: D-
2011: B+
2009: B+

Senate District 18

About State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Lois Kolkhorst is a native of Brenham, Texas and graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising and Public Relations. She previously served as CEO for the Washington County Chamber and the Economic Development Foundation of Brenham. Senator Kolkhorst has previously served in the Texas House of Representatives.

Committee Assignments during 85th Legislative Session: Administration (Chair); Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs; Finance; Health & Human Services; Transportation

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Sen. Lois Kolkhorst's Record

Pro-Taxpayer
Anti-Taxpayer
Absent
Speaker
Absent, Excused
Present, Not Voting
Not Applicable

Vote
Sponsorship

Bill	Vote
SB 14: Comprehensive ethics reform for legislators Senate Journal Page: 205 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 4: Prohibiting local entities from implementing sanctuary city policies Senate Journal Page: 244 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 500: Prohibits elected officials convicted of abuse of office from receiving a publicly-funded pension while serving their sentence Senate Journal Page: 248 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 502: Requiring greater reporting of lobby expenditures to reduce "ticket splitting" Senate Journal Page: 263 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 503: Bars a registered Texas lobbyist from serving in elected office Senate Journal Page: 264 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 504: Bars former legislators from lobbying for two-year legislative cycle following their departure from public office Senate Journal Page: 278 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 505: Prohibits retired officeholders who register as a lobbyist from making a political contribution using their old campaign account Senate Journal Page: 289 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SJR 2: Applying to Congress to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution Senate Journal Page: 356 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 7: Relating to improper relationships between teachers and students and reporting of educator misconduct Senate Journal Page: 456 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 6: Prohibiting local entities from regulating restrooms on private property Senate Journal Page: 531 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 135: Requiring all state agencies to identify savings Senate Journal Page: 558 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 2: Reducing property tax rollback rate, requiring automatic elections for exceeding that rate Senate Journal Page: 614 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 17: Franchise Tax phase-out Senate Journal Page: 615 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 730: Personal property tax exemption Senate Journal Page: 688 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 16: Reducing fees for handgun licenses Senate Journal Page: 692 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 407: Limiting competition or bidding exemption to the Public Information Act Senate Journal Page: 725 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 88: Prohibiting photo-enforced traffic citations Senate Journal Page: 759 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 3: Establishing Education Savings Accounts Senate Journal Page: 828 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 9: Strengthening the state's constitutional spending limit Senate Journal Page: 829 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 13: Prohibiting automatic union dues payroll deductions Senate Journal Page: 829 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 151: Requiring voter approval of pension obligation bonds Senate Journal Page: 829 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 799: Re-authorizing hotel occupancy tax in El Paso county Senate Journal Page: 878 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Read Full Detail	X
SB 18, Amendment 1 by Seliger: Creating a new finanial assistance grant program Senate Journal Page: 880 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Amendment Read Full Detail	Check
SB 19, Amendment 1 by Schwertner: Reducing permissible public university tuition increases from 3% to 1% annually Senate Journal Page: 882 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Amendment Read Full Detail	Check
SB 19: Performance-based tuition limitations and freeze for four years Senate Journal Page: 882 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 737, Amendment 2 by Huffines: Requiring a public hearing before municipalities can increase a fee Senate Journal Page: 904 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Amendment Read Full Detail	Check
SB 737: Requiring uniform disclosure of fee increases on a municipal budget Senate Journal Page: 904 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 488: Reforming the citizen petition and initiative process Senate Journal Page: 912 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 18: Prohibiting the practice of setting aside portions of designated tuition for student financial assistance Senate Journal Page: 926 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 509: Increasing transparency and strengthening oversight of public pension systems Senate Journal Page: 942 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 750: Repealing restrictions on package store permits a person can hold Senate Journal Page: 942 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	X
SB 626: Requiring separate identification and offer for property sought other than by condemnation Senate Journal Page: 954 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 612: Texas Ethics Commission process reform Senate Journal Page: 965 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 813: Providing recovery of damages, attorneys fees, and costs related to frivolous regulatory actions by state agencies Senate Journal Page: 994 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 627: Strengthening property owner bill of rights in surveys or examinations for eminent domain Senate Journal Page: 997 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 977: Prohibiting use of state money for high-speed rail operated by a private entity Senate Journal Page: 1034 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 445: Requiring separate authorization and disclosure of tax-funded lobbying by political subdivisions Senate Journal Page: 1036 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 451, Amendment 3 by Hughes: Restricting local short-term rental prohibitions, capping permit fee Senate Journal Page: 1042 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Amendment Read Full Detail	Check
SB 451: Local regulation of short term rental preemption Senate Journal Page: 1044 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	X
SB 979: Prohibiting private entity from using property acquired through eminent domain for rail from other uses; right of repurchase Senate Journal Page: 1046 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SCR 1: Calling on Congress to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Senate Journal Page: 1159 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 797: Expanding authority to pledge hotel occupancy tax for the payment of obligations related to hotel projects Senate Journal Page: 1160 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Read Full Detail	X
SB 686 (Local & Uncontested): Re-authorizing a hotel occupancy tax in Real County Senate Journal Page: 1183 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Read Full Detail	N/A
SJR 43: Prohibiting the use of state funds to pay for the obligations of a local public retirement system Senate Journal Page: 1197 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 586: Extension of rural and small telecom subsidies Senate Journal Page: 1198 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Read Full Detail	X
SB 715: Requiring municipalities get voter approval before starting annexation process Senate Journal Page: 1223 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 1147: Establishing the Texas Music Foundation and related museum Senate Journal Page: 1244 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Read Full Detail	X
SB 975: Burdening private rail operators with security regulations Senate Journal Page: 1256 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Read Full Detail	X
SB 625: Creating special purpose taxing district information database Senate Journal Page: 1371 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 1812: Prohibiting tax-funded lobbying by appraisal districts Senate Journal Page: 1522 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 589: Creating an occupational license for behavioral analysts Senate Journal Page: 1523 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Read Full Detail	X
SB 210: Requiring two regulations be repealed for every new one created Senate Journal Page: 1525 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 1354: Pledging state HOT and sales tax to hotel projects Senate Journal Page: 1540 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Read Full Detail	X
SB 740: Requiring court costs be paid by condemners when they grossly undervalue a property under eminent domain process Senate Journal Page: 1554 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 637: Requiring audits of regional mobility authority to receive state funds Senate Journal Page: 1558 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 2056: Expanding certain HOT authorization to finance stadiums Senate Journal Page: 1588 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Read Full Detail	X
SB 1289: Requiring domestic steel for government projects Senate Journal Page: 1604 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Read Full Detail	X
SB 1588: Eliminating non-commercial vehicle safety inspections Senate Journal Page: 1658 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 636: Requiring greater citizen input before municipalities can change building codes Senate Journal Page: 1660 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 1122: Allowing public vote to abolish Dallas County Schools Senate Journal Page: 1664 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 654: Allowing advanced practice registered nurses to service as primary care providers in Medicaid plans Senate Journal Page: 1719 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 764: Accounting of costs incurred by illegal immigrants Senate Journal Page: 1739 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SJR 54: Authorizing municipal charter amendments on uniform election dates Senate Journal Page: 1741 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 200: Creating local government financial and tax rate information database managed by the Comptroller Senate Journal Page: 1777 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 1061: Allowing charter school operators to hold more than one charter if they are for different purposes Senate Journal Page: 1805 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 1407: More transparency on property tax bills Senate Journal Page: 1811 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 459: Prohibiting localities from regulating or taxing firearms, ammunition, or knifes above and beyond state law Senate Journal Page: 1877 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 1683: Requiring food establishments post allergy information posters Senate Journal Page: 1929 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Read Full Detail	X
SB 1605: Creating a database of school district financial information Senate Journal Page: 1930 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 1151: Strengthening free speech protections at public universities Senate Journal Page: 1959 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
HB 1449: Prohibiting local governments from imposing certain fees on new construction projects Senate Journal Page: 2081 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 95: Allowing raw milk sales and delivery by permit holders Senate Journal Page: 2119 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
HB 1494: Expanding hotel occupancy tax for the arts Senate Journal Page: 2264 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Read Full Detail	X
HB 3859: Strengthening right of conscious for child welfare Senate Journal Page: 2444 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
HB 3287: Creating additional regulations, mandates, and restrictions on alcohol production/sales Senate Journal Page: 2490 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Read Full Detail	X
HB 3294: Extending major events reimbursement to NASCAR Senate Journal Page: 2500 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Read Full Detail	Check
HB 490: Creating new hearing aid/cochlear implant insurance mandate Senate Journal Page: 2513 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Read Full Detail	X
HB 1290: Requiring state agencies repeal one rule for each one adopted Senate Journal Page: 2680 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
HB 3808: Expanding occupations for loan repayment assistance Senate Journal Page: 2718 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Read Full Detail	Check
HB 967 (L&U): Allowing TexAmericas Center (special purpose district) to "promote economic development" Senate Journal Page: 3032 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Read Full Detail	N/A
SB 1, 1st Called, Amendment 3 by Rodriguez: Increasing rollback rate to 6% Senate Journal Page: 107 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Amendment Read Full Detail	Check
SB 1, 1st Called, Amendment 6 by Uresti: Raising the exemption for property tax reform Senate Journal Page: 108 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Amendment Read Full Detail	X
SB 1, 1st Called, Amendment 5 by Perry: Creating exemption to property tax protections Senate Journal Page: 109 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Oppose Amendment Read Full Detail	X
SB 2, 1st Called: School finance reform with tax credit scholarships Senate Journal Page: 216 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 1, 1st Called: Property tax reform, rollback rate reduction Senate Journal Page: 221 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 3, 1st Called: Prohibiting local overreach regarding bathroom regulations, known as the Privacy Act Senate Journal Page: 221 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 9, 1st Called: Strengthening constitutional state spending limit Senate Journal Page: 223 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 7, 1st Called: Prohibiting automatic government collection of union dues Senate Journal Page: 224 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 4, 1st Called: Prohibiting tax-funded abortions Senate Journal Page: 226 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 5, 1st Called: Strengthening voter fraud prevention Senate Journal Page: 281 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 15, 1st Called: Statewide texting while driving ban preemption Senate Journal Page: 282 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 6, 1st Called: Municipal annexation reforms Senate Journal Page: 282 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 13, 1st Called: Municipal permitting reform Senate Journal Page: 283 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check
SB 14, 1st Called: Protecting private property rights in trees Senate Journal Page: 283 Pro-Taxpayer Position: Support Read Full Detail	Check

Bill	Sponsorship Credit
Sponsorship: Art. V Convention of States (State Sovereignty) Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: Citizen Petition Reform (Local Government Reform) Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: Clarifying purchase offers in eminent domain cases (Property Rights) Read Full Detail	Check
Sponsorship: Eliminate passenger vehicle inspections (Budget & Tax Reform) Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: Eliminating Passing the Trash (K-12 Education Reform) Read Full Detail	Check
Sponsorship: Eliminating the Dallas County Schools system (K-12 Education Reform) Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: Ending Public University Tuition Set-asides (Higher Education Reform) Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: Ethics Reform Read Full Detail	Check
Sponsorship: Expanding charter schools for different focuses (K-12 Education Reform) Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: Expanding Educational Freedom (K-12 Education Reform) Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: Expanding Package Store Permits (Promoting Free Markets) Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: Franchise Tax Phase-out Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: Freezing Public University Tuition Rates (Higher Education Reform) Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: Granting advanced practice registered nurses primary care privileges for certain state plans (Promoting Free Markets) Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: Local charter amendments on uniform election dates (Election Integrity) Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: Municipal Annexation Reform (Local Government Reform) Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: No eminent domain for high-speed rail (Property Rights) Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: No state funds for high-speed rail (Corporate Welfare & Cronyism) Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: No state funds for local pension systems (State Government Reform) Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: No tax-funded lobbying for appraisal districts Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: Paycheck Protection (State Government Reform) Read Full Detail	Check
Sponsorship: Preempting local regulations and taxation of guns, ammunition, and knifes (State Sovereignty) Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: Process Reform at the Texas Ethics Commission (First Amendment Protections) Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: Prohibiting local entities from regulating restrooms on private property Read Full Detail	Check
Sponsorship: Property Tax Reform Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: Protection from undervalued offers by condemners in eminent domain cases (Property Rights) Read Full Detail	Check
Sponsorship: Protections from frivolous actions of state agencies (Promoting Free Markets) Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: Reduce License to Carry fee (Budget & Tax Reform) Read Full Detail	Check
Sponsorship: Require agencies remove regulations before adding new ones (Promoting Free Markets) Read Full Detail	Check
Sponsorship: Resolution calling on Congress to repeal Obamacare (Promoting Free Markets) Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: Sanctuary Cities Ban Read Full Detail	Check
Sponsorship: Short-term rental preemption (State Sovereignty) Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: Strict Spending Limits (Taxing & Expenditure Limits) Read Full Detail	Check
Sponsorship: Tax-funded lobbying disclosure Read Full Detail	N/A
Sponsorship: Voter Approval of Pension Obligation Bonds (Local Government Reform) Read Full Detail	N/A

State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham)

Previous Ratings on the Fiscal Responsibility Index

Transparency Texas Financial Summary

Senate District 18

About State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst

Sen. Lois Kolkhorst's Record