5 Things You Didn’t Know About Texas State Rep. Nicole Collier

Texas State Consultant Nicole Collier has emerged as a key determine within the state’s ongoing electoral map controversy. On Aug. 18, Collier was confined to the Home ground after refusing to signal what lawmakers described as a “permission slip” authorizing legislation enforcement to watch her actions across the Capitol. The requirement was a part of a broader effort by Republican leaders to regain management of the legislative course of after Democrats staged a walkout to delay a vote on redistricting.

Collier, a Democrat representing Fort Price, is now unable to depart the Capitol with out police supervision and should solely transfer between her workplace and the Home ground beneath escort, CNN reported. As beforehand reported, her refusal to undergo the settlement has made her a standout voice within the dispute, which started when she and Texas Democrats left the state to disclaim Republicans the quorum wanted to push by a brand new electoral map favoring GOP-held districts. In response, Governor Greg Abbott issued civil arrest warrants for the absent lawmakers and instantly referred to as for a second particular session when the primary concluded and not using a vote.

Whereas most returning Democrats complied with the brand new monitoring necessities, Collier didn’t. She stays on the Home ground,  an instance of her dedication to the protest and her unwillingness to concede beneath stress. Past this high-profile standoff, Collier’s story is deeply rooted in resilience and trailblazing management.

1. She was the primary lady elected to symbolize Texas’ Home District 95.

She is the primary lady ever elected to symbolize Home District 95 in Tarrant County, in line with her bio on the Texas Home of Representatives web site. She assumed workplace in 2013 and was reelected to serve once more in 2022. Her path to public service was not standard; she was a teenage mom of two, finishing highschool whereas elevating kids. With the help of her household and unwavering religion, she pursued increased training, incomes levels from the College of Houston and Texas Wesleyan College College of Regulation, now a part of Texas A&M.

2. She made historical past by being the primary lady to chair Texas’ 146-year-old Home Committee on Prison Jurisprudence.

Her authorized profession and expertise as a small enterprise proprietor have knowledgeable her work within the legislature, the place she has served for over a decade. Collier made historical past for a second time throughout the 86th Legislature in 2019, when she turned the primary lady to chair the Home Committee on Prison Jurisprudence since its institution in 1879. She has additionally led the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and at the moment serves as Second Vice Chair of the Home Democratic Caucus. Her committee work now contains appointments to the Home Committees on Public Well being and Tradition, Recreation & Tourism.

3. She earned an NAACP Award.

Collier’s legislative agenda constantly displays the wants and issues of her group, with a give attention to inexpensive housing, renters’ rights, healthcare entry, and legal justice reform. Her efforts have earned her nationwide recognition, together with the Roy Wilkins Civil Rights Award from the NAACP and the Regional Legislator of the Yr honor from the Nationwide Black Caucus of State Legislators.

Notably, Collier was a sponsor behind Texas Home Invoice 339, which might have required the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Overview Committee and the Division of State Well being Companies to check maternal mortality and morbidity amongst Black ladies residing within the state by assessing social and well being elements like cardiac points, preeclampsia, and pregnancy-related for decreasing racial disparities in maternal well being.

Highlighting her dedication to legal justice reform, Collier additionally supported Texas Home Invoice 1820, which, if handed, would have allowed for the expunction of arrest data when a grand jury determines there isn’t a possible trigger that the alleged offense was dedicated, defending people from the lasting affect of unwarranted legal fees. The invoice was referred to the Senate’s legal justice division in Might, however sadly didn’t cross.

From younger motherhood to political management, Collier’s profession continues to be outlined by defiance, dedication, and a deep sense of public service. Given her observe file, we’re sure Collier will emerge victorious and resilient, able to create extra change within the face of adversity for her group in Texas, as soon as the mud settles.

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