On a Fall Friday evening in Texas, the lights above a high school football field draw a whole town together. Neighbors catch up in the bleachers, volunteers work concession stands to support student clubs, and the drumline sets a rhythm that carries across the stadium. From the players and cheerleaders to the band and drill team, students showcase their talents and bring weeks of hard work to life.
These nights remind us that the home team belongs to everyone, and the pride reaches well beyond the scoreboard. With football season in full swing, I encourage you to bring your family to a game and enjoy the music, excitement, and community atmosphere under the Friday night lights.
In Austin, preparations for the 90th Legislative Session continue as committees hear from Texans and consider changes before we reconvene in January. On Sept. 30, the Senate Business and Commerce Committee examined online ticket sales and the implementation of the Texas Cyber Command.
Anyone who has purchased tickets online knows the frustration of choosing seats at one price, only to discover additional charges at checkout. Families deserve to know the full cost before deciding whether an outing fits their budget.
The committee reviewed ways to improve price transparency and protect buyers from unfair or deceptive practices, including in the resale market. The guiding principle should be straightforward: Texans ought to know what they are buying and what they will pay. A fair marketplace gives consumers clear information and holds sellers accountable for misleading practices.
Protecting Texans online also means safeguarding the systems our communities depend on. Schools, hospitals, businesses, and county governments rely on technology to serve the public. A cyberattack can interrupt essential services, expose sensitive records, and create costly repairs —burdens that can be especially difficult for small businesses and rural communities.
The committee also reviewed House Bill 150, which established the Texas Cyber Command during the 89th Legislature to help prevent and respond to cyber threats affecting governmental entities and critical infrastructure. As the agency takes on these responsibilities, we must ensure it delivers effective protection and uses taxpayer dollars wisely.
These hearings are an important part of our preparation for the next session. Whether a family is purchasing tickets or a county office is safeguarding public records, I will remain focused on practical policies that protect Texans and strengthen the services our communities rely on.
The mobile office is on the road again in October, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on the following dates at the following times: Oct. 14 the Polk County Commissioner’s Court Room in Livingston from 9:30-11:30 a.m., or at the Tyler County Courthouse in Woodville from 1:30-3:30 p.m.; Oct. 21 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762, and my Capitol office at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will post regular updates on what's happening at your State Capitol and share information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.
Trent Ashby represents District 9, which includes Trinity, Polk and Tyler counties, in the Texas Legislature.
