Ann Johnson is a dedicated public servant representing Texas House District 134. Since her election in 2020, Johnson has focused on various issues affecting her constituents, drawing upon her extensive background in law and advocacy. A Houston native, she comes from a family deeply rooted in public service, with her father, Jake Johnson, having served as a state representative. Her mother, Hon. Carolyn Marks Johnson, also instilled in her the values of speaking up for those who cannot. Johnson is married to Sonya Cuellar, an artist, and they share their home with three rescue dogs.
Professionally, Johnson has a rich history in law, having worked as a founding partner at Johnson Martinez LLC, where she represented victims of human trafficking and indigent defendants. She currently practices as a partner at Johnson Law Firm PC and has been an adjunct professor of law since 2001, teaching trial litigation and communication strategies.
In the Texas House, Johnson is a member of several committees where she advocates for legislation surrounding education, healthcare, and criminal justice. She has sponsored and co-sponsored a variety of bills that reflect her commitment to these areas, emphasizing support for vulnerable populations and enhancing legal protections.
Johnson's legislative portfolio includes significant bills such as:
HB1626: This bill, aimed at facilitating the transition of public school students from alternative education programs to regular educational settings, underscores her focus on educational access, particularly for those with criminal backgrounds or disciplinary concerns.
HB115: Johnson co-sponsored this initiative to regulate public consumption of alcohol, a measure designed to enhance public safety in Texas.
HB2466: This bill proposes the creation of a Texas Technology and Innovation program to provide matching grants to small businesses involved in federal innovation programs, demonstrating Johnson's commitment to economic development.
HR2377: This resolution, which calls for the impeachment of Attorney General Warren Kenneth Paxton, showcases her involvement in significant legislative actions addressing accountability in public office.
HB4989: This legislation relates to the presumption of validity for advance directives, reflecting her focus on patient autonomy within healthcare.
HB2003: This bill addresses the direct shipment of alcoholic beverages to consumers, aiming to enhance consumer access while maintaining safety protocols.
HB652: This measure expands Medicaid eligibility to provide healthcare coverage, illustrating Johnson's commitment to health equity.
HB177: This bill introduces financial incentives for public school employees, directly addressing staffing challenges in the education sector.
HB141: This bill mandates that Texas Child Health Plan benefits exclude certain reproductive health services, highlighting an effort to align health policy with parental rights.
HB163: This bill initiates a pilot program for workplace soft skills training, aiming to enhance employment opportunities for Texans.
Johnson's legislative record illustrates a centrist to progressive political alignment, focusing on issues such as education reform, public health, and the empowerment of vulnerable populations. Her efforts to balance public safety concerns with economic growth, alongside her advocacy for responsible governance, continue to define her role in the Texas House of Representatives. With a commitment to enhancing the lives of her constituents and ensuring transparency and accountability within government, Ann Johnson stands as a significant force in Texas politics.