Texas State Senator

Borris Miles

Biography

Senator Borris L. Miles is a prominent figure in Texas politics, having been elected to the Texas Senate in 2016 after an extensive tenure serving in the Texas House of Representatives. A lifelong resident of Houston, Miles is not only recognized for his legislative successes but also as a highly successful businessman who owns one of Texas's largest insurance agencies.

Throughout his career, Senator Miles has demonstrated a strong commitments to legislative initiatives aimed at supporting underserved communities and addressing social equity. His efforts notably include the creation of the Miles Ahead Scholars program, which provides college opportunities to underserved minority male youth. Additionally, he has been instrumental in legislating stricter regulations on group homes to protect vulnerable populations, as exemplified by his sponsorship of Senate Bill 187, which sought to create penalties for failing to report neglect in these facilities. This bill highlighted his focus on safeguarding the rights of those who may not have the ability to advocate for themselves.

Senator Miles has also played an active role in criminal justice reform, co-sponsoring legislation aimed at banning police chokeholds and facilitating the sealing of juvenile records, thereby providing individuals with a second chance at rebuilding their lives. His commitment to transparency and accountability in public service is further reflected in his membership on key committees including Health and Human Services, Criminal Justice, and Natural Resources & Economic Development. Through these roles, he has worked to influence policies that enhance the welfare of Texans, particularly in areas of healthcare access and environmental protection.

In addition to his legislative work, Senator Miles has received numerous accolades recognizing his contributions. He has been honored as "Star of the Legislative Session" by the Texas Classroom Teachers Association and recognized as a "Champion of Women’s Health" by Planned Parenthood. His active involvement in community service, including the Hip Hop 4 HIV concert series and the work of his non-profit, the TexStars Foundation, which has awarded over 200 scholarships, showcases his dedication to fostering growth and opportunity within his community.

Examining his legislative priorities provides a clearer picture of Senator Miles's political leanings. His sponsorship of bills like HB 1263, which focuses on school safety measures in Houston, and initiatives to improve the educational and workforce readiness of adults through programs like HB 2575, indicate a strong commitment to education and community safety. Furthermore, his proactive stance on public health and drug-related issues, demonstrated through his support for HB 3338 which addresses opioid overdose prevention on college campuses, illustrates a dedication to health and wellness. The bipartisan support for many of the bills he has backed—such as SB 188 which mandates background checks for group home employees—reflects a collaborative approach to governance, seeking consensus on critical issues.

Overall, Senator Borris L. Miles exemplifies a blend of entrepreneurship and public service, emphasizing both socioeconomic development and community welfare through his legislative work. His active engagement in fostering educational opportunities, promoting public health, and reforming systemic issues within the justice system firmly positions him as a pivotal player in Texas's legislative landscape.