Texas State Senator

Charles Perry Biography

Biography

State Senator Charles Perry is a lifelong resident of West Texas, hailing from Lubbock, where he has built a successful career as a certified public accountant. Senator Perry was first elected to the Texas Senate in 2014 after having served two terms in the Texas House of Representatives. Throughout his legislative career, he has focused on a wide range of issues including water resources, agriculture, health care, and public services.

Currently, Senator Perry serves as the chair of the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs, and he holds the position of Vice-Chair on the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. His committee roles underscore his commitment to improving Texas's rural infrastructure and promoting agricultural development while also attending to the healthcare needs of Texans. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Finance, State Affairs, and Transportation, and he co-chairs the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) Advisory Committee as well as the Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund (TIRF).

In his legislative work, Senator Perry has sponsored several significant bills that reflect his focus on agricultural protection and resource management. For instance, he sponsored House Bill 2308, which seeks to strengthen the Texas right to farm law by providing protections for long-standing agricultural operations against nuisance lawsuits. The bill, which became effective on September 1, 2023, requires a higher burden of proof for plaintiffs bringing such claims, thereby creating a more favorable legal environment for agricultural practices in Texas.

Furthermore, Senator Perry has put forward Senate Bill 673 to establish a framework for managing produced water, reflecting Texas's ongoing challenges regarding water scarcity and environmental sustainability. This initiative marks a proactive approach to Colorado River management, further emphasizing the importance of water conservation in the face of rising demands.

His role on the Health and Human Services Committee allows him to engage with pressing health-related issues facing the state, including the welfare of maternal health and children's healthcare initiatives. A notable piece he co-sponsored is Senate Bill 936 aimed at enhancing Medicaid services and developing community-based health care programs.

Senator Perry's political actions signify a proactive approach toward rural development, health care accessibility, and environmental stewardship, showcasing his alignments primarily with conservative principles that emphasize minimal governmental interference in agriculture while safeguarding property rights and local governance.

Outside of his legislative responsibilities, he actively engages with his community and church, having served on various boards including the Lubbock Boys and Girls Club and Women’s Protective Services of Lubbock. He is a devoted family man, married for over 40 years to his wife Jacklyn, with whom he has two children and five grandchildren, all of whom share a connection with Texas Tech University.

His long-standing commitment to public service, community development, and enhancing the quality of life for Texans illustrates Senator Perry's dedication to his constituents and the state overall. Through his continuous legislative efforts, he aims to ensure that Texas remains a place where agricultural interests can flourish while addressing the crucial need for effective health services.