Texas State Representative

Chris Turner

Biography

State Representative Chris Turner has dedicated six terms to serving Tarrant County in the Texas Legislature, where he represents parts of Arlington and Grand Prairie. With a commitment to enhancing opportunities for Texans, he has initiated several impactful legislative measures. One notable achievement is his creation of the Veterans Cash scratch-off ticket, which has generated over $150 million to support Texas veterans. Turner also authored a constitutional amendment to provide a 100% property tax exemption for the surviving spouses of servicemembers killed in action. Through his work, he has been a strong advocate for consumer protection, authoring laws that protect tenants from abusive landlords and safeguard consumers against sudden utility rate increases.

In his role as chair of the House Committee on Higher Education during the 86th Legislature, Turner played a crucial part in passing transformative policies, including SB 25, which improves credit transferability among institutions of higher education. His leadership continued as he was appointed the Chairman of the House Committee on Business & Industry in February 2021, where he has been involved in legislation that fosters a conducive environment for Texas businesses to thrive and adapt to modern challenges.

Turner's legislative priorities have also included education reform, as seen in House Bill 3780, which aims to enhance accountability in the public school system. This bill, which has garnered significant attention, proposes strict measures for schools that have continuously underperformed, including appointing management boards or closure of these institutions. Furthermore, he has co-sponsored several resolutions, including HR2326 that honors the Rotary Club of Arlington on its centennial, recognizing the importance of civic engagement and service within the community.

His committee involvement further illustrates his dedication to diverse legislative areas, including sustainable property tax relief, redistricting, and ethics. As part of the redistricting committee, Turner focuses on the equitable and transparent drawing of legislative maps, playing a critical role in ensuring fair representation for Texas communities.

Politically, Chris Turner leans towards progressive Democratic viewpoints, focusing on consumer rights, education reform, and veteran affairs. His support for legislation such as HB 141, which limits reproductive health services within health coverage for children, reflects a complex landscape where he must navigate differing political sentiments. Additionally, his involvement in advocating for improved mental health services and the establishment of an organized retail theft task force demonstrates a commitment to public safety and welfare.

A lifelong resident of Texas, Turner grew up in Dallas before settling in Tarrant County for over 20 years. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and works as a communications consultant outside of his legislative duties. He resides with his wife, Lisa, and their three rescue dogs, further underscoring his ties to community and family values.

Through his legislative efforts and community involvement, Turner strives to represent the diverse needs of his constituents while promoting policies that bolster social equity and economic growth in Texas.