State Representative Hillary Hickland is a ninth-generation Texan and has been sworn into office to represent House District 55, covering central Bell County including cities such as Temple, Belton, Harker Heights, Nolanville, and Killeen. Her commitment to her community is mirrored in her long-standing involvement with local organizations, such as serving as a mentor at a Crisis Pregnancy Center for over a decade, and leadership roles within the Central Texas Republican Women and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.
Hillary holds a Bachelor's degree from Baylor University and a Master's degree in Criminology from Boston University. Early in her professional journey, she lived in Mexico where she became fluent in Spanish while teaching English, enriching her perspective on cultural diversity and the importance of community engagement.
In the 88th Legislative Session, Representative Hickland prioritized issues that resonate with her constituents and aligns with her values. She has been active in sponsoring and co-sponsoring various bills addressing a range of topics from education reforms to veterans' rights.
Among the notable bills she has sponsored is House Bill 1078, which promotes awareness of veterans' benefits in the workplace by mandating that employers with 50 or more employees display a veterans benefits and services poster. This initiative aims to support the integration of veterans into the workforce by ensuring access to vital information about their rights and resources.
Hickland has also been instrumental in advocating for perinatal bereavement care through House Bill 37, known as Everly's Law, which mandates supportive counseling and resources for families experiencing pregnancy loss. This bill demonstrates her commitment to improving mental health support within healthcare settings.
In her role, Hickland has co-sponsored legislation such as House Bill 1309, which addresses state aid to local governments affected by tax relief granted to disabled veterans. This aligns with her advocacy for fiscal responsibility while providing support to vulnerable communities.
Hickland's political leanings reflect a commitment to traditional values, conservative governance, and enhancing the rights of individuals, particularly in contexts such as parental rights in education and the protection of community moral standards through legislation like House Bill 2116, which mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools. She has consistently supported initiatives aimed at bolstering parental involvement in education, reflected in bills like HB 1158, which requires parental consent for human sexuality instruction in schools.
Additionally, Representative Hickland's work on health-related legislation, such as House Bill 4100, demonstrates a focus on protecting healthcare providers from retaliation while fostering a culture of transparency and patient safety in healthcare settings.
Hillary Hickland is motivated by her faith and family values, which are central to her identity as a legislator. As a devoted wife and mother of four, she views her public service as an extension of her lifelong community advocacy, shaping policies that reflect her dedication to future generations of Texans. Through her legislative efforts, she aims to cultivate an environment where families thrive, veterans receive the support they deserve, and community values are upheld in public policy.