Nicole Collier is an accomplished attorney and small business owner, currently serving as a member of the Texas House of Representatives for District 95. Elected to represent Tarrant County, she has made history as the first woman to hold this position and has been re-elected to her sixth term in office as of November 2022. Collier's journey to the Texas Capitol is characterized by perseverance, having faced significant challenges as a single mother of two while completing her education. She earned her degree from the University of Houston and later graduated from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law.

Throughout her legislative career, Collier has focused on issues of affordable housing, renters' rights, access to quality healthcare, and criminal justice reform. Her community-centric approach has allowed her to effectively represent the needs and concerns of her constituents. In her recent term, she played a pivotal role as the chair of the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence, marking her as the first woman to hold this position since its inception in 1879. Additionally, she has served as chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and was appointed as Second Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, showcasing her leadership within the Democratic Party.

Collier is also actively involved in several legislative committees, including the Public Health Committee and the Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism. Her efforts in these roles reflect her commitment to enhancing public health policies and promoting cultural initiatives across Texas.

Legislative Contributions

Collier has sponsored and co-sponsored a variety of significant legislation addressing pressing issues in Texas. For instance, she played a role in House Bill 12 which extends Medicaid coverage for postpartum women from 60 days to a full year, embodying her dedication to women's health issues. Another noteworthy contribution is House Bill 9, which focuses on developing broadband and telecommunications services to ensure reliable internet access, particularly in underserved rural areas.

She has also co-authored key bills aimed at improving public education accountability, such as House Bill 3780, which seeks to establish accountability measures for underperforming schools. This bill aims to empower educational authorities to implement decisive actions to address chronic underperformance in schools.

Moreover, Collier is a supporter of community commemorations, including House Resolution 582, which honors prominent local figures such as Devoyd "Dee" Jennings for contributions to community development, further highlighting her investment in community engagement.

Political Leanings

Collier’s legislative actions indicate a progressive stance, particularly on issues related to healthcare access, education reform, and social justice. Her advocacy for extending healthcare coverage aligns with broader democratic initiatives aimed at enhancing public welfare, particularly for marginalized groups. Conversely, her involvement in accountability measures for schools reflects her commitment to maintaining high standards in public education. Overall, her legislative priorities demonstrate a blend of progressive reform and community empowerment focused on addressing systemic inequities.

Collier’s leadership style is characterized by collaboration and a willingness to engage with diverse perspectives, as evidenced by her service across various bipartisan committees. This eclectic mix of priorities and engagement reflects her balanced approach to governance, appealing to a broad spectrum of constituents while advocating for vital reforms.

Personal Life

Outside her legislative duties, Collier is a proud grandmother of three and emphasizes family values in her public service. Her background as a single mother and her experiences in both legal and business realms contribute to her understanding of the challenges faced by many families in her district. Collier's dedication to her community is not only demonstrated through her legislative work but also through her commitment to uplifting those around her, ensuring that her constituents’ voices are heard in the Texas legislature.