Senator Paul Bettencourt has represented Senate District 7 since 2014, following a decade-long term as the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector. His tenure in this role was marked by innovative tax solutions, including the development of Texas's first major online property tax payment system. Bettencourt gained recognition for advocating property tax cuts, earning him the nickname "Tax Man."

Bettencourt's legislative focus has primarily centered on property tax reform and enhancing taxpayer welfare. During the 86th Legislative Session, he successfully passed the Texas Property Tax Reform and Transparency Act of 2019, known as Senate Bill 2, which marked the most significant property tax reform in Texas in nearly four decades. This milestone legislation, passed with a vote of 21-9, aims to provide substantial tax relief to Texas homeowners.

In addition to property tax reform, Bettencourt has made significant contributions in healthcare legislation, particularly in promoting access to adult stem cell therapies through House Bill 3148. This bill enables patients with chronic or terminal illnesses to explore promising medical treatments, reflecting his commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for Texans.

Senator Bettencourt's legislative work has earned him accolades from several organizations, including being named “Senate MVP” by Capitol Inside and receiving the Legislative Legacy Award from the Texas Public Policy Foundation. He is the current Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Government and also serves on committees focused on Finance, Education, and Criminal Justice. His leadership on the Property Tax Reform and Relief Select Committees has reinforced his role as a key advocate for equitable taxation.

Political Leanings

Bettencourt is broadly regarded as a champion of conservative policies. He has sponsored and co-sponsored several significant bills that align closely with traditional conservative values, emphasizing limited government and fiscal responsibility. For instance, he co-sponsored House Bill 568, which mandates specialized training for law enforcement officers to better interact with individuals diagnosed with dementia. Additionally, his work on Senate Bill 1 aimed to provide notable property tax relief, anticipating savings of approximately $17.6 billion for Texas taxpayers.

His sponsorship of Senate Bill 7, which addressed inappropriate teacher-student relationships, and Senate Bill 466, which focused on enhancing penalties for human trafficking offenses, showcase his commitment to public safety and child protection. Bettencourt's involvement in various initiatives demonstrates a proactive approach to legislative matters, continually advocating for reforms that are beneficial to taxpayers and communities alike.

Bettencourt is also recognized for his bipartisan efforts in education, co-authoring Senate Bill 1882, which aims to enhance educational opportunities for Texas students through collaborative partnerships between independent school districts and charter schools. His work in this area highlights a commitment to improving the education system while promoting conservative fiscal policies.

Further defining his political alignment, Bettencourt’s proactive stance on election security is reflected in his sponsorship of Senate Bill 220, which introduces measures for enhanced oversight of election laws. His legislation addresses public concerns about election integrity, striving to ensure transparency and accountability in Texas's electoral processes.

Personal Information

Senator Bettencourt is a graduate of Texas A&M University, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Distribution. In addition to his legislative responsibilities, he runs a tax consulting company in Houston and is engaged in local media as a radio and television personality. Bettencourt is actively involved in his community, attending Saint John Vianney Catholic Church with his wife, Susan. They participate in various church activities, underscoring his commitment to community and faith.

Senator Bettencourt's legislative history and personal endeavors highlight a dedicated public servant focused on conservative governance, taxpayer advocacy, and the promotion of community welfare through effective legislation.