Royce West has been serving as a member of the Texas Senate since 1992, representing the 23rd Senatorial District, which encompasses a portion of Dallas County. Throughout his legislative career, he has garnered recognition for his commitment to advancing education, public safety, and social justice issues, earning accolades such as being named one of Texas Monthly's "Ten Best Legislators."
As Vice Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee and a member of several other significant committees, including Education Finance and Criminal Justice, Senator West has played an active role in shaping policies related to education and public safety. His involvement in these committees reflects his dedication to enhancing the Texas education system, particularly in expanding opportunities for higher education and addressing funding disparities.
Senator West has sponsored and co-sponsored numerous pieces of legislation aimed at supporting education and social initiatives. Notably, he was the primary author of Senate Bill 500, which raises the limit on the value of residential dwellings that can be offered as prizes in charitable raffles from $250,000 to $750,000. This legislation is expected to significantly boost fundraising efforts for charities in Texas. Another significant bill, Senate Bill 30, requires law enforcement agencies to provide training on appropriate responses during traffic stops, aiming to improve public safety and communication between law enforcement and citizens.
His legislative agenda also focuses on children's welfare, particularly through the establishment of programs to support at-risk youth and kinship care. In 2017, he successfully passed legislation that made kinship care provisions permanent, allowing qualified relatives to receive state support for raising children at risk of entering the foster care system. Moreover, his ongoing advocacy for public education is manifested in his efforts to create legislation that promotes school accountability and resource equity in funding, including his strong support for the Top 10% Rule, which guarantees admission to state universities for Texas high school graduates in the top 10% of their class.
From a political standpoint, Senator West is aligned with the Democratic Party, and his legislative initiatives reflect progressive values, particularly in education reform and social justice advocacy. His commitment to equitable funding for schools, support for community initiatives, and public safety reforms showcases a bipartisan approach often aimed at fostering broader societal benefits while ensuring accountability and transparency in government processes.
Beyond his political role, Senator West is the managing partner of West & Associates, L.L.P., focusing on legal services, and he remains actively involved in community initiatives, such as the D23 Goes 2 Work Job Fair, which connects local residents with employment opportunities. He is a family man, dedicated to his wife, Carol R. West, a CPA, and their children, exemplifying the importance he places on community and family involvement.
Overall, Senator Royce West continues to advocate for policies that aim to uplift communities, invest in education, and foster an equitable society in Texas, reflecting a career defined by dedication to public service and community advocacy.