Texas State Representative

Sam Harless Biography

Biography

Representative Sam Harless has been an integral figure in Texas politics, representing Northwest Harris County since 2017. Born in 1962, he graduated from Spring High School in 1981 and subsequently attended Lone Star College before transferring to Sam Houston State University. An entrepreneur, Harless started working at the young age of 14 and went on to become a successful small business owner, currently co-owning Fred Fincher Motors, a family-operated automobile dealership.

Sam harbors a strong commitment to community service, actively supporting local organizations such as The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts, Northwest Assistance Ministries, and the Klein Educational Foundation. He is recognized for his leadership in promoting local arts and educational initiatives, as well as honoring military service through the Fallen Warrior Memorial and Fallen Warrior Art Gallery.

In the 88th Legislature, Harless has assumed significant roles in five committees, reflecting his leadership skills and political engagement. He serves as the Chairman of the Select Committee on Health Care Reform, where he focuses on legislative efforts aimed at improving public health in Texas. Additionally, he contributes to the committees on Homeland Security and Public Safety, Select Committee on Community Safety, House Administration, and Licensing and Administrative Procedures. These appointments underscore his involvement in addressing key issues related to healthcare, public safety, and the regulatory framework for various professions.

Harless's legislative efforts have resulted in the sponsorship and co-sponsorship of various bills, notably:

  1. House Bill 1358 (HB 1358) - Focused on enhancing public school campus improvement plans, this bill mandates the inclusion of components aimed at improving student academic achievement and overall school climate. The bill reflects a broader commitment to education reform in Texas and addresses issues related to violence and bullying prevention, showcasing Harless's alignment with enhancing educational outcomes.

  2. House Bill 5334 (HB 5334) - This legislation establishes the Cypress Creek Drainage Improvement District, enabling local governance to manage drainage and flooding issues in the area. The bill illustrates Harless’s attention to local environmental challenges and community empowerment.

  3. House Bill 767 (HB 767) - This bill aims to improve victim protection by ensuring that stalking offenses are included in the conditions of bond notifications for violent crimes. The strong bipartisan support for this bill indicates Harless's focus on enhancing public safety and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.

  4. House Bill 1925 (HB 1925) - Directed towards maintaining crucial healthcare services for low-income populations in Harris County, this bill exemplifies Harless's dedication to healthcare access.

  5. House Bill 2008 (HB 2008) - This bill aims to provide clarity in licensing frameworks by addressing license suspensions for certain driving offenses, demonstrating Harless’s commitment to regulatory reform and public safety.

In addition to these efforts, Harless's involvement in the Select Committee on Community Safety suggests an emphasis on bipartisan discussions regarding gun legislation and community safety issues. His support for bills addressing mental health, public health care reform, and educational enhancements serves to paint a picture of a lawmaker dedicated to improving the quality of life for Texans while balancing the demands of various constituencies.

On a personal level, Sam Harless married Patricia Fincher in 1985, and the couple has a son, Sam Jr., who graduated from Klein High School and North Texas State University. They welcomed their first grandchild, Karsyn Pearl Harless, into the family in 2022. The Harless family remains actively involved in their community and their faith, being long-standing members of Champion Forest Baptist Church.

In summary, Representative Sam Harless emerges as a proactive legislator focused on comprehensive reforms in education, public safety, and healthcare, with a significant emphasis on local control and community engagement. His political journey reflects a blend of personal commitment to family values and professional dedication to public service, making him a prominent figure in shaping the legislative landscape of Texas.