🌱 James Talarico Discusses Texas Legislation + Tornado Victim's Story

Happy Thursday, Round Rock! The weekend is almost upon us. Elaine Thompson here, your host of the Round Rock Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town, including...

• Round Rock Democrat talks "sexually explicit" book bans for schools.
• James Talarico's House bill to shut down juvenile detention facilities.
• A year after last March's tornado, a local is still rebuilding his home.

But first, today's weather:

An a.m. shower; breezy, humid. High: 84 Low: 66.

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Here are the top stories in Round Rock today:

1. Texas lawmakers, including Round Rock Democrat James Talarico, discussed the language used to ban "sexually explicit" books from schools. House Bill 900 is the piece of legislation that Talarico said "could result in some cherished young adult books being removed from school libraries." Talarico's point is to make sure that lawmakers are on the same page in clearly defining what sexually explicit material means. To check out what others have to say about this bill, visit CNHI News.
2. Another piece of legislation, authored by Round Rock's James Talarico, aims to close down five Texas juvenile detention facilities. Due to harsh environment and severe mistreatment of youth in these facilities, Talarico's legislation would "dissolve the Texas Juvenile Justice Department into the Office of Youth Safety and Rehabilitation and would operate under the Texas Department of Health and Human Services." Part of House Bill 4356 would rehabilitate and help transition youth to be engaged adults in society. Stop by Brownwood News for the full details.
3. A year after the Round Rock tornado ripped through the city, Michael Talamantez is one of the many residents still rebuilding their homes and lives after the destruction. Talamantez recalls, "It was a like a weird freight train from hell and a weird sense of pressure in the air" as the tornado plowed through his entire home while he and his family hunkered down in the bathroom for safety. With the help of hired contractors, Talamantez is still rebuilding his home that holds much sentimental value. KVUE has the full story.

Today in Round Rock:

• ESL Beginners Class at Round Rock Library (1 PM)
• Business Owner Networking at Salt Traders Coastal Cooking (3 PM)
• Young Professionals Social at Dell Diamond (5 PM)
• Board of Trustees Regular Meeting at Round Rock High School Lecture Hall (5:30 PM)
• City Council Meeting at City Council Chambers (6 PM)
• Thursday In Person Write In at Barnes & Noble (6 PM)

From my notebook:

• Learn more about apprenticeships and trades: "Apprenticeship & Trades Fair, Tues., March 28, 6 - 7:30 pm, at Stony Point HS, 1801 Tiger Trail in Round Rock. We will have career reps for plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and more! This session is ideal for graduating seniors and juniors." (Round Rock ISD Twitter)
  
• Live music returns for the spring! "Find us toe tappin' and finger snappin', y'all! 🎶 The series kicks off tomorrow night at 7 p.m. 🎉 Parking is free and residents are encouraged to bring a blanket or chairs to enjoy the show." (Round Rock, Texas – City Government via Facebook)
• Congratulations to Round Rock High School! "We are pleased to announce that the RRHS PTSA has been awarded the 22-23 President's Challenge Award from the Texas PTA. This achievement is awarded to PTAs who set common goals with campus administration, participate in PTAs Back The Future Campaign." (Round Rock High School PTSA via Facebook)
• Veterans Mindfulness Group at Bluebonnet Trails: "Now offering groups for Veterans in Cedar Park! #veterans #veteransupport" (Bluebonnet Trails Community Services via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll see you around.

— Elaine Thompson

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Round Rock Patch newsletter? Contact me at RoundRock@Patch.com