Changes

{{Infobox officeholder

{{Infobox officeholder

|name=Kenneth Francis Sheets​

|name=Kenneth Francis Sheets​

|nationality=[[United States|American]]​

|nationality=[[United States|American]]​

|office=[[Texas]] State Representative<br>for District 107 (Dallas County)​

|office=[[Texas]] State Representative<br>for District 107 (Dallas County)​

Sheets entered into politics in 2010 after returning home from multiple years on active duty with the Marine Corps.<ref name="Kenneth Sheets"/><ref name="ttribune"/>  As the unopposed Republican nominee, Sheets unseated the two-term Democratic incumbent, Allen Ryan Vaught (born c. 1971) of Dallas, in the general election held on November 2, 2010. He polled 16,226 votes (51.4 percent) to Vaught's 14,683 (46.5 percent). The remaining 2.1 percent of the vote went to the [[Libertarian Party]] nominee, Gary Brandon Parsons (born c. 1951) of Dallas.<ref>Texas Secretary of State, General election returns, November 2, 2010 (House District 107).</ref> In the general election on November 6, 2012, Sheets again won a narrow victory, this time for a second term in the House over the Democrat former Representative Robert James Miklos, 25,868 votes (50.8 percent) to 25,018 (49.2 percent).<ref>Texas Secretary of State, General election returns, November 6, 2012 (House District 107).</ref>​

Sheets entered into politics in 2010 after returning home from multiple years on active duty with the Marine Corps.<ref name="Kenneth Sheets"/><ref name="ttribune"/>  As the unopposed Republican nominee, Sheets unseated the two-term Democratic incumbent, Allen Ryan Vaught (born c. 1971) of Dallas, in the general election held on November 2, 2010. He polled 16,226 votes (51.4 percent) to Vaught's 14,683 (46.5 percent). The remaining 2.1 percent of the vote went to the [[Libertarian Party]] nominee, Gary Brandon Parsons (born c. 1951) of Dallas.<ref>Texas Secretary of State, General election returns, November 2, 2010 (House District 107).</ref> In the general election on November 6, 2012, Sheets again won a narrow victory, this time for a second term in the House over the Democrat former Representative Robert James Miklos, 25,868 votes (50.8 percent) to 25,018 (49.2 percent).<ref>Texas Secretary of State, General election returns, November 6, 2012 (House District 107).</ref>​

Unopposed in the Republican [[primary]] on March 4, 2014, Sheets won his third and final term in the [[general election]] against fellow Dallas lawyer, the Democrat Carol Crabtree Donovan (born c. 1954).<ref name=votesmart>{{cite web|url=https://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/117472/kenneth-sheets#.UyyJ6MtOUfg|title=Kenneth Sheets' Biography|publisher=votesmart.org|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref> He received 16,891 votes (55 percent) to Donovan's 13,807 (45 percent).<ref>Texas Secretary of State, General election returns, November 4, 2014.</ref>  

Unopposed in the Republican [[primary]] on March 4, 2014, Sheets won his third and final term in the [[general election]] against fellow Dallas lawyer, the Democrat Carol Crabtree Donovan (born c. 1954).<ref name=votesmart>{{cite web|url=https://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/117472/kenneth-sheets#.UyyJ6MtOUfg|title=Kenneth Sheets' Biography|publisher=votesmart.org|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref> He received 16,891 votes (55 percent) to Donovan's 13,807 (45 percent).<ref>Texas Secretary of State, General election returns, November 4, 2014 House District 107.</ref>  

In his first term in the Texas House of Representatives, Sheets served on these committees: (1) Insurance, (2) Small Business and Economic Development, and (3) Manufacturing. In his first term, Sheets worked with other legislators to pass tort reform legislation aimed at combating meritless lawsuits.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=82R&Bill=HB274|title=Texas Legislature Online|publisher=Texas Legislature Online|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref> Sheets also worked across party lines to pass Henda's Law, which is named after breast cancer survivor Henda Salmeron and seeks to ensure that patients are notified that supplemental breast screening, beyond mammograms, may be necessary for women with dense breast tissue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=82R&Bill=HB2102|title=Legislative Session: 82 (R) Relating to the requirement that certain mammography reports contain information regarding supplemental breast cancer screening|publisher=Texas Legislature Online|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2011/november/how-hendas-law-was-born?single=1|title=Henda's Law|publisher=D Magazine|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref>​

In his first term in the Texas House of Representatives, Sheets served on these committees: (1) Insurance, (2) Small Business and Economic Development, and (3) Manufacturing. In his first term, Sheets worked with other legislators to pass tort reform legislation aimed at combating meritless lawsuits.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=82R&Bill=HB274|title=Texas Legislature Online|publisher=Texas Legislature Online|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref> Sheets also worked across party lines to pass Henda's Law, which is named after breast cancer survivor Henda Salmeron and seeks to ensure that patients are notified that supplemental breast screening, beyond mammograms, may be necessary for women with dense breast tissue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=82R&Bill=HB2102|title=Legislative Session: 82 (R) Relating to the requirement that certain mammography reports contain information regarding supplemental breast cancer screening|publisher=Texas Legislature Online|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2011/november/how-hendas-law-was-born?single=1|title=Henda's Law|publisher=D Magazine|author=Bradford Pearson|date=November 2011|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref>​

Sheets served on these committee: (1) Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee (2) Insurance Committee, and (3) Local and Consent Calendar. Sheets also served as the vice chair of the House Republican Caucus Policy Committee. During the 83rd Legislative Session, Sheets unsuccessfully attempted to pass legislation aimed at protecting Texas homeowners from fraudulent and abusive practices by some roofing contractors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=HB2693|title=Legislative Session: 83 (R) Relating to voluntary registration and regulation of roofing contractors; providing criminal penalties; authorizing a fee|publisher=Texas Legislature Online|accessdateJune 23, 2020}}</ref> Sheets worked to pass legislation making it clear under Texas law that concealed handgun licensees are not violating the law if they inadvertently display their firearm.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=SB299|title=Legislative Session: 83 (R) Relating to the intentional display of a handgun by a person licensed to carry a concealed handgun|publisher=Texas Legislature Online|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref> Sheets was also an outspoken critic of an attempt by several legislators to amend a bill to grant statewide elected officials, members of Congress, and members of the Texas Legislature special privileges to carry concealed handguns in locations off limits to other concealed handgun licensees in Texas.<ref>Christy Hoppe, "Texas House members angrily reject provision to expand legislators’ gun-carrying rights," ''The Dallas Morning News,'' May 26, 2013.</ref>

Sheets served on these committee: (1) Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee (2) Insurance Committee, and (3) Local and Consent Calendar. Sheets also served as the vice chair of the House Republican Caucus Policy Committee. During the 83rd Legislative Session, Sheets unsuccessfully attempted to pass legislation aimed at protecting Texas homeowners from fraudulent and abusive practices by some roofing contractors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=HB2693|title=Legislative Session: 83 (R) Relating to voluntary registration and regulation of roofing contractors; providing criminal penalties; authorizing a fee|publisher=Texas Legislature Online|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref> Sheets worked to pass legislation making it clear under Texas law that concealed handgun licensees are not violating the law if they inadvertently display their firearm.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=SB299|title=Legislative Session: 83 (R) Relating to the intentional display of a handgun by a person licensed to carry a concealed handgun|publisher=Texas Legislature Online|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref> Sheets was also an outspoken critic of an attempt by several legislators to amend a bill to grant statewide elected officials, members of Congress, and members of the Texas Legislature special privileges to carry concealed handguns in locations off limits to other concealed handgun licensees in Texas.<ref>Christy Hoppe, "Texas House members angrily reject provision to expand legislators’ gun-carrying rights," ''The Dallas Morning News,'' May 26, 2013.</ref>

Sheets was named "Champion for Free Enterprise" by the Texas Association of Business, which rated him 93 percent in 2013. He was recognizec as "Freshman of the Year" in 2011 by the Hispanic Republican Conference, "Crime Fighter of the Year" by the North Texas Crime Commission, "Friend of Law Enforcement" by the Texas Municipal Police Association, "Courageous Defender of Life" by Texas Alliance for Life, and a "Rising Star" by the Dallas County Republican Party.<ref name=votesmart/>

Sheets was named "Champion for Free Enterprise" by the Texas Association of Business, which rated him 93 percent in 2013. He was recognizec as "Freshman of the Year" in 2011 by the Hispanic Republican Conference, "Crime Fighter of the Year" by the North Texas Crime Commission, "Friend of Law Enforcement" by the Texas Municipal Police Association, "Courageous Defender of Life" by Texas Alliance for Life, and a "Rising Star" by the Dallas County Republican Party.<ref name=votesmart/>

During the 83rd Legislative Session, Texas lawmakers were faced with the challenge of passing a balanced budget while coping with a shortfall estimated by some to be as high as $27 billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/19/news/economy/texas_budget_deficit/|author=Tami Luhby|title=Even budget deficits are bigger in Texas|date=January 19, 2011|publisher=CNN Money|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref> Sheets voted for the biennial Texas budget which lawmakers balanced without having to raise taxes.

During the 83rd Legislative Session, Texas lawmakers were faced with the challenge of passing a balanced budget while coping with a shortfall estimated by some to be as high as $27 billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/19/news/economy/texas_budget_deficit/|author=Tami Luhby|title=Even budget deficits are bigger in Texas|date=January 19, 2011|publisher=CNN Money|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref> Sheets voted for the biennial Texas budget which lawmakers balanced without having to raise taxes.

Sheets in 2013 again supported passage of the biennial Texas budget.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=SB1|title=Legislative Session: 83 (R) General Appropriations Bill|publisher=Texas Legislature Online|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref> Having recovered from the downturn in the economy, Texas lawmakers were not faced with the same budget austerity issues in 2013 and were able to restore some of the funding cuts made in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/27/us-usa-texas-budget-idUSBRE94Q01Q20130527|author=Corrie MacLaggan|title=Texas budget|publisher=Reuters|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref> In 2013, Sheets supported passage of an amendment to the Texas Constitution to provide funding to develop water resources.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=SJR1|title=Legislative Session: 83 (R) Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas and the State Water Implementation Revenue Fund for Texas to assist in the financing of priority projects in the state water plan|publisher=Texas Legislature Online|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://stateimpact.npr.org/texas/2013/05/22/lawmakers-approve-funding-for-texas-water-plan-setting-up-statewide-vote-in-november/|title=Lawmakers Approve Funding For Texas Water Plan, Setting Up Statewide Vote|date=May 26, 2013|publisher=[[NPR]]|author=Mose Buchele|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref>​

Sheets in 2013 again supported passage of the biennial Texas budget.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=SB1|title=Legislative Session: 83 (R) General Appropriations Bill|publisher=Texas Legislature Online|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref> Having recovered from the downturn in the economy, Texas lawmakers were not faced with the same budget austerity issues in 2013 and were able to restore some of the funding cuts made in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/27/us-usa-texas-budget-idUSBRE94Q01Q20130527|author=Corrie MacLaggan|title=Texas budget|publisher=Reuters|date=May 26, 2013|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref> In 2013, Sheets supported passage of an amendment to the Texas Constitution to provide funding to develop water resources.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=SJR1|title=Legislative Session: 83 (R) Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas and the State Water Implementation Revenue Fund for Texas to assist in the financing of priority projects in the state water plan|publisher=Texas Legislature Online|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://stateimpact.npr.org/texas/2013/05/22/lawmakers-approve-funding-for-texas-water-plan-setting-up-statewide-vote-in-november/|title=Lawmakers Approve Funding For Texas Water Plan, Setting Up Statewide Vote|date=May 26, 2013|publisher=[[NPR]]|author=Mose Buchele|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref>​

Sheets in 2013 supported the ban on [[abortions]] after five months of [[gestation]], a measure later blocked in federal court. The measure passed the House, 96-49. He also supported companion legislation to increase medical and licensing requirements of abortion providers.<ref name=votingrecords>{{cite web|url=https://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/117472/kenneth-sheets#.UyuVL8tOUfg|title=Kenneth Sheets' Voting Records|publisher=votesmart.org|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref> These issues brought forth an unsuccessful [[filibuster]] in the Texas State Senate by Wendy Russell Davis of Fort Worth, known by her conservative critics as "Abortion Barbie," who in 2014 was the unsuccessful Democratic gubernatorial nominee against the  Republican candidate, [[Greg Abbott]], a former state attorney general.<ref>{{cite web|title=Filibuster in Texas Senate Tries to Halt Abortion Bill|author=Manny Fernandez|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/26/us/politics/senate-democrats-in-texas-try-blocking-abortion-bill-with-filibuster.html|publisher=''[[The New York Times]]''|date=June 25, 2013|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref> In 2011, Sheets supported two other anti-abortion measures. One forbids state funding of agencies which perform abortions. The other requires that a woman undergo a  sonogram before procuring an abortion. This legislation is based on the view that a woman could change her mind about an abortion once she witnesses the development of the unborn child through the latest technology.<ref name=votingrecords/>​

Sheets in 2013 supported the ban on [[abortions]] after five months of [[gestation]], a measure later blocked in federal court. The measure passed the House, 96-49. He also supported companion legislation to increase medical and licensing requirements of abortion providers.<ref name=votingrecords>{{cite web|url=https://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/117472/kenneth-sheets#.UyuVL8tOUfg|title=Kenneth Sheets' Voting Records|publisher=votesmart.org|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref> These issues brought forth an unsuccessful [[filibuster]] in the Texas State Senate by Wendy Russell Davis of Fort Worth, known by her conservative critics as "Abortion Barbie," who in 2014 was the unsuccessful Democratic gubernatorial nominee against the  Republican candidate, [[Greg Abbott]], a former state attorney general.<ref>{{cite web|title=Filibuster in Texas Senate Tries to Halt Abortion Bill|author=Manny Fernandez|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/26/us/politics/senate-democrats-in-texas-try-blocking-abortion-bill-with-filibuster.html|publisher=''[[The New York Times]]''|date=June 25, 2013|accessdate=June 23, 2020}}</ref> In 2011, Sheets supported two other anti-abortion measures. One forbids state funding of agencies which perform abortions. The other requires that a woman undergo a  sonogram before procuring an abortion. This legislation is based on the view that a woman could change her mind about an abortion once she witnesses the development of the unborn child through the latest technology.<ref name=votingrecords/>​

[[Category:Attorneys]]

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