Carl Parker | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Texas House of Representatives | |
| In office November 23, 1962 – January 11, 1977 | |
| Member of the Texas State Senate | |
| In office January 11, 1977 – January 10, 1995 | |
| Succeeded by | Michael Galloway |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 6, 1934 Port Arthur, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | March 22, 2024 (aged 89) Port Arthur, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | University of Texas, Austin (BA, LLB) |
Carl A. Parker (August 6, 1934 – March 22, 2024) was an American politician. He served as a Democratic member in the Texas House of Representatives from 1962 to 1977 and in the State Senate from 1977 to 1995.[1][2][3] His tenure of service included time as Speaker Pro Tempore of the House and President Pro Tempore of the State Senate.
Senator Parker authored or co-sponsored more than 400 bills, which were enacted into state law. These measures include the establishment of Lamar University, Port Arthur; the Consumer Protection Act; Texas' First Industrial Safety Bill; the Education Reform Bill of 1984; the creation of the Texas Housing Agency; the establishment of the Port of Port Arthur; the Insurance Reform Bill of 1991 and the School Finance Reform Bill.[4]
In 1979, Parker was a member of the Killer Bees,[5] the group of twelve quorum-busting Democratic senators that hid out in an Austin garage apartment for 4½ days.
Parker died in Port Arthur, Texas, on March 22, 2024, at the age of 89.[6]