TABC leadership meets with members of the Legislature during special session

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Chairman Kevin J. Lilly and Executive Director Bentley Nettles met with several members of the Texas Legislature August 3-4 while lawmakers were attending the special session of the 85th Legislature.

Nettles, a former U.S. Army general who was sworn in as the agency's new Executive Director August 2, joined Lilly as they discussed with legislators a number of issues related to TABC's dual missions of law enforcement and regulation of the alcoholic beverage industry. As the lawmaking body for the state of Texas, the Legislature writes the Alcoholic Beverage Code, which provides TABC the authority to regulate the ever-growing and complex industry.

Nettles said he intends to keep the lines of communication between TABC and the Legislature open as the agency begins the latest chapter in its history.

"Throughout its 80 years, TABC has enjoyed a strong working relationship with our elected leaders at the Capitol," Nettles said. "During our meetings, I expressed my intent to continue that relationship and committed to working with the Legislature toward our common goal of outstanding service to Texas."

TABC Chairman Kevin J. Lilly (left) joins Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and TABC Executive Director Bentley Nettles (right) in admiring a pair of antique firearms from Patrick's collection at his Capitol office August 4. Lilly and Nettles, who recently took the reins at TABC, spent the day meeting with lawmakers who were in town for the special session of the 85th Legislature.

TABC Executive Director Bentley Nettles (left) stands with Texas House of Representatives Speaker Joe Straus and TABC Chairman Kevin J. Lilly during a meeting at the Capitol August 3. Straus, who is leading the House during the special session of the 85th Legislature, met with the men to discuss TABC's role in regulating the alcoholic beverage industry.

TABC Executive Director Bentley Nettles (left) and Chairman Kevin J. Lilly (center) stand for a photograph with state Representative Sefronia Thompson, who represents Houston's District 141. Thompson, the longest-serving member of the Texas House of Representatives, sits on the House Committee for Licensing and Administrative Procedures, which deals with many bills affecting the Alcoholic Beverage Code.

TABC Chairman Kevin J. Lilly (left) joins state Representative Hugh Shine (center) and TABC Executive Director Bentley Nettles during a meeting at Shine's Capitol office. Shine, a retired U.S. Army colonel who represents Temple's District 55, is a member of the House Committee for General Investigating and Ethics.

TABC Chairman Kevin J. Lilly (left) and Executive Director Bentley Nettles (right) join Texas state Representative Dan Flynn for a photograph in his Capitol Office. Flynn, who represents District 2 in the House of Representatives, is a member of the Sunset Advisory Commission, which expects to evaluate TABC before the upcoming 86th Legislative session in 2019.