• BY ALLISON MILES - AMILES@VICAD.COM
• Originally published November 18, 2009 at 6:33 p.m., updated November 19, 2009 at 12:25 a.m.

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  For more information about Texans for Lawsuit Reform, visit www.tortreform.com.

Texas has come a long way since 1994, when it was known as the "Wild West of Litigation" and the "Lawsuit Capital of the World."

And State Senator Glenn Hegar, Republican from Katy, helped with the change, said Richard J. Trabulsi Jr., president of Texans for Lawsuit Reform.

"He is a man who says what he means and means what he says," Trabulsi said. "But you have to work to earn his trust and to earn his vote."

On Wednesday, Texans for Lawsuit Reform awarded Hegar with the Civil Justice Leadership Award in a presentation at Olde Victoria at the Oak Room.

The award goes to lawmakers who support lawsuit reforms that boost the state economy, create jobs and bring doctors to the community, according to a TLR news release.

The organization chose Hegar for a couple of reasons, Trabulsi said. Hegar learns the issues and understands their complexity before making a decision, he said, and keeps the Sunset Advisory Commission, which he chairs, running effectively.

Previously, people used the commission to get amendments through that wouldn't typically pass, Trabulsi said, but Hegar put a stop to that.

"He was true not to load it up with lots of irrelevant issues," he said. "Sunset bills were never meant to be parliamentary Christmas trees."

Hegar said he enjoys working with constituents on their issues and learning more about who they are.

"I am truly honored to the bottom of my heart," he said of the recognition.

Legislators should be held accountable every day because it's an honor to represent the people, Hegar said, adding that he expects others to present true and accurate information themselves. He said he recently met with a lobbyist he felt hadn't told him the full truth during the legislative session and warned the person not to do it again.

And, while it might not ring true with that lobbyist, Hegar said when he looked around at the 200 or so people present, he saw people he knew he would still call friends even if he was no longer involved with the Legislature.

"Thank you for the opportunity to represent you, thank you for what I know will be a lasting friendship, regardless of the title above my name," he said, "and I appreciate that so very much."

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