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Senate adjourns in memory of Deputy Jesse Vargas and Sergeant Mark Butler; lawmakers press for action on violent offenders
Summary
The Texas Senate adopted memorial resolutions for Brazoria County Deputy Jesse Vargas and Navasota Sergeant Mark Allen Butler, who both died Jan. 15. Senators used the memorials to urge action against violent repeat offenders and to press for criminal-justice measures including a proposed constitutional amendment.
The Texas Senate on Tuesday adopted memorial resolutions honoring Brazoria County Deputy Jesus Jesse Vargas and Navasota Police Sergeant Mark Allen Butler, both of whom died Jan. 15, 2025. The chamber adjourned in their memory and senators asked colleagues and citizens to keep the families in their prayers.
Senator Brandon Middleton introduced the memorial for Deputy Vargas, who was killed while serving a warrant with the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force. Middleton said Vargas was a 17-year law‑enforcement veteran and described the deputy as “a lawman’s lawman” who leaves behind a wife and three daughters. Senator Huffman, representing nearby districts, described the dangers officers face when serving violent‑offender warrants and urged the Legislature to change policies that allow repeat violent felons to remain free; he referenced multiple unsuccessful attempts to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot and urged renewed effort this session.
Senator Lois Kolkhorst introduced the memorial for Sergeant Mark Allen Butler of the Navasota Police Department. Kolkhorst described Butler’s actions during a vehicle incident and said Butler’s maneuver likely prevented additional civilian deaths; she said Butler left two young sons. The Senate recessed and then adjourned until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, “in memory of Sergeant Mark Allen Butler, constituent of Senator Kolkhorst, and Deputy Jesus Jesse Vargas, constituent of Senator Middleton.”
Members called for legislative action to keep violent offenders off the street and for support for first responders and families. The memorials were adopted and the chamber approved a motion to add all senators’ names to the resolutions.
