Critics characterized the bill as a TRAP law that would enact a "virtual ban on abortion in Texas." During the 83rd Legislative Session, which was his first as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Deuell worked for passage of several bills to help ensure the Texas economy continues to lead the nation. Key measures include: Renewal of the Texas Economic Development Act (SB 1647 by Sen. Deuell / HB 3390 by Representative Harvey Hilderbran) - this successful state program has brought over $60 billion in capital investment, over 6,500 jobs, and almost $600 million in direct payments to school districts since 2001. In renewing the act, Deuell added strong taxpayer protections such as an annual ongoing audit and monetary penalties for failure to meet job-creation requirements (any penalties collected will go to Foundation School Fund). Research and Development Incentives (SB 859 by Sen. Deuell / HB 800 by Rep. Murphy) - A study by Texans for Innovation indicates that this legislation could result in $13 billion in increased economic activity, $4.5 billion in increased wages and income, and 97,000 new permanent jobs. Current District 113 state Representative Cindy Burkett of Sunnyvale is a former legislative aide and deputy regional director for Senator Deuell. Leadership while in Senate Deuell was the chairman of the Senate Committee on Economic Development, serving on the Senate Finance and Natural Resources committees, and was vice-chair of both the Health and Human Services and State Affairs committees. In addition, Deuell was selected by Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst to serve on the Senate Select Committee on Water Policy. He was a vice-chair of the Rural Caucus. Senator Deuell is a former chair of the Senate Republican Caucus. Music Before entering medical school in the late 1970s, Deuell enjoyed a career as a professional drummer and played behind such disparate artists as Ike & Tina Turner and Bob Hope. He sat in with the veteran Western Swing band Asleep at the Wheel at an inaugural ball for George W. Bush in January 2005. While much of his time today is taken up by his official duties and his medical practice, Deuell still plays the drums whenever asked for charitable events. In addition, his appreciation for music is such that he is known as the “Senator for Texas Music” because of legislation authored such as Senate Resolution 292, which made March 3, 2005 “Bob Wills Day” at