Jon Heining believes that strong states and strong state legislatures are critical to the success of our great American experiment in self-government. Accordingly, he serves the legislature of his state as general counsel to the Texas Legislative Council. As general counsel, Heining provides guidance on a variety of legislative, administrative, contractual, and compliance-related issues. In addition, he drafts or reviews several categories of legislative documents. Jon is dedicated to developing and sustaining the supportive environment and sense of mission at the council that is necessary to effectively support the Texas legislature's operations.Mr. Heining is often asked to speak and provide training on topics including legal ethics, discrimination in the legislative workplace, compliance, Texas legislative process, and the use of social media by government employees. Mr. Heining is a member of the National Conference of State Legislature's Research, Editorial, Legal and Committee Staff Association, NCSL's Redistricting and Elections Standing Committee, and the Texas State Bar's Legislative and Campaign Law Section. Heining completed his term on NCSL's Executive Committee and as the organization's Immediate Past Staff Chair in December 2021. Mr. Heining holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Auburn University in Alabama, a master of laws from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, and a juris doctorate from The University of Texas School of Law in Austin, Texas. In his spare time, Mr. Heining enjoys bicycling, scuba diving, preparing and eating smoked meats, and gardening poorly. Jon lives in Austin, Texas, with his beloved wife, children, and dogs.