Principal
Austin
mvane@hbstrategies.us

Regarded as a dynamic, non-partisan advocate respected for his ability to tackle high-stakes issues on behalf of his clients, Mark creates opportunities, changes processes and works toward a more favorable business climate in Texas. Listed in the Top 12 “Hired Guns” (a listing of the top lobbyists in Texas) by USLege, Mark has been recognized for his government relations work by Texas Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America.

Mark is board certified in Legislative and Campaign Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is among only 14 attorneys in the state who have received this certification.

He has more than 27 years of experience representing clients before Texas legislators and agencies in matters involving health care, taxation, the environment,  insurance, financial services entertainment, and consumer protection. Drafting legislation aimed at improving the business climate for industry and helping clients comply with state and local laws, rules and regulations are examples of how Mark moves the needle for his clients when representing them in Texas.

Mark often represents private companies, trade and industry associations and helps clients with high-profile interests before governmental bodies, particularly the Texas legislature and state regulatory agencies. His recent successes include:

• Passage of first-of-its-kind legislation to expand access to certain cancer treatments for patients living in rural parts of Texas far from large medical centers;
• Funding for state grants for new forensic testing technologies that help law enforcement solve cold criminal cases; 
• Adoption of legislation that provides additional, low-cost options for car buyers to make monthly payments;
• Appropriations of state monies to fund security grants for non-profit institutions, such as churches and synagogues; and 
  Approval of laws to streamline the payment and reporting of the inventory tax levied on those who purchase or rent heavy equipment.
   

Previously, Mark served as legislative director for a member of the Texas House of Representatives, where he managed numerous bills as they moved through the Texas Legislature, focusing on appropriations, insurance and environmental issues. Mark also regularly works on rulemaking, policy development, licensing and enforcement actions. His Texas state agency experience includes matters before the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Office of the Texas Attorney General, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, and Texas Department of Transportation, among others.

Mark is a 1998 graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, a 1995 graduate of the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, and a 1990 graduate of the George Washington University.