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Law to crack down on lobbyists ensnares two former Texas House members
Read full article: Law to crack down on lobbyists ensnares two former Texas House membersThe law says a former member of the Legislature cannot engage in activities that require them to register as a lobbyist if they have made a political contribution using campaign funds in the past two years.
State Rep. Eddie Lucio III, who announced last year he would not seek reelection, to step down early
Read full article: State Rep. Eddie Lucio III, who announced last year he would not seek reelection, to step down earlyThe Brownsville Democrat said his resignation will be effective Jan. 31. That sets up a potential special election to finish his term, though whoever wins would only serve for a short time.
Democrat Eddie Lucio Jr., known for voting with Republicans on key issues, to retire after three decades in Texas Senate
Read full article: Democrat Eddie Lucio Jr., known for voting with Republicans on key issues, to retire after three decades in Texas SenateThe Brownsville Democrat, who made the announcement Thursday, has served in the upper chamber since 1991.
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Texas Republicans pave way for new battleground state House district in Rio Grande Valley over local lawmakers’ objections
Read full article: Texas Republicans pave way for new battleground state House district in Rio Grande Valley over local lawmakers’ objectionsThe likely new district comes as Texas Republicans continue to try to make new inroads in South Texas after the 2020 election.
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South Texas was already a political battleground. New maps could alter game plans.
Read full article: South Texas was already a political battleground. New maps could alter game plans.With proposed maps out, U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, says he might switch to a neighboring district where U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, is retiring. The initial maps are also sure to impact decisions in regional legislative races.
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Another special session to pass a GOP voting bill started without a quorum. This time it’s unclear if Democrats will stay away.
Read full article: Another special session to pass a GOP voting bill started without a quorum. This time it’s unclear if Democrats will stay away.Both chambers convened at noon Saturday for a second overtime round ordered by Gov. Greg Abbott. The first 30-day stretch ended in an impasse after House Democrats left the state to block a controversial GOP elections bill.
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How to connect with your Texas lawmakers during the pandemic
Read full article: How to connect with your Texas lawmakers during the pandemicThe state Capitol on Jan. 12, 2021. Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneNeed to stay updated on coronavirus news in Texas? Pre-pandemic, the Texas state Capitol during legislative sessions has been a flurry of crowded hearings, hand shaking, protests, lobbying and people vying for the attention of their state lawmakers. Here are some ways Texans can connect with their lawmakers safely this legislative session. Virtual meetingsIndividual lawmakers will decide whether their offices are open to members of the public. Capriglione said he will also be available to people virtually and people should feel comfortable contacting lawmakers remotely.