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Texas Senate passes its own school safety funding bill, but little time remains to get it across the finish line
Read full article: Texas Senate passes its own school safety funding bill, but little time remains to get it across the finish lineSenate Bill 5 would send an extra $800 million to public schools for security upgrades over the next two years. But the measure is at risk of becoming the latest casualty of the rift between the Texas House and Senate.
GOP senators, open to Paxton conviction, flipped when they realized they were still short the votes
Read full article: GOP senators, open to Paxton conviction, flipped when they realized they were still short the votes“I feel there were six senators who were ready to be the 21st vote,” said Sen. Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas. “But they didn’t want to be the 20th vote.”
$32.7M effort aims to improve Houston drainage channel, reducing flooding
Read full article: $32.7M effort aims to improve Houston drainage channel, reducing floodingCongresswoman Lizzie Fletcher held a news conference on Wednesday to discuss $32.7 million that will be used for a construction improvement project for Poor Farm Ditch, which is a drainage channel in Houston.
Historic $321.3 billion Texas state budget heads to comptroller
Read full article: Historic $321.3 billion Texas state budget heads to comptrollerAbout $17 billion worth of commitments lawmakers made in the new budget were snagged in policy fights between the Texas House and Senate on Saturday night.
Mandatory 10-year sentences for some crimes involving guns revived by Texas Senate
Read full article: Mandatory 10-year sentences for some crimes involving guns revived by Texas SenateThe idea appeared to die in the Texas House over the weekend, but senators kept it alive by grafting the proposal on to another piece of legislation.
Texas may soon have a process to remove local prosecutors who won’t pursue abortion, election cases
Read full article: Texas may soon have a process to remove local prosecutors who won’t pursue abortion, election casesThe bill would allow for the removal of prosecutors who adopt any policy to not pursue certain crimes, including some low-level theft and drug charges. The Senate’s version will need to be reconciled with the House, which had carved out some exemptions.
Bill providing death benefits for National Guard serving along southern border sent to governor
Read full article: Bill providing death benefits for National Guard serving along southern border sent to governorThe legislation was named for Bishop Evans, who drowned last year trying to rescue migrants in the Rio Grande.
Protesters decry stalled fentanyl test strip bill; Texas House passes get-tough criminal penalties
Read full article: Protesters decry stalled fentanyl test strip bill; Texas House passes get-tough criminal penaltiesStuck in committee, the test-strip legislation has support from Gov. Greg Abbott and bipartisan lawmakers, who see it as a way to save lives.
Bills to create new Texas courts would likely reverse Democratic gains, restore GOP dominance
Read full article: Bills to create new Texas courts would likely reverse Democratic gains, restore GOP dominanceSupporters say the proposals would increase efficiency and expertise, but opponents argue the attempts are political and probably unconstitutional.
Texas Senate passes $308 billion budget plan, kicking off high-stakes negotiations with the House
Read full article: Texas Senate passes $308 billion budget plan, kicking off high-stakes negotiations with the HouseThere are $5 billion and several political wedges standing between the House and Senate plans, which now move into conference committee with less than five weeks before session ends.
‘I don’t apologize for calling out our elected officials to do their job’: Spring Branch ISD Board responds to lawmakers
Read full article: ‘I don’t apologize for calling out our elected officials to do their job’: Spring Branch ISD Board responds to lawmakersSenator Joan Huffman announced plans to meet with Spring Branch ISD leaders after a Friday board meeting where several members expressed their frustrations with the legislature.
Texas Senate approves bill that would create mandatory prison or probation terms for some gun crimes
Read full article: Texas Senate approves bill that would create mandatory prison or probation terms for some gun crimesSen. Joan Huffman said the bill was in response to increased violent crime since 2019. Legislative researchers could not determine how the bill would affect the state’s prison population.
To be safe, Texas Senate again approves political district maps
Read full article: To be safe, Texas Senate again approves political district mapsThe vote ensured the Senate met its constitutional requirement to redraw districts in the first regular session after publication of the 2020 census results.
Lawmakers propose more changes to Texas’ bail system
Read full article: Lawmakers propose more changes to Texas’ bail systemDuring the last session, lawmakers passed sweeping legislation to tighten bail laws in cases involving violent crime.In this session, lawmakers want to add felons in possession of a weapon to the list of crimes not eligible for personal bonds.
Bills advance to close loophole allowing some lawmakers to increase their pay to $140,000
Read full article: Bills advance to close loophole allowing some lawmakers to increase their pay to $140,000Two bills that advanced in House and Senate committees on Wednesday both exempt any lawmaker who has already taken advantage of the benefit.
Texas Senate budget writers propose billions for teacher raises, lower property taxes and water projects
Read full article: Texas Senate budget writers propose billions for teacher raises, lower property taxes and water projectsThe Senate Finance Committee’s proposals won’t be voted on and sent to the full chamber until April.
“We just want parity”: Military groups call on lawmakers to give Operation Lone Star troops death benefits
Read full article: “We just want parity”: Military groups call on lawmakers to give Operation Lone Star troops death benefitsLaw enforcement officers who serve on Operation Lone Star get a $500,000 death benefit for their survivors if they die on duty. But National Guard troops on the same mission don’t get a dime from the state for their families if they die.
Texas bill requiring 10-year prison sentences for gun felonies faces opposition from criminal justice and firearm advocates
Read full article: Texas bill requiring 10-year prison sentences for gun felonies faces opposition from criminal justice and firearm advocatesUnder Senate Bill 23, all felonies involving a gun would incur a mandatory 10-year prison sentence. It’s meant to curb crime, despite the lack of correlation between harsher sentences and crime rates.
Texas Senate passes first bill this session, a bipartisan effort to close teen gun loophole
Read full article: Texas Senate passes first bill this session, a bipartisan effort to close teen gun loopholeIn its first bill passed this session, the Texas Senate sought to ensure juvenile mental health hospitalizations are reported to the federal firearm background check system.
Lawmakers could use $5 billion of a record surplus for raises, flood prevention and border operations
Read full article: Lawmakers could use $5 billion of a record surplus for raises, flood prevention and border operationsBudget proposals would boost state spending for the current budget cycle for projects ranging from mental health hospitals to state pay raises. This would leave $27 billion in surplus for next two years.
Lawmakers could no longer “double dip” into pension funds under newly filed bill
Read full article: Lawmakers could no longer “double dip” into pension funds under newly filed billState Sen. Joan Huffman filed a bill that would repeal a provision that allowed longtime lawmakers to increase their yearly take-home income by $140,000 by collecting pension payments without retiring.
Texas Tech reviews its hiring practices as efforts to promote diversity come under fire
Read full article: Texas Tech reviews its hiring practices as efforts to promote diversity come under fireTexas Tech’s review comes as Gov. Greg Abbott has instructed state agencies and public universities that “forbidden DEI initiatives” violate federal and state employment discrimination laws.
Texas Senate leaders signal intent to spend big on border security
Read full article: Texas Senate leaders signal intent to spend big on border securityThe state has spent $4 billion on border initiatives in the past two years, including $40 million to bus migrants out of Texas into Democrat-led cities.
Texas universities propose two-year tuition freeze in exchange for nearly $1 billion in additional state funding
Read full article: Texas universities propose two-year tuition freeze in exchange for nearly $1 billion in additional state fundingThe leaders of the state’s six biggest university systems are seeking the money to fund instruction, university operations and employee health insurance and to cover a free tuition program for veterans and their children.
After a Texas National Guard member died, his family got no financial payment. Lawmakers want to change that.
Read full article: After a Texas National Guard member died, his family got no financial payment. Lawmakers want to change that.In April, Bishop Evans drowned after jumping into the Rio Grande to save two migrants being swept away by the current. His family members will receive no financial payment, but they would if he worked for DPS or was under federal deployment.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott joins other key Republicans in supporting repealing the “tampon tax”
Read full article: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott joins other key Republicans in supporting repealing the “tampon tax”Advocates have previously called for repealing the sales tax on products like tampons, sanitary pads and pantyliners. Menstrual products are already tax-free in 24 states.
Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Quanell X condemns alleged sexual exploitation of children in DFPS care by foster care system employees
Read full article: Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Quanell X condemns alleged sexual exploitation of children in DFPS care by foster care system employeesThe Texas Rainbow PUSH Coalition has organized an “Emergency Call to Action” press conference Tuesday in response to reports of children in the Department of Family and Protective Services’ care allegedly being sexually exploited and trafficked by employees in the foster care system.
Federal judges won’t halt Texas primary in state Senate district being challenged for alleged discrimination
Read full article: Federal judges won’t halt Texas primary in state Senate district being challenged for alleged discriminationThe redrawn state Senate District 10 splits Black and Hispanic voters in Tarrant County. A full trial on whether GOP lawmakers intentionally discriminated against voters of color is expected later this year.
Republicans say Texas’ new political maps are “race blind.” To some voters of color, that translates as political invisibility.
Read full article: Republicans say Texas’ new political maps are “race blind.” To some voters of color, that translates as political invisibility.With partisan fervor, Republicans drew new maps for Congress and the Legislature that dilute the power of voters of color. Now the lawsuits begin, as groups that feel marginalized battle for representation in the halls of power.
Texas lawmakers pass new congressional maps bolstering GOP
Read full article: Texas lawmakers pass new congressional maps bolstering GOPTexas Republicans have approved redrawn U.S. House maps that favor incumbents and could decrease political representation for growing minority communities in the nation’s largest red state.
Law passed in honor of fallen Fort Bend County deputy Caleb Rule
Read full article: Law passed in honor of fallen Fort Bend County deputy Caleb RuleHouse Bill 133, also known as the Caleb Rule Act, has officially been passed. It was initially filed by Rep. Jacey Jetton of Richmond and Sen. Joan Huffman of Houston.
Texas Senate approves congressional map that draws no new Black or Hispanic districts even as people of color fueled population growth
Read full article: Texas Senate approves congressional map that draws no new Black or Hispanic districts even as people of color fueled population growthTexas gained two new seats in Congress based on population growth fueled by people of color. But the Senate’s proposal provides no new majority-Black or majority-Hispanic districts to reflect that growth.
Senate approves map cementing GOP dominance in upper chamber, dividing up Tarrant county’s voters of color
Read full article: Senate approves map cementing GOP dominance in upper chamber, dividing up Tarrant county’s voters of colorDemocrats criticized Republicans for “targeting” a North Texas district that had been trending Democratic and for not drawing any new districts where people of color would represent a majority of eligible voters.
Senate panel advances Texas Senate and State Board of Education maps
Read full article: Senate panel advances Texas Senate and State Board of Education mapsThe initial drafts of both maps have so far attempted to strengthen Republican majorities by protecting incumbents and creating more GOP-friendly districts.
Gov. Greg Abbott set to sign felony bond reform bill into law, eliminating personal bonds for violent criminals
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott set to sign felony bond reform bill into law, eliminating personal bonds for violent criminalsGovernor Greg Abbott will soon sign into law the felony bond reform bill that will eliminate personal bonds for the most violent offenders, among other things.
Drivers who hit someone in a crosswalk in Texas could now face prison time thanks to new law named after Fort Bend County woman
Read full article: Drivers who hit someone in a crosswalk in Texas could now face prison time thanks to new law named after Fort Bend County womanNot many days after Lisa Torry Smith died in 2017, after family members learned it was not a crime in Texas to drive into someone in a crosswalk, they decided the law needed to change.
Overhaul to Texas state government employees’ retirement accounts advanced by House
Read full article: Overhaul to Texas state government employees’ retirement accounts advanced by HouseSenate Bill 321 would enroll new state workers in a cash-balance plan — similar to a common 401(k) retirement account — rather than the defined-benefit pension plan that current employees have.
A year after George Floyd’s murder, only a few of Texas lawmakers’ police reform measures appear likely to become law
Read full article: A year after George Floyd’s murder, only a few of Texas lawmakers’ police reform measures appear likely to become lawNarrowly targeted pieces of Texas’ George Floyd Act — like restricting chokeholds and requiring officers to provide first aid — are expected to pass. But the Act itself and many other related reforms have failed to progress during the legislative session that ends Monday.
Texas senator overhauls House bail bill to keep more people in jail if they can’t post cash bonds
Read full article: Texas senator overhauls House bail bill to keep more people in jail if they can’t post cash bondsLegislative attempts to reform bail in Texas is likely headed for a closed-door showdown over the different approaches the House and Senate each devised.
Overhaul to Texas state employee pension plan unveiled and quickly advanced by state Senate committee
Read full article: Overhaul to Texas state employee pension plan unveiled and quickly advanced by state Senate committeeTexas Senate approves bail bill that would keep more people in jail if they can’t post cash bonds
Read full article: Texas Senate approves bail bill that would keep more people in jail if they can’t post cash bondsThe Texas Senate on Wednesday approved the chamber’s priority legislation that aims to keep more people accused or previously convicted of violent crimes in jail before trial unless they can post cash bonds.
The Texas Senate has approved a new statewide appeals court. Critics contend it's another attempt to limit Democrats' power.
Read full article: The Texas Senate has approved a new statewide appeals court. Critics contend it's another attempt to limit Democrats' power.Voters would have to approve police budget cuts under bill approved by Texas Senate
Read full article: Voters would have to approve police budget cuts under bill approved by Texas SenateThe Texas Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would prevent local governments from cutting their law enforcement budgets without voter approval.
Texas lawmakers advancing bail bills that opponents say do little for people stuck in jail because they're poor
Read full article: Texas lawmakers advancing bail bills that opponents say do little for people stuck in jail because they're poorHarris County got rid of cash bail for many people accused of minor crimes. GOP lawmakers want to walk that back.
Read full article: Harris County got rid of cash bail for many people accused of minor crimes. GOP lawmakers want to walk that back.AdBettencourt and Huffman have criticized Harris County judges for releasing most people on no-cost personal recognizance, or PR, bonds. “Other policy initiatives — not renewed reliance on cash bail — will be required to halt the increase in violence,” a memo to county commissioners said. Critics of bail reform efforts and the bail bonds industry — which is dependent on cash bail systems — have often pointed to less people showing up to court as an argument against bail reform efforts. “People want to come to court and the vast majority of people do,” said Harris County Criminal Court Judge Franklin Bynum. The Harris County court monitor report said homeless people were twice as likely to be arrested while out on bond than other defendants.
Despite committee’s recommendation, ending Texas’ partisan judicial elections looks unlikely
Read full article: Despite committee’s recommendation, ending Texas’ partisan judicial elections looks unlikelyThe Texas Supreme Court on Jan. 15, 2020. Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneTexas looks unlikely to change its controversial partisan election system for judges — even after a commission studying the issue recommended ending the practice. And in Republican primaries, judicial candidates with Hispanic-sounding surnames have often fared poorly, owing, experts say, to a largely white electorate. Those who favor partisan judicial elections have pointed out that they may work better in rural counties, where voters are electing fewer judges and it’s easier to learn their qualifications. Aside from the bias of partisanship, one of the chief concerns about the state’s partisan judicial selection system is the influence — perceived or actual — of donors who bankroll judges’ campaigns. Huffman, a powerful figure in the Texas Senate, said earlier this month she had already begun drafting a constitutional amendment that would increase judicial qualifications.
Analysis: When mapmaking Texas politicians are smiling and quiet, pay attention
Read full article: Analysis: When mapmaking Texas politicians are smiling and quiet, pay attentionThis one is about redistricting — how the state draws its political maps — and it fits the pattern. Political maps are the foundation of who does and doesn’t have a voice in a democracy. Asked whether a Republican House and Senate, with a Republican governor, can be expected to draw maps that favor Republicans, neither lawmaker agreed. Sure enough, they draw maps that increase their chances of success — not only in elections, but in the government decisions that follow. Republicans draw Republican maps.
It could take 3 months to clear Lake Jackson’s drinking water system of brain-eating amoeba, officials say
Read full article: It could take 3 months to clear Lake Jackson’s drinking water system of brain-eating amoeba, officials sayLAKE JACKSON, Texas – The road to drinkable water won’t be a short one in Lake Jackson after a brain-eating amoeba was found in the water system. The discovery initially led officials to issue a do-not-use order for the Brazosport Water Authority. That was later changed to a boil-water notice for the city of Lake Jackson. Officials said they believe BWA’s distribution system is clean and that the issue is limited to Lake Jackson, where 11 of 54 sites tested there showed low levels of disinfectant. Baker said monthly and quarterly testing records for Lake Jackson show nothing of concern leading up to the discovery of the amoeba.