Hundreds of new state laws go into effect Friday including a statewide texting-while-driving ban. But two other high-profile measures – one dealing with abortion, the other immigration – are currently blocked by federal injunctions.
85th Legislative Session
Posted inState Government
State Rep. Jodie Laubenberg not running for re-election
The Collin County Republican said she is “looking forward to the next chapter of my life.”
Posted inState Government
The Texas bathroom bill saga in 5 minutes (video)
From Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s announcement last summer that he would push for a bathroom bill to the bill’s quite demise this month in the special session, this video will take you through the story of the intense political fight in 5 minutes.
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Criminal Justice
Gov. Greg Abbott weighs in on Confederate monument debate
In the Roundup: In the wake of the white nationalist rally in Virginia, Abbott weighs in on the removal of confederate statues, and Texas A&M blocks a similar rally from happening on campus.
Posted inState Government
With bathroom bill dead, Pastor Council looks to future fights
Founded in 2003 as a group of Houston-area pastors, the Texas Pastor Council has grown into a burgeoning statewide apparatus with eyes on someday becoming a nationwide force.
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Power Trips
Who’s to blame for your rising property taxes? Here’s what Texans think
As lawmakers debated property tax reform, we asked Texans to give us their take on the state-vs.-local fight about regulating rising property tax bills. Here’s a look at the legislative debate and how some Texans feel about the proposed measures.
Posted inState Government
Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill restricting city tree removal policies
Just two months after vetoing a bill aimed at restricting city rules on tree removal, Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday signed a similar measure into law passed during a summer special session.
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Public Education
“Disappointed” House accepts Senate’s changes to school finance bill
The Texas House voted Tuesday to swallow a bitter pill and accept a version of a school finance bill that had $1.5 billion less in funding for schools than the lower chamber initially approved.
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Health care
Bill regulating do-not-resuscitate orders heads to governor’s desk
A bill requiring doctors to obtain explicit patient permission for do-not-resuscitate orders will land on the governor’s desk after the Senate voted to approve the measure Tuesday night.
Posted in
Politics
After months of controversy, Texas bathroom bill dies quietly
After generating a heated statewide debate earlier this year, the Texas bathroom bill died in the special legislative session with little drama or fanfare.