Texas lawmakers are likely to take a close look this legislative session at how law enforcement and civilians interact with each other.
85th Legislative Session
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Criminal Justice
Federal court blocks Texas fetal remains burial rule
U.S. District Court Judge Sam Sparks ruled Texas cannot require health providers to bury or cremate fetuses, delivering another blow to state leaders in the reproductive rights debate.
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Politics
Human Rights Campaign to open Texas offices to fight “bathroom bill”
The prominent LGBT civil rights organization is opening three offices in Texas for the legislative session to fight Texas’ “bathroom bill” and other anti-LGBT legislation.
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Politics
Trump administration moves forward with construction of border wall (video)
In the Texas Political Roundup: Lawmakers push for school choice legislation, President Trump unveils plans to build a wall on the southern border and Gov. Greg Abbott proposes removing any officeholder who promotes “sanctuary cities.”
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Politics
Muslim leaders denounce “intolerance” as lawmakers hold “Islamic Terrorism” event
As Republican lawmakers met for a “homeland security summit,” Muslim leaders said state Rep. Kyle Biedermann discriminated against them in sending a letter to poll their beliefs.
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Higher Education
Senators slam UT System, say communication has been lacking
At a Texas Senate committee hearing Thursday, new UT System regent appointees got a friendly reception. But there was criticism of those running the system.
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State Government
Meet the new members of the Texas Legislature
Twenty-two new faces have taken their places in the Texas Legislature this year — 21 of them in the House and one in the Senate. All but seven of them are Republicans.
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Higher Education
Texas university leaders warn of dire consequences if Senate budget is implemented
In a day-long hearing, university presidents and chancellors said their schools might have to lay off faculty and cut classes if hundreds of millions of dollars worth of “special items” aren’t put back in the budget.
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State Government
Texas Senate’s ethics reform plan unveiled, targets revolving door
Sen. Van Taylor, R-Plano, unveiled his ethics reform plan on Wednesday. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the Republican Senate leader, was on hand for the unveiling and announced that there were enough votes to pass the proposal out of the 31-member chamber.
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Politics
Straus seeks to publish efficiency report that Patrick wanted scrapped
House Speaker Joe Straus has asked a state agency to release its ideas for improving government efficiency. The request came on the heels of news that Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick had directed the board to do the exact opposite.