Lawmakers are finished with the regular session and now enter the political season, figuring out how to discuss their work in a narrative voters will find appealing in next year’s elections.
86th Legislative Session
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Texas Legislature 2019
Abbott extends state plumbing board until 2021 after Legislature abolished it
The governor cited Texas’ continued recovery from Hurricane Harvey as a reason why he was issuing an executive order to continue the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, which was on track to shut down.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Gov. Greg Abbott signs disaster relief and preparedness bills in Houston
The legislation includes framework that provides more than $1.6 billion for flood control projects and repairs across the state.
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Texas Legislature 2019
After House Republicans tackle big challenges in session, they face another one: saving themselves
Some Democrats are mobilizing in hopes of taking the nine House seats they need for a majority in 2020 as Republican House Speaker Dennis Bonnen tries to prevent intra-GOP challenges in the primaries.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill designed to limit property tax growth
A top priority of state leaders, the legislation requires voter approval before local governments increase their property tax revenue by more than 3.5%.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: Greg Abbott, a song of accomplishments and an out-of-tune tweet
The governor is busy touting the accomplishments of the recently ended Texas legislative session while inadvertently reminding his Twitter followers of one of his administration’s errors.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Texas vaccine exemption rates have reached an all-time high. Did Texas make it too easy for parents to opt out?
Texas has resisted recent attempts to change its vaccine laws, allowing parents to get their children exemptions for “reasons of conscience.” Use our lookup tool to see how exemption rates have changed in school districts and private schools across the state.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Gov. Greg Abbott signs $11.6 billion school finance measure into law
The high-priority bill boosts per-student funding and reduces property taxes across the state.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Texas governor signs bill clarifying that women are allowed to pump breast milk in public
Previous state law explicitly permitted breastfeeding in public, but the bill adds a protection for women who choose to pump breast milk in public.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill declaring children’s lemonade stands legal
The bill, which goes into effect Sept. 1, prevents cities and neighborhood associations from prohibiting or regulating children who sell nonalcoholic drinks on private property.
