Behind closed doors, a joint Senate and House committee killed a measure that would require police officers to explain why they arrest someone for fine-only offenses, otherwise the case would be dismissed. Criminal justice reform advocates considered the issue a priority following the arrest of Sandra Bland.
86th Legislative Session
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Texas Legislature 2019
The property tax reform package is heading to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk
The bill aims to slow rising property tax revenues and make it easier for Texans to understand how their tax bills are determined. The House and Senate both approved it Saturday, and it is expected to soon be sent to Abbott for his signature.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Behind closed doors, Texas budget writers add $100 million for border surge
The money would come from the state savings account, and Texas officials anticipate getting reimbursed by the federal government.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Texas House, Senate pass school finance bill mandating teacher raises and cutting taxes
The $11.6 billion school finance and property tax reform bill is now poised to head to Gov. Greg Abbott.
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Texas Legislature 2019
An amendment about waste facility fees was added to a widely supported domestic violence bill. Will it stick?
Sen. Lois Kolkhorst’s office said Saturday that she “is still evaluating all options available to save SB 1804.”
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Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: Texas legislators had a successful session, but not a historic one
Lawmakers delivered on their promises of school finance and property tax reforms, agreeing to spend $11.6 billion on a combination of education changes and tax cuts. It’s big, but is it really “transformative”?
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Texas Legislature 2019
Teacher raises and all-day pre-K: Here’s what’s in the Texas Legislature’s landmark school finance bill
The $11.6 billion legislation is on a path to the governor’s desk and includes property tax cuts, a hike in per-student funding and money to ease the state’s reliance on the “Robin Hood” program.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Bill lengthening amount of time child sex abuse victims can sue heads to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk
The House initially exempted churches and nonprofits from the extended statute of limitations, but the chamber agreed to include them Friday after sex assault victims pushed back.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Texas passes bill banning cities from partnering with Planned Parenthood on any services
The bill would prohibit such partnerships, even for services not related to abortions.
Abortion rights advocates worry that the bill’s broad language could even halt privately funded programs held on government property.
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Texas Legislature 2019
With Secretary of State David Whitley close to losing his job, anxious Democrats take attendance
The Texas Senate needs two-thirds approval to confirm Whitley, but Democrats have stood in the way after his office’s botched voter roll review.