A key deadline passed Monday without action in the Texas House on casino legislation backed by the gaming empire Las Vegas Sands. A measure to allow sports gambling looks similarly doomed.
87th Legislative Session
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Texas Legislature 2021
“You need that help”: Mom wishes she had better care after giving birth on Medicaid
In the weekend edition of The Brief podcast, Juanita Raji says she could have used more time on Medicaid postpartum and supports lawmakers’ efforts to extend coverage for new moms.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas’ larger cities would face financial penalties for cutting police budgets under bill approved by House
Previously, the Senate approved a bill that would ask for an election if cities decide to reduce law enforcement budgets.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Protesters who obstruct emergency vehicles could face felony charges under bill passed by Texas House
The bill is in response to nationwide protests against police brutality last year.
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Texas Legislature 2021
GOP lawmakers want to ban “woke philosophies” like critical race theory in Texas schools
Gov. Greg Abbott has called for expanding the state’s civic education curriculum, but the House and Senate are quickly advancing bills that would restrict the discussion of current events and public policy in the classroom and prohibit critical race theory in public schools.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Senate bill restricting transgender students’ sports participation stalls in House committee, casting doubts on its fate
The bill would prevent transgender Texas children from joining school sports teams that match their gender identity.
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Texas Legislature 2021
The criminal penalty for possessing small amounts of marijuana would be reduced under a bill passed by the Texas House
The measure likely faces an uphill climb in the Senate, where two years ago Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick opposed similar legislation.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Bill allowing permitless carrying of handguns advances to Texas Senate floor, where its fate remains uncertain
The bill would nix the requirement for most Texas residents to obtain a license to carry handguns. Texans would also no longer be required to receive training before carrying a handgun in public.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick “optimistic” about allowing permitless carry of handguns as bill appears poised to reach Senate floor
The lieutenant governor said Thursday he still does not have the votes to bring the proposal to the floor of the upper chamber, but he believes that will change by next week.
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Texas Legislature 2021
A Texas economic incentive offers massive tax breaks to companies, but its renewal isn’t a done deal
Chapter 313, a decades-old law designed to lure companies to Texas with property tax breaks, expires in 2022. Lawmakers looking to renew it face opposition from critics who say it’s unfair to many Texas schools.