Corsicana Republican state Rep. Byron Cook, who has an adopted child, says both same-sex adoptive parents should be listed on a Texas birth certificate. He believes it’s best for the children, though it puts him at odds with his party’s stance on gay rights issues.
Byron Cook
Posted in
Bidness As Usual
Liveblog: Open Government at The Texas Tribune Festival
We’re liveblogging the sessions from the 2014 Texas Tribune Festival’s Open Government track. The sessions include panels on disclosures by legislators, open records in Texas, transparency and the Texas budget, and the issue of donor privacy.
Posted inState Government
“Dark Money” Hearing Centers on Transparency vs. Free Speech
A hearing on Thursday examining whether some nonprofits engaged in political activity should have to reveal their donors drew sharp comments from activists as well as input from U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.
Posted in
Demographics
Measure Allowing Driver’s Permits for Undocumented Immigrants Stalls
An amendment that would have allowed undocumented immigrants to obtain a permit to legally drive and purchase insurance in Texas was derailed Friday on a point of order.
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Demographics
Will “Sanctuary Cities” Debate Galvanize Latino Voters?
The contentious sanctuary cities legislation debate left a bitter aftertaste for some Texas Latinos, but will it translate into change at the ballot box next year?
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Energy
With Little Help From Austin, Texas’ Solar Use Grows — Slowly
Renewable energy companies are looking to this big, sunny state as the next frontier for solar power. But solar is expensive, and once again the Legislature did not pass a statewide solar incentive. Some companies and communities are forging ahead nonetheless.
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Demographics
Special Session, Court Decision Could Give E-Verify New Life
A decision by the U.S. Supreme Court last week upholding an Arizona law that punishes employers who hire illegal immigrants may give Texas lawmakers some newfound momentum to file immigration-related legislation.
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Energy
Solar Backers Place Hopes in House Bill
Advocates of solar power made their case last night for passage of a bill that would add a dollar each month to residential electric bills to fund solar projects. Opponents worry about costs.
Posted in
Health care
House Fights on Familiar Ground: The Rules
In the House, what starts with substance — abortion sonogram legislation, in this case — often ends with procedure.
Posted in
Higher Education
Battle Brewing Over Mandatory Meningitis Vaccine
The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling this week that vaccine manufacturers are protected from lawsuits by parents who believe that vaccines harmed their children is sure to energize anti-immunization advocates working to thwart attempts to expand meningococcal vaccine requirements for college students.