The Senate has approved a measure that prohibits local and state government agencies from contracting with abortion providers and their affiliates.
Charles Schwertner
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State Government
Senate sends bill creating statewide ride-hailing regulations to governor
After a debate among lawmakers over the best way to regulate services like Uber and Lyft, the Texas Senate tentatively backed a proposal that would override local regulations concerning ride-hailing companies.
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Transportation
Senate panel considers bills that would draw Uber and Lyft back to Austin
A Senate committee heard testimony on three bills that would override local regulations concerning ride-hailing companies.
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Health care
Texas House bills lay out some initial plans to overhaul CPS
Texas representatives have filed legislation to start an overhaul of the the state’s Child Protective Services, following a crisis that has left thousands of kids at risk.
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Politics
Dan Patrick makes only one change atop Senate committees
Only one committee received a new committee chair in the Texas Senate. Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, will chair the Senate Administration Committee.
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State Government
Texas legislators driving bid for uniform rules on ride hailing (video)
Texas is one of about a dozen states without uniform ride-hailing standards. That could change after the 85th Legislative Session. This is part of our “State of Mind” video series looking at community concerns coming to the Capitol.
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Criminal Justice
Lawmaker wants to crack down on illegal hiring by state contractors
A measure filed Monday by state Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, would beef up punishment for employers that hire undocumented workers and seek to do business with the state.
Posted inState Government
Analysis: Texas Legislators, Not Local Voters, Have the Final Say
Less than 24 hours after an Austin vote on ride-hailing regulations, state lawmakers lined up to countermand efforts there that get in ride-hailers’ way. Maybe they’re right. But politicians should overrule voters cautiously.
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State Government
After Austin Vote, GOP State Senator Announces Ride-Hailing Legislation
State Sen. Charles Schwertner said Sunday he would file legislation next year “designed to establish consistent and predictable statewide regulation of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft.”
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Criminal Justice
Unlike Other States, Texas E-Verify Law Operating Under Honor System
When former Gov. Rick Perry ordered state agencies to use E-Verify in 2014, his plan was criticized for not having an enforcement mechanism. But a senate bill designed to make Perry’s mandate a bona fide law also lacks teeth.