A proposal to ban the trade of shark fins in Texas sailed through the Texas House on Wednesday, but it faces choppier waters ahead: the Texas Senate, where similar legislation foundered in 2013.
Eddie Lucio III
Posted in
Economy
House Democrats Push Minimum Wage Hike
A handful of Democrats on Tuesday asked the House Business and Industry Committee to support a package of bills that would increase the minimum wage in Texas.
Posted in
Demographics
Video: The Future of Immigration
On 2/27, I talked about the future of immigration policy in Texas with Professor Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera of the University of Texas at Brownsville; state Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville; state Rep. Eddie Lucio III, D-Harlingen; and Rio Grande City Mayor Ruben Villarreal.
Posted inState Government
Updated: The 2012 Holdouts List
Some are waiting to see what the courts will do. Others want to see if any opponents surface. Regardless, with six days to go until the filing deadline, how many incumbents haven’t filed yet? A whole bunch.
Posted inState Government
Campaign Chatter
A handful of Texas House members who say they’re leaving — either getting out or trying to move into other posts — top this week’s roundup of campaign news.
Posted in
Health care
Second Life: Bill Becomes Festooned Health Care Christmas Tree
In hours of debate this afternoon, House lawmakers used an omnibus health care bill as their last-ditch effort to get other medical measures that failed during the regular session passed during the special session.
Posted in
State Government
House Sends Animal Cruelty Registry Bill to Conference
The debate over whether to set up an animal cruelty registry continues. In a close vote, 63 to 78, the House sent HB 1103 to conference.
Posted in
State Government
Senate Approves Football Helmet Safety Requirements
Legislation on football helmet safety is one step closer to crossing the goal line after passing the Senate today nearly unanimously. Helmets are “the first line of defense” for football players, said Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville, the senate sponsor of HB 675.
Posted in
State Government
Texting While Driving Ban Gets Early OK In House
This is no LOL matter: Texting while driving could soon be prohibited statewide. But using other applications on a smart phone, like GPS or Facebook, would not be banned — as long as you’re reading, not typing.
Posted in
State Government
House Gives Helmet Safety Bill Early Approval
With a football helmet in hand, Rep. Eddie Lucio III, D-San Benito, won preliminary approval from the House today for a bill to ensure school districts keep close tabs on how often helmets are checked and repaired.