House Speaker Joe Straus wants business to stay the course through 2018’s elections and into the 2019 session, buttressing business-friendly Republicans against a conservative tide. It’s a lot to ask.
sanctuary cities
Posted in
Demographics
Judge temporarily blocks immigration enforcement law
A federal district judge on Wednesday ruled against the state of Texas and halted a controversial state-based immigration enforcement law just days before it was scheduled to go into effect.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas “sanctuary cities” law set to go into effect Friday unless court blocks it
A decision on whether Texas’ state-based immigration enforcement, Senate Bill 4, will be put on hold could come later this week. But even if it’s temporarily halted, the matter is far from over.
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In Harvey's Wake
Houston Mayor: Residents shouldn’t let “sanctuary cities” law deter rescue efforts
“I do not want you to run the risk of losing your life or [that of] a family member because you’re concerned about SB 4 or anything else,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said Monday amid concerns a new immigration law will deter rescue efforts.
Posted inState Government
Analysis: A victory for the locals, at least for a while
The cities and counties won the latest round of the state’s war on local government. But it’s a temporary win, at best.
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Health care
Bill requiring separate abortion insurance among those Texas House passed this week
A bill that advanced in the Texas Legislature this week would require women to pay an additional insurance premium if they want their health plan to cover abortions not considered medical emergencies.
Posted inState Government
Judge dismisses Paxton lawsuit over “sanctuary cities” law
A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed the state of Texas’ lawsuit against Travis County and other defendants over the state’s new immigration enforcement law.
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Politics
Cornyn files bill to fund parts of wall, increase Border Patrol and ICE agents
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn on Wednesday unveiled a $15 billion border-security bill. The Building America’s Trust Act would fund parts of a wall or fence, add Border Patrol and ICE agents to current ranks, and punish “sanctuary” jurisdictions.
Posted inState Government
Report: Texas could lose billions if new immigration enforcement law stands
Representatives from Texas’ business, local government and higher education sectors argued Tuesday that the state’s new immigration-enforcement law could do billions of dollars in damage to the Texas economy.
Posted in
Demographics
Immigrants arrested near Capitol during DACA protest
Protesters were arrested near the state Capitol on Wednesday in a demonstration designed to challenge the state’s position on an Obama-era immigration program and test Travis County’s immigration policy.