Abortion sonogram legislation passed the Senate 21 to 10, and is moving to the House, where the overwhelming Republican majority is expected to pass it. Here’s a look at the floor debate.
February 2011
Senate Floor Debate on Sonogram Bill
Abortion sonogram legislation passed the Senate 21 to 10, and is moving to the House, where the overwhelming Republican majority is expected to pass it. Here’s a look at the floor debate.
Abbott Ruling Will Exclude Planned Parenthood
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott just released two opinions expected to force Planned Parenthood out of the state’s Women’s Health Program, which provides family planning, but not abortions, to Medicaid patients.
Police Worry Immigrant Victims, Witnesses May Go Silent
Law enforcement authorities worry that some immigration-related legislation would silence immigrant crime victims and witnesses, who may stop cooperating with the police out of fear that their undocumented status will be discovered.
DPS Identifies Persons of Interest in Mansion Fire
More than two years after an arsonist torched the Governor’s Mansion, the Department of Public Safety still hasn’t made any arrests, but investigators say they have identified persons of interest in the case.
Prison Chaplains Pray, Plead for Funds
Chaplains have been a part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice since at least 1910, providing spiritual guidance and programs. Under the proposed House budget, all 121 Texas prison chaplains would lose their jobs.
2010 Census Data for Texas Released
New U.S. census data shows the Hispanic population in Texas increased by 42 percent since 2000 and makes up 38 percent of the population. The state’s total population increased by 4,293,741 since 2000.
The Midday Brief: Top Texas Headlines for Feb. 17, 2011
Your afternoon reading: census data trickles in; Cornyn-led committee wants dirt on Napolitano; abortion sonogram debate continues in the Senate
Abortion Sonogram Passes in Senate
The controversial abortion sonogram bill has passed the Senate by a vote of 21-10. Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, got the two-thirds vote needed to bring it to the floor, effectively ensuring it would pass.
Sara Hickman: The TT Interview
The 2010 official state musician of Texas sat down with the Tribune to talk about Gov. Rick Perry’s proposal to suspend funding for the Texas Commission on the Arts and what it could mean for the state’s students.


