The Senate’s version of a bill to criminalize intrusive pat-downs by federal agents with the Transportation Security Administration has died in the House — which has now adjourned sine die.
June 2011
Posted in
Demographics
Updated: The Sanctuary Cities Blame Game
Gov. Rick Perry and House Speaker Joe Straus have released statements blaming the death of sanctuary cities on Sen. Robert Duncan and the full Senate, respectively. Now, the Senate’s Republicans are returning the favor.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: June 29, 2011
After a short-lived scare to the contrary, today will really — and finally — mark the end of the 82nd legislative session.
Posted in
Health care
In-Home Nursing Companies Facing Cuts Again
Companies that provide intensive in-home care to patients who might otherwise be in nursing homes could face big cuts under a cost-saving budget proposal the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will consider today.
Posted in
State Government
The End Game: Special Session Wraps Up Today
The House couldn’t get the votes it needed to suspend the rules to take up the TSA anti-groping bill before the clock runs out today.
Posted in
Energy
Llano Ponders a Future When a River No Longer Runs Through It
The small Central Texas town of Llano, entirely dependent on a river that’s now only a trickle, is facing potentially draconian water restrictions. And it’s not alone. If rain doesn’t come soon, more cities could too.
Posted in
State Government
Video: Harless Explains “No” Vote on SB 1
State Rep. Patricia Harless, R-Spring, explains why she voted against the budget measure SB 1 this afternoon, and why she thinks the Tea Party may have influenced legislators.
Posted in
State Government
Updated: House Adjourns, May Take Up TSA Bill Tomorrow
The House has adjourned for the evening, and the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee has voted out the Senate version of the TSA “anti-groping” bill. Lawmakers will reconvene and attempt to pass that measure tomorrow morning.
Posted in
Higher Education
UT System Releases Updated Faculty “Productivity” Data
The University of Texas System has released an updated set of faculty productivity data. “The System has been working diligently to review and verify the data and most of the data in the file are complete,” a spokesman said.
Posted in
State Government
Updated: Combs to Appeal Deposition Ruling
Comptroller of Public Accounts Susan Combs will appeal an order that she participate in a three-hour deposition, in the aftermath of the largest privacy breach by a state agency in Texas history.