Past Contributions

• Update: Point of Order Derails Sanctuary Cities Bill — For Now

  By Julián Aguilar May 6, 2011

  The controversial “sanctuary cities” bill hit a roadblock in the Texas House late Friday when a point of order derailed the legislation and knocked it off the calendar. Full Story 

• HB 12: The Liveblog

  By Julián Aguilar May 6, 2011

  Debate is underway on HB 12, the so-called “sanctuary cities” bill, which would prohibit cities, counties and other governmental entities or special districts from adopting a policy that prevents law enforcement from asking persons lawfully detained or arrested if they are in the country legally. Full Story 

• House Prepares for Sanctuary Cities Debate

  By Julián Aguilar May 5, 2011

  Is it about security or racial profiling? Will U.S. citizens be targets of harassment? Will it stain Texas with the reputation Arizona thrust upon itself? The Texas House will likely entertain those and other sensitive questions when House Bill 12, commonly referred to as the “sanctuary cities” bill, hits the chamber's floor on Friday. Full Story 

• Will E-Verify Legislation Still Pass This Session?

  By Julián Aguilar May 5, 2011

  Despite a bevy of bills filed this session that would require Texas employers to use the federal electronic verification system known as E-Verify, the legislation has, so far, failed to advance out of committee — and the clock is winding down. Full Story 

• Lawmakers Could Settle Dispute Between Referees and UIL

  By Julián Aguilar May 4, 2011

  State lawmakers may do what the judicial system so far hasn't: settle a dispute between the University Interscholastic League and the Texas Association of Sport Officials over which organization controls the officiating at school sports events. Full Story 

• Railroad Commission Bill Passes After Amemndment Pulled

  By Julián Aguilar May 3, 2011

  The newly named Texas Oil and Gas Commission won't be able to meet in secret to discuss contentious issues after all. Full Story 

• House Bill Sets Up Railroad Commission Fight

  By Brandi Grissom and Julián Aguilar May 2, 2011

  Members of the Texas Railroad Commission would be allowed to meet behind closed doors to discuss the details of disputed cases under a bill tentatively approved by the Texas House on Monday. Full Story 

• In Rare Moment, GOP House Members Applaud Obama

  By Julián Aguilar May 2, 2011

  For a rare moment, Republicans in the lower chamber set aside their anti-Washington rhetoric and joined their Democratic colleagues to congratulate President Barack Obama for ordering the military action that led to the death of Osama bin Laden. Full Story 

• Global Travel Alert Issued; No Change on Border

  By Julián Aguilar May 2, 2011

  The U.S. State Department is asking U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad to avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations because of Osama bin Laden's death, but no law enforcement changes are planned along the Texas-Mexican border. Full Story 

• Where Are Perry's Emergency Items?

  By Julián Aguilar April 29, 2011

  With fewer than five weeks left in the regular session, none of Gov. Rick Perry's emergency items — voter ID, sanctuary cities, sonograms for women getting abortions, a federal balanced budget amendment, and eminent domain protection — have made it to his desk. Full Story