Law enforcement comes out against Texas "bathroom bill"
In a news conference Tuesday, big-city police chiefs called on lawmakers to reject the “bathroom bill,” saying the measure is discriminatory and does not keep the public safe. Full Story
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Shannon Najmabadi
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Shannon Najmabadi was a reporter at the Tribune from 2017 to 2021, most recently covering women's health. Her stories — on higher education and other topics — have prompted lawmakers to change three state laws, including one involving a very narrow definition of the word “pickle.” She is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and Columbia University.
Past Contributions
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![Austin Police Chief Brian Manley and San Antonio Police Chief William McManus stand behind Austin Mayor Steve Adler on the steps of the state Capitol on July 25, 2017. Top Texas law enforcement officers gathered at the Capitol today to speak out against "bathroom bill" legislation.]()
Credit: Austin Price / The Texas Tribune -
Senate gives OK to must-pass "sunset" legislation in midnight vote
A fast-moving Senate gave approval to critical “sunset legislation” after midnight Thursday, using two bills to extend the life of five state agencies held political hostage at the end of the regular legislative session. Full Story
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![Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick appears in the Texas Senate with pizza and soda as senators arrive for a midnight vote during the special session on July 20, 2017]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Licensing director is seventh official out at troubled Texas liquor agency
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Licensing Director Amy Harrison helped oversee the creation of a controversial flyer depicting agency honchos partying during out-of-state junkets. Full Story
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![Pictured second from left is liquor lobbyist Dewey Brackin. Next to him, in the center, is Amy Harrison, licensing director at the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. The photo was taken in San Antonio at a conference of the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators. Brackin forwarded the photo to Harrison with the caption, "Feeling no pain ..."]()
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New executive director picked for troubled Texas liquor agency
A lawyer with a lengthy military background has been tapped to clean up the embattled Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, which has been dogged by controversies and high-level departures in recent months. Full Story
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![Bentley Nettles, a decorated military officer and practicing lawyer, was appointed executive director of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.]()
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Lawmakers file dozens of bills as Abbott officially calls special session
Within hours of Gov. Greg Abbott issuing his proclamation announcing next week's special session, lawmakers had filed dozens of bills including two so-called bathroom bills from state Rep. Ron Simmons, a Carrollton Republican. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott lays out items for a special session at a press conference on June 6, 2017.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera for The Texas Tribune