The bill previously lacked the votes to advance out of House committee. After House Democrats spiked one of his bills, Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston, revived it. Full Story
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His approach differs somewhat from past sessions, when Abbott kept legislators in suspense on whether certain hot-button proposals would have his support. Full Story
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Nothing is truly dead until the session ends. But committee chairs in both chambers have blocked bills from getting hearings, and supporters have dim hopes that Republican leaders will revive it in time. Full Story
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Raney, who has been fully vaccinated since February, "went home immediately and, as of this evening, is doing well," his office said in a statement. The CDC says a "small percentage" of people who have been vaccinated can still contract COVID-19. Full Story
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A federal judge in 2015 found that Texas violates foster children's constitutional rights. At a hearing this week, court monitors found some progress in reforming the foster care system — but also noted several concerns. Full Story
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Previously, the Senate approved a bill that would ask for an election if cities decide to reduce law enforcement budgets. Full Story
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Lawmakers argue that spreading costs through the whole market — which will get passed through to consumers’ bills — is necessary to stabilize the state’s electricity market and prevent even higher costs. Full Story
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It’s unclear if Paxton has unblocked others on Twitter who were not named in the lawsuit. Full Story
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While city leaders are analyzing possible housing options for people experiencing homelessness, advocates warn against using aggressive tactics to enforce the ban. Full Story
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Texas voters are returning to normal pre-pandemic activities, and to their customary civic and political concerns, too. The changes are evident in the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. Full Story
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The bill still needs final approval by the House — usually a formality after it's passed in the chamber's first vote — and then will head to the Senate. Full Story
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The bill is in response to nationwide protests against police brutality last year. Full Story
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House Bill 1927 would nix the requirement for Texas residents to obtain a license to carry handguns if they’re not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a gun. Full Story
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The runoff pits Susan Wright against fellow Republican Jake Ellzey after Democrats failed to advance a candidate in the Saturday special election. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, has signaled that he is looking forward to signing the bill. Full Story
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The Washington D.C. judge's ruling is the latest on the eviction moratorium, which some judges have upheld while others said it goes too far. The Biden administration is appealing the decision. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott has called for expanding the state's civic education curriculum, but the House and Senate are quickly advancing bills that would restrict the discussion of current events and public policy in the classroom and prohibit critical race theory in public schools. Full Story
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Representatives of the Lamar County Democrats met Tuesday to consider the resignation of Gary O’Connor, the local party chair. O'Connor called U.S. Sen. Tim Scott an "oreo" following his rebuttal to the president's congressional address. Full Story
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The bill would prevent transgender Texas children from joining school sports teams that match their gender identity. Full Story
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A student group was hosting an event with a UT-Austin professor about the song when a man entered the online Zoom call with his face covered, holding what appeared to be a large gun. Full Story
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