Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Monday he was uncertain whether support exists in the Legislature for so-called “constitutional carry,” which would give all Texans the right to openly carry a firearm — with or without a permit.
2017
Posted inState Government
The Brief: Rhetoric already heating up in “bathroom bill” fight
While announcing Senate Bill 6 — the so-called “bathroom bill” — on Thursday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick admitted he was in for a “tough fight.” The final weekend before the Legislature convenes for its 2017 regular session has already seen the first skirmishes.
Posted in
Demographics
Once again, the Texas Legislature is mostly white, male, middle-aged
Here’s a look at the demographics of the 85th Legislature by lawmakers’ race, gender, age, education and religion.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: The will of the voters — when the Legislature agrees
The so-called “bathroom bill” unveiled by Republican leaders last week is the latest piece of legislation that would overwrite local laws with state regulations cooked up in Austin.
Posted in
Politics
Top Texas Republicans meet with Taiwanese leader amid new tensions with China
Top Texas Republicans met Sunday with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen amid new tensions with China over the U.S. relationship with Taiwan, a country the United States hasn’t officially recognized since 1979.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Rodney Ellis leaves Texas Senate with criminal justice legacy
The 2017 legislative session will open without former state Sen. Rodney Ellis, a 26-year lawmaker who became a criminal justice reform titan in the upper chamber.
Posted in
Politics
News of Rep. Dawnna Dukes’ change in plans fuels questions for potential successors
As a news report came out Saturday that state Rep. Dawnna Dukes no longer plans to leave office, the hopefuls looking to succeed her in House District 46 were left wondering whether there was still a campaign left to be run.
Posted in
Health care
Citing “bathroom bill,” Percy Jackson author declines Legislature invitation
Author Rick Riordan is declining to attend the Texas Legislature’s celebration of authors event, saying the reason is because of the proposed “bathroom bill.”
Posted in
Politics
With “bathroom bill,” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick plows into “tough fight”
While Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has called a so-called bathroom bill a legislative priority, the issue has largely cooled off on the national stage and opposition to similar legislation in Texas had begun to gain momentum.
Posted in
Health care
Texas reproductive rights groups brace for Legislature
Reproductive rights advocates have expressed concern that Texas lawmakers will take bolder steps in the upcoming session to defund abortion providers and dismantle access to abortion, birth control and other sexual health services.
