The latest Dan Patrick news from The Texas Tribune.
Senate Bill 2142, sponsored by state Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, had not even been filed when the day started Monday, but lawmakers suspended their rules to hastily push it through the Senate. Full Story
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An unusual appearance by the lieutenant governor at a Senate hearing looked like a tough session for one of Gov. Greg Abbott's appointees — and raised speculation about political tension between the state's top two elected officials. Full Story
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This timeline tracks COVID-19’s rampage through Texas over the last year: the growing death toll, the policy decisions made in response to the pandemic that often influenced its course, and the stories of some of the Texans claimed by the virus. Full Story
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Abbott has previously directed much of the blame for the storm’s power outages on the state’s electrical grid operator. Full Story
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The Texas Senate and House have different rules for their members. But both require members to wear masks, though there are exceptions to when their faces must be covered. Full Story
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The provision is expected to be added to a bill addressing the governor's pandemic powers that has been denoted as a priority by House Speaker Dade Phelan, according to a draft obtained by The Texas Tribune. Full Story
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Las Vegas Sands is pushing to create the opportunity for casinos at "destination resorts" in the state's four largest metropolitan areas. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott is well aware that some lawmakers, particularly in his own party, are interested in reining in his authority. However, it remains to be seen how much power Abbott is willing to relinquish. Full Story
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Patrick's statements come after the officials testified for hours late last week in committee hearings as state lawmakers grilled them over the power grid failures. Full Story
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Texas voters give President Joe Biden good marks on COVID-19 response, but they're split on his overall job performance, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. Full Story
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Lawmakers and analysts say it is too soon for an exact estimate, but the financial damage from the storm has left state lawmakers scrambling to account for the storm in the middle of the 2021 legislative session. Full Story
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In addition to bills responding to COVID-19 and the recent winter storm, Patrick is calling for legislation related to abortion, gun rights and the national anthem at sporting events. Full Story
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Abbott said power should be fully restored across the state Sunday night or Monday. Full Story
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Texans are reporting receiving exorbitant electric bills despite not having power during the storm. One Texan, according to The New York Times, received a $16,752 electric bill. Full Story
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As the Biden administration works to expand federal nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people, Texas advocates and lawmakers are pushing for similar legislation here. Full Story
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What gets the state’s unusually subdued lieutenant governor to stand up and take notice? Not playing the national anthem at Dallas Mavericks games, as it turns out. The first culture clash of the 2021 legislative session is underway. Full Story
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People pushing for the move say they are hopeful they'll get legislative approval this year. If not, one executive said, it's "inevitable" in the future. Full Story
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The NBA said the team would resume playing the song at home games, a day after it was reported that the national anthem had not been played at any Mavericks home games this season. Full Story
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The lieutenant governor is not starting the biennial legislative session in his characteristically outspoken style, particularly when it comes to making clear his policy priorities. Full Story
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There are a total of 181 legislators in the Capitol, but the influence is not evenly distributed. Due to the lawmakers’ positions, ideology and tenure, some will have a much bigger say on the biggest issues this session. Full Story
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