Despite the fact that lawmakers have so far been focused on bipartisan “bread and butter” issues like property taxes and school finance, more than a dozen abortion-related bills are circulating in the state Capitol.
Texas Legislature 2019
The 86th Legislature runs from Jan. 8 to May 27. From the state budget to health care to education policy — and the politics behind it all — we focus on what Texans need to know about the biennial legislative session.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Amid Dallas bribery scandal, legislator takes aim at Texas law addressing some low-income housing projects
State Rep. Eric Johnson said he plans to file legislation that would halt the practice of soliciting letters from elected officials supporting or opposing housing developments being considered for federal tax credits.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Texas House bill would put $9 billion into school finance reform and property tax relief
Members of the Texas House received their first look at the soon-to-be-filed proposal in a one-page summary circulating around the Texas Capitol Monday afternoon.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
GOP senator, oil industry clash over proposed eminent domain reforms
At a public hearing on Monday, state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst — who has long tried to strengthen protections for landowners facing condemnation — challenged officials from fossil fuel groups who said her latest legislation would drag down energy production.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Texas Senate unanimously passes $5,000 teacher pay raises, adding librarians
The proposal faces an uphill climb in the lower chamber, with House Speaker Dennis Bonnen saying he prefers to give school districts flexibility on addressing teacher pay.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Broad Texas school safety bill proposes threat assessment teams, expanded emergency training
It’s unclear how much it would cost to implement all of Sen. Larry Taylor’s proposals. Senate Bill 11 appears to take an unspecified amount from the rainy day fund to help cover the costs.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Gov. Greg Abbott raves about Dallas’ teacher incentive pay program. But it’s hard to replicate.
Dallas ISD spearheaded a program that floods its low-performing schools with the best resources, including highly rated educators who get paid large stipends. Lawmakers want to see it expanded.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Will Texas decriminalize marijuana this year? There is growing support.
The repercussions Texans face for possessing small amounts of pot — something several states no longer consider criminal — can all depend on where in the state they live. Some lawmakers want an across-the-board relaxation of criminal charges. But stigma fuels lingering opposition.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: How the Texas Senate handles David Whitley could reverberate for years
David Whitley’s tortured path to Senate confirmation as the Texas Secretary of State — whether or not he is confirmed at all — could play out in the state’s next round of redistricting in 2021.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Sweeping legislation takes aim at shock emergency room bills in Texas
Committee chairs from both chambers unveiled the proposal on Thursday.