Narrowly targeted pieces of Texas’ George Floyd Act — like restricting chokeholds and requiring officers to provide first aid — are expected to pass. But the Act itself and many other related reforms have failed to progress during the legislative session that ends Monday.
Texas Legislature 2021
The 87th Texas Legislature approved hundreds of new laws during its regular session that ended in May 2021, including a near-total ban on abortions. Lawmakers then returned to Austin for three special sessions aimed at passing additional conservative priorities. Although House Democrats fled the state for weeks, lawmakers eventually passed new voting restrictions. They also approved new political maps and a proposed constitutional amendment that could lower property tax bills.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Legislature moves on two fronts to prevent state’s largest cities and counties from cutting law enforcement budgets
The Senate measure would require major counties hold an election before reducing their law enforcement budgets. The House bill would financially punish the state’s larger cities if they cut police funds.
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Texas Legislature 2021
State lawmakers urge federal government to remove the term “Negro” from Texas place names
The federal government blocked an attempt to rename these places 30 years ago when Texas passed a law to eliminate the term. Now, lawmakers are once again pushing for the change.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Speaker Dade Phelan once criticized anti-LGBTQ efforts. Now he’s signaling support for a bill targeting transgender Texans.
Democrats supported Phelan for House speaker, reassured he would avoid controversial social issues that target LGBTQ Texans. They say they’re disappointed he is now signaling support for bill targeting transgender student athletes.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Legislature close to approving billions to pay for winter storm financial fallout
Several billions of dollars in state-approved financing will be necessary to stabilize the state’s distressed energy market after the winter storm. Texas approves more in finance bailouts for its utilities than any other state.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas House votes to yank state funding from sports teams that don’t play national anthem at games
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick named the bill one of his legislative priorities after Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, stopped playing the anthem before home games.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Some Texas schools would be required to hang “In God We Trust” signs under measure nearing passage by lawmakers
The national motto would have to be hung in a “conspicuous place” in every building on the school’s campus — if someone donates the sign.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texans could carry handguns without a permit under bill headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk
Abbott has said he would sign the permitless carry proposal into law.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Bill legalizing permitless carry of handguns in Texas on brink of passage after compromise reached
The agreement advances the legislation even closer to becoming law. Gov. Greg Abbott has said he will sign such a proposal.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Analysis: Texas lawmakers might get a second life for dying bills
As the end of the regular session approaches, Texas lawmakers — and some of their bills — are running out of time. But there’s a special session coming later this year, and maybe — just maybe — another chance for dead legislation.