As the Texas Legislature rolls into its final two weeks, it’s fair to credit members with what they’ve done. But pay attention to what they ignored.
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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TribCast
TribCast: A Texas legislative session dominated by conservative issues
On this week’s TribCast, Matthew talks to Alexa, Cassi and Patrick about proposals in the Legislature to add new restrictions on voting and to allow the permitless carry of handguns.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas law now allows alcohol to go from restaurants after Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill
House Bill 1024 allows beer, wine and mixed drinks to be included in pickup and delivery food orders, securing a revenue stream made available to restaurants during the pandemic when their dining areas were forced to close.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas public schools couldn’t require critical race theory lessons under bill given House approval
House Bill 3979 is part of a national effort by red-state legislatures to ban or limit the teaching of critical race theory. That academic discipline examines how racism has shaped legal and social systems within the United States.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas governor’s emergency powers during pandemics would be curbed under bill advanced in House
The wide-ranging legislation would affirm the governor’s ability to suspend state laws during a pandemic and allow for overriding local orders issued by county judges or mayors if they’re inconsistent with state orders.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Push to bring casinos to Texas appears headed for defeat this session despite high-profile campaign
A key deadline passed Monday without action in the Texas House on casino legislation backed by the gaming empire Las Vegas Sands. A measure to allow sports gambling looks similarly doomed.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Analysis: Republican Texas legislators, like the governor, take a right turn
The Legislature still has plenty of big issues to address in its last month: electric outages, the budget and policing. At the same time, the Republican majority has its eye on issues that are dear to the conservative base: abortion, guns and elections.
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Texas Legislature 2021
“You need that help”: Mom wishes she had better care after giving birth on Medicaid
In the weekend edition of The Brief podcast, Juanita Raji says she could have used more time on Medicaid postpartum and supports lawmakers’ efforts to extend coverage for new moms.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas GOP’s voting restrictions bill could be rewritten behind closed doors after final House passage
In a 78-64 vote, the House on Friday passed a pared down version of priority GOP legislation to place new restrictions on voting. Now the bill likely will be reshaped in conference committee with the Senate, largely out of public view.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas’ larger cities would face financial penalties for cutting police budgets under bill approved by House
Previously, the Senate approved a bill that would ask for an election if cities decide to reduce law enforcement budgets.