The bill would nix the requirement for most Texas residents to obtain a license to carry handguns. Texans would also no longer be required to receive training before carrying a handgun in public.
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
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick “optimistic” about allowing permitless carry of handguns as bill appears poised to reach Senate floor
The lieutenant governor said Thursday he still does not have the votes to bring the proposal to the floor of the upper chamber, but he believes that will change by next week.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas lawmakers consider bill that would prevent schools and workplaces from discriminatory bans on dreadlocks, other hairstyles
After holding a press conference on Tuesday, proponents of the CROWN Act to ban hair discrimination finally received a committee hearing on the bill Thursday morning. Several students, parents and workers testified before members about their experiences being targeted for wearing natural hair.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas’ medical cannabis program could expand under bill OK’d by House
The program would be expanded for a number of conditions including chronic pain and PTSD — as well as allow for more potent levels of THC.
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Texas Legislature 2021
A Texas economic incentive offers massive tax breaks to companies, but its renewal isn’t a done deal
Chapter 313, a decades-old law designed to lure companies to Texas with property tax breaks, expires in 2022. Lawmakers looking to renew it face opposition from critics who say it’s unfair to many Texas schools.
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Texas Legislature 2021
With time running out on the Texas legislative session, health experts urge lawmakers to prepare for the next pandemic
Lawmakers this session have filed a flurry of proposals related to the pandemic. Some, experts say, constitute meaningful reform. Others could leave the state worse off.
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Redistricting Texas
Analysis: Redistricting is boring, and that’s why it’s hazardous to voters
Most voters don’t pay a lot of attention to the redrawing of political maps every 10 years. That’s just the way legislators like it.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Senate approves overhaul of pension plans for new state employees
Senate Bill 321 would also authorize yearly payments to shore up $14.7 billion in unfunded pension obligations.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas lawmakers send Greg Abbott a bill that would allow Texans to purchase alcohol to go from restaurants
House Bill 1024 would allow beer, wine and mixed drinks to be included in pickup and delivery food orders, securing a revenue stream made available to restaurants in the last year during the pandemic.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Gender-affirming medical treatment for transgender kids would be considered child abuse under Texas Senate bill
The upper chamber Wednesday passed Senate Bill 1646, which is among several other bills that advocacy groups say erode the rights of transgender Texans. But it’s unclear what the legislation’s chances are in the House.