The lower chamber gave initial approval Monday to a series of bills responding to this year’s catastrophic power outages during a deadly winter storm.
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.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas business leaders say Legislature’s anti-LGBTQ bills could hurt the state’s economy
Texas Competes, which is made up of more than 1,450 Texas employers, chambers of commerce, tourism bureaus and industry associations, is advocating the “economic case for equality.”
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Despite natural gas failures during winter storm, Texas lawmakers target renewable energy in the aftermath
As lawmakers advance bills targeting renewable energy sources, experts call the efforts “discriminatory” and “politically motivated.”
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Republicans are vowing to defy any new federal gun rules. Experts say it’s largely a symbolic gesture.
The push to steel Texas against new federal rules comes as gun violence nationwide — including a recent shooting in Bryan — has sparked Democrats to call for an assault weapons ban and stronger background checks, among other changes.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Analysis: The Texas Legislature starts its biennial race against the clock
Lawmakers have only six weeks left on their calendar, and most of the big things they set out to do aren’t finished. A session that started very quietly will end with a sprint.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Family fights anti-trans bills at Texas Capitol: “I will walk through fire to see my child be happy”
Lisa Stanton and her daughter, Maya, say the slate of anti-trans bills at the Legislature could force them to move out of state. Listen in the weekend edition of The Brief podcast.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
After stalling for years, effort to allow permitless carrying of handguns sees major breakthrough in Texas House
Thursday’s vote in favor of the bill showed there was a bipartisan appeal for a cause long championed by conservative activists. Now all eyes are on the Senate.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas House approves bill that would allow people to carry a handgun without a license
House Bill 1927 would nix the requirement for Texas residents to obtain a license to carry handguns if they’re not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a gun. Texans under current state law must generally be licensed to carry handguns, either openly or concealed.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas lawmakers consider limiting tenure after UT-Austin professor sued students over accusations of promoting pedophilia
One of the students sued by the teacher is the daughter of Allen Blakemore, a prominent conservative political consultant who has worked for state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, who filed the tenure bill.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
House committee advances anti-abortion bills, including ones aimed at outlawing the procedure in Texas
The bills now head to the full House for debate. Versions already passed by the Senate are also pending. Each measure will need to be approved by both chambers before becoming law.
