Revenue for 10 emergency power plants would come from a monthly charge on Texans’ power bills. The proposal is just one of several bills lawmakers are considering after February’s massive power outages.
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
Las Vegas Sands launches multimillion-dollar ad campaign to push for casinos in Texas
The TV and radio ads, which are set to start airing Thursday, make the case that Texas is forfeiting “billions” in tourism dollars to nearby states that allow casinos.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Senate approves bail bill that would keep more people in jail if they can’t post cash bonds
Senate Bill 21 would require cash bail for people who have ever been convicted of a violent crime.
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Texas Legislature 2021
The Texas Senate has approved a new statewide appeals court. Critics contend it’s another attempt to limit Democrats’ power.
The proposed court would handle some of the state’s most high-profile appeals, which are typically handled by the mostly Democrat 3rd Court of Appeals based in Austin.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Transgender students in Texas would be barred from school sports teams matching their gender identity under a bill advanced by state Senate
The proposal would prohibit students from participating in a sport “that is designated for the biological sex opposite to the student’s biological sex as determined at the student’s birth.”
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Senate revives push to block cities’ paid sick leave ordinances
Supporters say Senate Bill 14 will make it easier for businesses to operate in multiple cities. Opponents call it an “existential threat to Texas workers.”
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Texas Legislature 2021
Senate passes bill to curb Texas governor’s power to shut down state for extended time during emergency
The Senate action, which must still be approved by the House, would require the governor to call a special session in order to declare a state emergency that lasts more than 30 days.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Voters would have to approve police budget cuts under bill approved by Texas Senate
Despite loud opposition from Democrats who said the legislation overstepped local governments, Senate Bill 23 passed with broad bipartisan support.
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Texas Legislature 2021
As Texas Legislature considers anti-trans bills, NCAA announces it will not hold events in states that discriminate against trans students
Texas lawmakers have filed six bills that target transgender students’ sports participation — and two of those bills would affect colleges and university sports in addition to K-12.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Gov. Greg Abbott nominates new chair to Public Utility Commission after power crisis resignations
The announcement came shortly after the Texas Senate Nominations Committee on Monday voted unanimously in favor of accepting Will McAdams’ nomination to serve on the PUC board.
