The rogue antics of freshman state Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview — knocking three bills, including veteran Democratic state Rep. Senfronia Thompson’s contentious puppy mill bill, off of a fast-track House calendar — are attracting glares and backlash from his colleagues, some of whom are considering returning the favor.
82nd Legislative Session
Posted in
State Government
“Daughters” Gets Early Victory in Fight Over Alamo
The Daughters of the Republic of Texas would continue to be the caretakers of the Alamo, under a bill the House gave preliminary approval to this morning.
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State Government
House Gives Initial OK to Craft Beer Bill
The House has given an early OK to a bill that would allow craft breweries to charge admission for tours, and include up to two six-packs of beers to give to tourists at the end.
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State Government
Puppy Mill Bill Bumped Off Fast Track
For the second time, Rep. Senfronia Thompson’s contentious “puppy mill” bill has been bumped from the fast track. It will now be subject to debate on the general House calendar.
Posted in
Economy
Ogden Proposes Taking Additional $3B From Rainy Day Fund
Senate Finance Chair Steve Ogden, R-Bryan, has dropped the news many have been waiting to hear: He wants to attach a contingency provision to the 2012-13 budget that would withdraw $3 billion from the Rainy Day Fund.
Posted in
State Government
Wrongful-Conviction Bill Moves Toward Passage in House
The House got closer Wednesday to locking in measures to reduce the number of wrongful convictions in Texas.
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State Government
House Tentatively Passes TEXAS Grants Bill
The House tentatively passed a bill to provide students who have demonstrated college readiness with priority access to TEXAS Grants, the state’s primary need-based financial aid program.
Posted in
Health care
Lawmakers Consider Resuscitation Bill
House lawmakers considered a bill this morning that would direct emergency services personnel to perform life-sustaining treatment on a patient without reviewing a written directive or living will first.
Posted in
Health care
Physical Therapists Fight Mandatory Referrals
Physical therapists are pushing a bill to allow them to treat patients without a physician referral. The measure faces stiff opposition from physician groups, which say it could present a health risk to patients.
Posted in
State Government
House Tentatively Approves Salvia Ban
The House gave early approval today to a ban on salvia, a legal hallucinogen most often sold online and in head shops.
