State Sen. Florence Shapiro, R-Plano, announced Wednesday she had filed legislation to make the sale, manufacture and possession of fake marijuana, commonly referred to as K2, illegal. The bill, SB 331, would outlaw six synthetic compounds that mimic the effects of THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in marijuana.
82nd Legislative Session
Posted in
State Government
Slideshow: The First Day
Opening day of the 82nd Legislative Session was heavy on pomp and circumstance and light on substance. But, amid the hand shaking and picture taking and protesting Tea Partiers, there was business to be done.
Posted in
State Government
HuTube: Behind the Scenes on Day One
In our latest HuTube video blog post, we take you to the Texas House on day one of the 82nd Legislative session. Come with us as we go through the new security system, visit with lawmakers and witness the election of the House Speaker.
Posted in
Demographics
TribBlog: Hispanic Democrats: Lege “Chasing Ghosts”
Hispanic members of the Texas House responded swiftly to Gov. Rick Perry designating abolishing “sanctuary” cities a legislative emergency. “Instead of leading us through a $27 billion dollar budget shortfall that is poised to cripple our schools, our communities and the public health system, we are chasing ghosts,” said Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio.
Posted in
State Government
Paxton Bows Out
State Rep. Ken Paxton, R-McKinney, speaks on the opening day of the 82nd Legislative Session about his withdrawal from the race for Texas House Speaker.
Posted inState Government
TribBlog: The First Non-Vote
After winning a rough and tumble contest for his seat, freshman state Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, got his first chance at a record vote in the Texas House of Representatives today. And when that vote finally came, what did he do? He abstained.
Posted in
State Government
TribBlog: Straus in the House
The Texas House formally re-elected San Antonio Republican Speaker Joe Straus. By acclamation, they chose to stick with the moderate, “will-of-the-House” speaker as opposed to overthrowing him with someone more conservative.
Posted in
Economy
Opening Day: The Liveblog
And they’re back! Texas lawmakers returned to Austin on Tuesday to launch the 82nd Texas Legislature. Our reporters were there and produced this live play-by-play.
Posted in
State Government
TribBlog: Chisum Supports Straus
State Rep. Warren Chisum, R-Pampa, is dropping his challenge to House Speaker Joe Straus and will vote for the incumbent when the House convenes later today, he said in a letter released this morning.
Posted in
Economy
Decision Time
The Texas Legislature today starts its 140-day effort to puzzle out a massive budget deficit, political redistricting, immigration and a slew of other gnarly problems. The budget issues came into focus Monday with new numbers from the comptroller, who says the state is recovering, slowly, from the recession. But first, legislators will get organized, voting on new rules, a new Speaker, and getting sworn in.
