On this week’s TribCast, Emily talks to Evan, Ross and Patrick about the overnight debate over sanctuary cities, the status of the House’s version of the bathroom bill and Gov. Greg Abbott’s theory that this might be the best session yet.
85th Legislative Session
Posted in
Politics
Texas faith leaders come out against bills targeted at LGBT Texans
A group of faith leaders gathered outside the House chamber on Wednesday to protest legislation they see as discriminatory toward LGBT Texans.
Posted in
Higher Education
Veterans tuition program would see only minor changes under bill approved by panel
The House Higher Education Committee approved a bill Wednesday that would largely preserve the benefit of free college tuition to veterans or one of their kids.
Posted in
State Government
Texas may require students to pass a citizenship test. How would you do?
A bill approved by the Texas House on Wednesday would require high school students pass a version of the civics test that immigrants must take when applying for U.S. citizenship. How well would you do? Take our quiz and find out.
Posted in
Politics
How to kill a bill in 140 days (or less)
A brief guide to the legislative dark arts as the scramble to pass — and kill — bills reaches its height.
Posted in
Health care
Bill would spur study of why more black mothers die after childbirth
Public health advocates want a state task force focused on Texas’ rising maternal mortality rates to study how race, bias, prejudice and socioeconomics affect care for pregnant black women — who are disproportionately affected.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Sandra Bland Act gets nod from Texas Senate panel
The legislation would mandate that county jails route people with mental health crises and substance abuse issues to treatment and install electronic sensors or cameras to better monitor inmates.
Posted in
State Government
Texas House passes measure to reduce handgun license fee
The Texas House backed a proposal that would reduce the first-time fee for a license to carry a handgun from $140 to $40.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: Texas Legislature flushing sanctuaries, from cities to bathrooms
Texas legislators — along with everyone watching them — expected to lock horns over transgender Texans and the bathroom bill. But the raw debate over sanctuary cities legislation could be the hallmark of this 85th Legislature.
Posted in
Public Education
Senate passes bill extending alternate graduation route to 2019
The Senate passed a bill extending the opportunity for students to graduate even if they haven’t passed their required exams by going before a graduation committee.
