On a 25-5 vote, the Texas Senate passed a bill aimed at overhauling Houston’s troubled pension funds. The bill’s author also added a provision that could shift future employees to new retirement system if shortfalls worsen or persist.
85th Legislative Session
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State Government
TABC commissioner nominee appears before Texas Senate panel
Kevin Lilly is one step closer to becoming a commissioner at the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission — an embattled state agency that’s been in the Legislature’s crosshairs over controversial spending practices in recent months.
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Demographics
Protesters on Texas Capitol grounds charged with trespassing
At least two dozen protesters on the grounds of the Texas Capitol on Monday evening were charged with misdemeanor trespassing, the culmination of a day-long sit-in to protest the “sanctuary” jurisdictions bill moving through the Legislature.
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State Government
Analysis: How current Texas lawmakers can boss future lawmakers around
Texas legislators cannot bind future legislators by preventing them or forcing them to do something. But they can certainly make their future decisions uncomfortable.
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Criminal Justice
Pension fights in Dallas, Houston raise fears of police, firefighter shortages
Amid efforts by the Legislature to address immediate pension crises in Houston and Dallas, some see an opportunity to push for a sea change in how cities fund pensions. Critics predict such a move could drive first responders away in droves.
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State Government
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick supports “House companion” to “bathroom bill”
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick expressed support Friday for “a House companion” to the so-called “bathroom bill” that has been one of his biggest priorities this session.
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Higher Education
Attempts to overhaul Hazlewood veterans tuition program are losing steam
A change of heart by a powerful lawmaker and vocal opposition by veterans groups have imperiled hopes for a major overhaul of Texas’ free tuition program for veterans and their kids.
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Public Education
Texas House panel considers “private school choice” for kids with disabilities
House Bill 1335 by Rep. Ron Simmons would give students with disabilities online accounts of state money to use for private school tuition and certain homeschooling expenses, such as textbooks and curricula.
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State Government
Analysis: A high-stakes budget duel — if Texas lawmakers want one
The Senate doesn’t like the House’s hit on the Rainy Day Fund. The House doesn’t like the Senate’s delay of a deposit into the state’s highway fund. Neither wants to raise taxes. But all is not yet lost — unless they want to fight about it.
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State Government
Texas House votes to cut business tax that funds public schools
The Texas House on Thursday approved a proposal that would phase out an unpopular business tax that provides funding for public schools.
