Last month, The Texas Tribune asked parents and educators what they think lawmakers should do before the Legislature adjourns. Here’s what they said.
85th Legislative Session
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas House backs crowdfunding measure to test more rape kits
A bill that would crowdfund money from Texans to deal with a state backlog of thousands of untested rape kits tentatively passed the Texas House Wednesday on a voice vote.
Posted inCourts, Criminal Justice
How the Texas “bathroom bill” compares to North Carolina’s revised law
After North Carolina revised its controversial bathroom law last week, the NCAA announced it would again consider the state for future championship games. So is the proposed Texas bill more like the new North Carolina law or its predecessor?
Posted in
Health care
Analysis: A teen’s death — and a failure of policy
The death of a teen on the run from the state’s foster care system stirs deeper questions: Why aren’t these programs working, and who will be held to account for that?
Posted in
Health care
Texas Senators to debate bill that would narrow definition of “psychology”
A Texas Senate committee will take up a bill Wednesday that would redefine “psychology” in response to a court ruling that found parts of the state’s current definition are unconstitutional.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Senate panel approves bill banning bestiality in Texas
“These are serious crimes,” said state Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, the bill’s author. “The state’s response should be as well.”
Posted in
Health care
Postpartum depression bills get hearing before House lawmakers
House Public Health Committee members heard testimony on three measures — House Bill 2466, House Bill 2604 and House Bill 2135 — that would aim to increase access to postpartum depression screenings and treatment for mothers.
Posted inState Government
Jet setting liquor regulators could see wings clipped by lawmakers
All the jet-setting and partying by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, as depicted in an internal flier the agency produced, would come to a screeching halt under budgetary amendments filed Tuesday by state Reps. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs and Ramon Romero, D-Fort Worth.
Posted in
Public Education
House Education Committee backs bill overhauling A-F system
The House Public Education Committee passed a bill to overhaul a proposal to give schools and districts grades between A and F, to try and get educators on board with the accountability system.
Posted in
Higher Education
Senate approves two-year tuition freeze, 1% cap on increases after that
The Texas Senate voted 29-2 to freeze tuition for two years, and then cap tuition increases at 1 percent plus inflation after that. The idea will now go to the House, where leaders are skeptical of tuition freezes.
