The top public education policymaker in the Texas House unveiled a $1.6 billion plan on Monday that he described as a first step to overhauling the state’s beleaguered school funding system.
85th Legislative Session
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas Senate to vote only on law enforcement-related bills Monday
Only bills related to law enforcement will be considered in the Senate on Monday, the first day of the legislative session when the House and Senate are allowed to pass non-emergency legislation.
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Politics
Sen. Lucio, a Democrat, comes out in support of “bathroom bill”
Democratic Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., who has previously bucked his party on social issues, announced he will vote for the so-called bathroom bill while appearing at a news conference with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and other bathroom bill supporters.
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Politics
Tensions mount between Dan Patrick and the Texas House
Less than two months into the session, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has been hardly masking his irritation with a lower chamber that has shown little appetite for some of his priorities.
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Politics
House proposal aims to limit increases in Texas property tax bills
House Ways and Means Chairman Dennis Bonnen filed the Texas House’s property tax reform bill, a measure he said will help Texans keep local governments accountable in setting property tax rates.
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Politics
Texas House proposes using $1.4 billion from state savings account for health and human services
The proposal from state Rep. John Zerwas, R-Richmond, would pay down bills coming due for several of the state’s health and human services programs.
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Higher Education
Professor recruitment program — a top Abbott initiative — could lose funding
Draft budgets by both the Texas House and Senate have zeroed out funding for the Governor’s University Research Initiative, a project started by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2015.
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Criminal Justice
Civil asset forfeiture debate pits property rights advocates against law enforcement
Critics say the procedure deprives citizens of property without due process. Law enforcement officials say they are stopping crime.
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Criminal Justice
Sandra Bland Act would change processes for law enforcement, jails
The bill’s proposals include limiting police searches during stops, adding reporting requirements for racial profiling and creating an independent ombudsman to monitor inmates’ rights and services.
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Public Education
After Huberty’s comments, school choice advocates lobby state Republican Party
House Public Education Chairman Dan Huberty’s comments about school choice legislation being a “dead” issue this legislative session have angered Texas supporters of the voucher-like programs.
