Legislation to stop automatic payroll deductions for most public employee unions is back after failing two years ago. Supporters say the state shouldn’t be involved in collecting union dues; opponents say the GOP is trying to cripple certain unions.
85th Legislative Session
Posted in
Health care
At state agencies without a public crisis, workers fear they won’t see raises
Advocates for state employees hope that lawmakers approve substantial pay raises — including for state workers who don’t work at an agency that’s facing a high-profile crisis.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas House committee report lays foundation for ‘Sandra Bland Act’
The Sandra Bland Act would address race, poverty, mental health and accountability in law enforcement and corrections, its author says.
Posted in
Demographics
Gov. Greg Abbott lays out emergency items (video)
The Texas governor delivered his State of the State address to legislators this week, and he also made good on his pledge to cut funding to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office.
Posted inState Government
Committee sends ethics reform package to Senate floor
The Senate State Affairs Committee approved legislation Thursday that would require lawmakers to reveal more of their private business dealings.
Posted inState Government
Texas Senate committee weighs sanctuary city ban
The Senate State Affairs committee meets Thursday beginning at 8:30 a.m., CST, to hear state Sen. Charles Perry’s bill banning sanctuary cities and sanctuary college campuses in Texas. Hundreds are expected to testify.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Ahead of Thursday hearing, Texas Senate adds muscle to anti-sanctuary city bill
Senate Republicans have updated their bill banning sanctuary cities in Texas to cover college campuses and expand potential punishments for local entities that choose to not enforce immigration laws.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Legislature should prioritize judicial security, Texas Supreme Court chief justice says
In his State of the Judiciary address Wednesday, Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht discussed bail reform, the cost of legal expenses, mental health issues and a host of other topics.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas lawmakers aim to eliminate death penalty for convicts who didn’t kill
At least two Texas Democrats and one Republican are pushing to reform the death penalty under the law of parties, which holds those involved in a murder equally responsible, even if they weren’t directly involved in the actual killing.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: Texas, a legislative sideshow to the main act in D.C.
The Texas Legislature is primed to go, but this is going to be a session outside the limelight. The Texans are busy, but the spotlight is on the new administration in Washington, D.C.
