Texas is one of about a dozen states without uniform ride-hailing standards. That could change after the 85th Legislative Session. This is part of our “State of Mind” video series looking at community concerns coming to the Capitol.
Charles Schwertner
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Lawmaker wants to crack down on illegal hiring by state contractors
A measure filed Monday by state Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, would beef up punishment for employers that hire undocumented workers and seek to do business with the state.
Posted inState Government
Analysis: Texas Legislators, Not Local Voters, Have the Final Say
Less than 24 hours after an Austin vote on ride-hailing regulations, state lawmakers lined up to countermand efforts there that get in ride-hailers’ way. Maybe they’re right. But politicians should overrule voters cautiously.
Posted in
State Government
After Austin Vote, GOP State Senator Announces Ride-Hailing Legislation
State Sen. Charles Schwertner said Sunday he would file legislation next year “designed to establish consistent and predictable statewide regulation of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft.”
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Unlike Other States, Texas E-Verify Law Operating Under Honor System
When former Gov. Rick Perry ordered state agencies to use E-Verify in 2014, his plan was criticized for not having an enforcement mechanism. But a senate bill designed to make Perry’s mandate a bona fide law also lacks teeth.
Posted in
Health care
Texas Hopes to Attract More Mental Health Care Workers
A program created this year will help pay mental health professionals’ student loans if they practice in a medically needy area. The program seeks to alleviate the state’s shortage of mental health professionals, which watchdogs are calling a “public health emergency.”
Posted in
Higher Education
Hopes Fading for New Limits for Tuition Growth
With the death of all legislation specifically aiming to re-regulate tuition costs at Texas’ public universities, proponents of the idea see few avenues for implementing the idea this year.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
E-Verify Bill One Step Closer to Abbott’s Desk
The Texas House on Monday gave tentative approval to a bill that would require state agencies and public universities to use the federal electronic employment system called E-Verify.
Posted in
Health care
Funding Program Shields Nursing Homes From Lawsuits
Hundreds of Texas nursing homes have transferred their ownership to local government entities in order to secure more federal Medicaid funding. Critics of the arrangement say it shields negligent nursing homes from lawsuits.
Posted in
Health care
More Pay for Medicaid Doctors Lost in Budget Deal
The House-Senate budget conference committee adopted its compromise on health and human services funding Wednesday, pleasing fiscal conservatives and giving little cheer to advocates for the poor and disabled.
