Narrowly targeted pieces of Texas’ George Floyd Act — like restricting chokeholds and requiring officers to provide first aid — are expected to pass. But the Act itself and many other related reforms have failed to progress during the legislative session that ends Monday.
Joan Huffman
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Senate approves overhaul of pension plans for new state employees
Senate Bill 321 would also authorize yearly payments to shore up $14.7 billion in unfunded pension obligations.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Overhaul to Texas state employee pension plan unveiled and quickly advanced by state Senate committee
Senate Bill 321 would enroll new employees eligible for the Texas Employees Retirement System in a cash balance plan — similar to a common 401(k) retirement account — instead of the traditional, defined benefit pension plan.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas lawmakers advancing bail bills that opponents say do little for people stuck in jail because they’re poor
Texas courts have long been criticized for keeping people in jail pending trial who can’t afford to post bond. Two priority bills this session would change the bail system, but they’re primarily aimed at keeping potentially dangerous defendants behind bars.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Harris County got rid of cash bail for many people accused of minor crimes. GOP lawmakers want to walk that back.
Recent reforms that let more people accused of minor offenses be released without posting cash bonds appear to be working, new research shows. But Houston area lawmakers want to roll them back.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Analysis: When mapmaking Texas politicians are smiling and quiet, pay attention
Remaking the state’s political maps — redistricting — is important. One way to tell is that the lawmakers making the maps do their dead-level best to avoid saying anything that might signal their intent.
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New Texas Laws 2019
After Harvey surprised thousands with unexpected flooding, new law aims to better inform homebuyers
The law, written by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, requires homeowners to disclose if their properties lie in a flood-prone area or have flooded before. It’s an effort to expand notification after many homes unexpectedly flooded during Hurricane Harvey.
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New Texas Laws 2019
Texas raises the legal smoking age, exempting members of the military
Senate Bill 21, authored by Sen. Joan Huffman, a Republican from Houston, made Texas the 16th state to raise the legal smoking age from 18 to 21.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Texas governor signs bills to combat human trafficking, aid sexual assault survivors
The bills aim to create a “hostile environment” for human trafficking in Texas and address sexual assault, said Gov. Greg Abbott at a bill signing ceremony Tuesday in Dallas.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Texas House passes Senate bill seeking to ensure free speech on college campuses
Senate Bill 18 would require universities to create disciplinary sanctions for students who interfere with free speech activities. It would still allow universities to put restrictions on the time, place and manner of such activities.
