Amid rumors of a special session, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick put out a short list of bills he wants the House to pass if he’s going to let the Senate advance must-pass legislation. And he appears to have the upper hand in the last days of the session.
Joe Straus
Posted in
Politics
Straus to Patrick: Pass two bills, avoid a special session of the Texas Legislature
Texas lawmakers can avoid a special session if the House and Senate can pass two bills, House Speaker Joe Straus said in an unusual letter sent late Monday to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
Posted in
Politics
Analysis: The eyes of Texas reveal a legislative opening for social conservatives
In a legislative process where so many issues die quietly in committees and parliamentary actions, making politicians attach their names to their positions can be a powerful thing. The “sanctuary cities” bill tested that theory.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: As the legislative session winds down, who will be king of the hill?
As the Legislature grinds its way through the final three weeks of the regular session, the state’s top three leaders are pushing and shoving, figuratively speaking, to the finale and beyond — to the 2018 elections.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Abbott: I urged pastors to pressure Texas House over “bathroom bills”
Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed Tuesday in a radio interview that he has urged pastors to pressure the Texas House to advance the so-called bathroom bills that have languished there for weeks.
Posted in
State Government
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick supports “House companion” to “bathroom bill”
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick expressed support Friday for “a House companion” to the so-called “bathroom bill” that has been one of his biggest priorities this session.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: A high-stakes budget duel — if Texas lawmakers want one
The Senate doesn’t like the House’s hit on the Rainy Day Fund. The House doesn’t like the Senate’s delay of a deposit into the state’s highway fund. Neither wants to raise taxes. But all is not yet lost — unless they want to fight about it.
Posted in
State Government
Senate budget “unambiguously” unconstitutional, House leadership says
In a letter sent Tuesday, an attorney for two House leaders urges Attorney General Ken Paxton to side against a $2.5 billion accounting trick proposed in the Texas Senate’s version of the state budget.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: Six weeks left for the Texas Legislature, with lots to fight over
The Texas Legislature’s Easter break ends with a sprint. Only six weeks remain between now and the end of this regular legislative session — and most of the 6,000+ bills under consideration are going to die.
Posted in
Higher Education
Will Texas universities face perfect storm of cuts?
The top three sources of revenue for Texas public universities are all being targeted for reductions or freezes by federal or state government leaders.