As the parents of Asher Brown watched, the Senate today unanimously approved a bill meant to prevent bullying in schools. If the House, as expected, approves some changes the Senate made to the measure, it will go to Gov. Rick Perry’s desk for a final signature.
John Whitmire
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State Government
Senators Work to Narrow “Puppy Mill” Bill
A controversial bill meant to shut down puppy mills has drawn another opponent in state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston. “I’m a barking ‘no,'” Patrick said during a recent public hearing.
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Criminal Justice
Lawmakers Target Prison School for Makeover
Texas could save money, and prisoners could get a better education, some lawmakers say, if inmate learning programs were provided online. But correctional education experts and teachers say lawmakers’ ideas — particularly about online programs — show a lack of understanding about prison life.
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State Government
Senate Adopts Voter ID Report
The state Senate today approved a conference committee report on the voter identification bill that includes changes that would allow citizens to use a new form of documentation to cast their ballots.
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Economy
Video: Outside Groups, Ads Influence Senate Budget Debate
The Texas Senate passed a budget this week for the next biennium, but only after nearly suffering a meltdown. Senate Finance Chairman Steve Ogden has blamed some of the drama on the meddling of outside interest groups.
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Criminal Justice
Senate Approves Rape Kit Testing Bill
Some of the thousands of untested rape kits lining evidence storage room shelves statewide would finally get testing under a bill the Texas Senate approved today.
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Criminal Justice
Juvenile Justice Merger Heads to Governor
A bill to merge Texas’ two state juvenile justice agencies is headed to the governor for a signature.
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Economy
Procedural Move Allows GOP to Pass Senate Budget
The $176 billion budget was approved along party lines, with all 19 Republicans voting for it and all 12 Democrats voting against.
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State Government
Video: Senate Passes Budget Along Party Lines
The Texas Senate voted today along party lines to pass a substitute version of HB 1. “It didn’t come together the way I envisioned,” said Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.
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Criminal Justice
House Tentatively OKs New Juvenile Justice Agency
Texas youths who get crossways with the law could soon find themselves under the supervision of a new state juvenile justice agency whose main mission is to keep young offenders close to home and quickly headed in a more positive direction.