The Texas Senate could soon debate the “Buffett Bill,” a special interest carve-out aimed at giving billionaire Warren Buffett a little relief from protectionist state laws. And the bill that would help electric car maker Tesla Motors? Stalled.
Kelly Hancock
Posted in
Economy
Texas Senate approves bill curbing regulation of short-term home rentals
Under Senate Bill 451 by state Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, Texas cities would be prevented from banning short-term rentals and their ability to write ordinances restricting the practice would be narrowed.
Posted in
Health care
Nurse practitioners again push for independence
Multiple bills filed in the Texas Legislature are seeking to give certain Texas nurses independence from costly contracts with supervising physicians.
Posted in
Politics
Dan Patrick makes only one change atop Senate committees
Only one committee received a new committee chair in the Texas Senate. Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, will chair the Senate Administration Committee.
Posted inState Government
Patrick Would Fast-Track Sanctuary Cities Bill
Aides to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, leader of the Texas Senate, say a bill cracking down on sanctuary cities would be fast-tracked in a special session. But so far Gov. Greg Abbott is resisting calls to convene one, meaning any reforms would be put on hold for more than a year.
Posted in
Economy
Effort to Tighten Spending Cap Dies With House, Senate Far Apart
The state’s constitutional spending cap will remain untouched this session, and House and Senate leaders are blaming each other for the lack of action on the arcane but politically important measure.
Posted in
Politics
Open Carry Faces Filibuster Threat in Senate
State Sen. José Rodríguez said Thursday that if the opportunity arises, he plans to filibuster a bill allowing the open carry of handguns in Texas.
Posted in
Higher Education
Video: Hancock, Kolkhorst and Rodríguez on Hazlewood
At our 5/28 conversation, state Sens. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills; Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham; and José Rodríguez, D-El Paso, were pessimistic about the possibility of a compromise on the Hazlewood Act.
Posted in
State Government
Video: Hancock, Kolkhorst and Rodríguez on Ethics Reform
At our 5/28 conversation, state Sens. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills; Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham; and José Rodríguez, D-El Paso, discussed whether meaningful ethics reform will pass this session.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Video: Hancock, Kolkhorst and Rodríguez on Open Carry
At our 5/28 conversation, state Sens. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills; Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham; and José Rodríguez, D-El Paso, talked about the fate of the open carry bill — and the prospect of a filibuster.
