After Harris County’s move to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana, Texas lawmakers disagree about whether local jurisdictions have the discretion to enact such policies.
Texas Legislature
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Politics
Convention of states resolution is on its way to full Texas Senate
The Senate State Affairs Committee addressed one of Gov. Greg Abbott’s four emergency items Thursday: passing a resolution showing the state backs an Article V convention.
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State Government
Senate State Affairs greenlights bill to end most union payroll deductions
The Senate State Affairs Committee greenlighted a bill to the full Senate Thursday that would end the state’s practice of collecting dues for certain public employee unions through automatic payroll deductions.
Posted inState Government
Texas may still be giving state-funded pension to convicted elected officials
More than two dozen former elected officials convicted of felonies may be receiving taxpayer-funded retirement pay. But state law keeps the details secret.
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Politics
Stadium exemption in “bathroom bill” won’t be enough, opponents say
An exemption for stadiums and convention centers in Texas’ “bathroom bill” may not be enough to avoid economic fallout in the state, opponents warn.
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Health care
Senate panel hears testimony on 3 abortion-related bills
Senate Health and Human Services Committee members heard emotional testimony from reproductive rights and anti-abortion advocates on Wednesday over Senate Bill 8, Senate Bill 415 and Senate Bill 258.
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Public Education
House budget proposal would defund Gov. Abbott’s pre-K program
The House has proposed cutting all funding for a pre-K grant program that Gov. Greg Abbott has discussed as a priority this legislative session — setting the stage for a battle in the Legislature.
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Politics
Texas Attorney General first in country to file brief backing Trump travel ban
Attorney General Ken Paxton issued an amicus brief Wednesday expressing his support of President Donald Trump’s travel ban, effectively becoming the first state attorney general to back the controversial executive order.
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Health care
Texas lawmakers hear public testimony on abortion bills (live blog)
Texas lawmakers began this session’s abortion fights in earnest Wednesday during the first committee hearing on three abortion bills.
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Politics
For Dawnna Dukes, a lukewarm welcome from Travis County delegation
Dukes’ presence in the House is a sensitive topic for her colleagues in the Travis County delegation because of the 12-term Democrat’s legal issues.
