The Republican-controlled Texas Senate gave its final stamp of approval on Wednesday to a controversial bill that would gut funding from local and state entities that don’t enforce immigration laws.
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Criminal Justice
At homeland security hearing, McCaul calls Trump’s travel ban rollout “problematic”
U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, the top House Republican on homeland security issues, strongly criticized the Trump administration Monday for the chaotic rollout last month of a travel ban of mostly Muslim countries.
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Criminal Justice
Hours before Senate vote, Texas Attorney General calls controversial immigration bill legal
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton attempted to ease concerns over whether a measure that would punish “sanctuary cities” and campuses could be successfully challenged in court.
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Criminal Justice
Texas Senate debates “sanctuary city” bill and ethics reform (live video)
The Texas Senate took up its first two bills of the session on Tuesday: a wide-ranging ethics reform measure and a bill to punish local cities, counties and college campuses that act as sanctuary jurisdictions.
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Criminal Justice
Execution halted days before Fort Worth man was set to die
Tilon Carter, 37, received a stay Friday afternoon from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. His execution was set for Tuesday.
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Criminal Justice
Senate committee advances anti-sanctuary cities bill
After hearing more than 16 hours of testimony, the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee voted 7-2 along party lines early Friday morning to advance a bill that would punish local government entities and college campuses that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration officials or enforce immigration laws.
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Criminal Justice
Texas House committee report lays foundation for ‘Sandra Bland Act’
The Sandra Bland Act would address race, poverty, mental health and accountability in law enforcement and corrections, its author says.
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Criminal Justice
Ahead of Thursday hearing, Texas Senate adds muscle to anti-sanctuary city bill
Senate Republicans have updated their bill banning sanctuary cities in Texas to cover college campuses and expand potential punishments for local entities that choose to not enforce immigration laws.
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Criminal Justice
Legislature should prioritize judicial security, Texas Supreme Court chief justice says
In his State of the Judiciary address Wednesday, Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht discussed bail reform, the cost of legal expenses, mental health issues and a host of other topics.
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Criminal Justice
In “sanctuary” fight, Abbott cuts off funding to Travis County
Gov. Greg Abbott has followed through on his threat to cut off state funding for Travis County over its new “sanctuary” policy.
