Every legislative session since 2003, Harold Dutton of Houston has filed at least one bill to end capital punishment in Texas. It’s often been a lonely quest.
Courts
Stay up to date on Texas courts with in-depth coverage of major rulings, judicial elections, criminal justice, and the judges shaping state law from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Gov. Abbott demands Travis County reverse new “sanctuary” policy
Gov. Greg Abbott is formally demanding that Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez reverse her new policy on cooperation with federal immigration authorities or lose state dollars, further escalating a showdown over “sanctuary cities” that have been in the crosshairs of Republican officials.
Posted inCourts, Criminal Justice, Energy, Environment, Health care, Politics, Public Education, State Government, Transportation
Watch our video series on community concerns coming to the Capitol
In our six-part “State of Mind” series, we looked at various issues being discussed across Texas as state lawmakers debate bills during the 85th Legislative Session. Watch all of the videos here.
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Bordering on Insecurity
Brownsville jurors shown cash and safe as Border Patrol agent’s murder trial continues
Hoping to bolster their murder case against Border Patrol Agent Joel Luna, prosecutors showed jurors a safe they say he used to store $90,000 in smuggled money.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Travis County sheriff announces new “sanctuary” policy
A Friday announcement by newly-elected Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez that her office would reduce cooperation with federal immigration authorities will set up a showdown with Texas Republican leaders, especially Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
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Criminal Justice
After GOP appeal, Texas Supreme Court agrees to take up same-sex marriage case
The Texas Supreme Court reversed course and agreed to take up a case involving benefits for married same-sex couples after Republican leaders urged the court to reconsider its earlier decision to let a lower court decision stand.
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Criminal Justice
How should Texas teach students to interact with police?
Texas’ top criminal justice lawmakers are considering sending community leaders into public schools to teach ninth graders how to interact with police.
Posted in
Bordering on Insecurity
Border Patrol agent tied to smuggled money but not to slaying in day 3 of trial
Joel Luna, the Border Patrol agent on trial for capital murder in Brownsville, was linked to hundreds of thousands of dollars in smuggled money by the prosecution’s star witness — Luna’s older brother Eduardo.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Judge temporarily blocks Planned Parenthood’s ouster from Texas Medicaid
After three days of testimony from attorneys for the state and Planned Parenthood, U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks is letting the reproductive health provider stay in Medicaid until Feb. 21.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Lawmakers likely to wage in-state tuition policy fight again this year
Will Texas legislators repeal in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants? One Republican lawmaker is determined to make it happen.
