A bill by state Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, would restore dedicated funds to a state agency that has helped recover 1.6 million stolen vehicles in Texas. In recent years, lawmakers diverted the funds to help balance the state budget.
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.
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Criminal Justice
Report Urges Reduced Prostitution Punishment
A new report out Tuesday urges lawmakers to reduce penalties for prostitution and send more defendants to diversion and intervention programs. Advocates argue it will save the state money.
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Criminal Justice
Michael Morton Act Handily Passes Senate
Senators passed Senate Bill 1611, also known as the “Michael Morton Act,” which would require prosecutors to turn over evidence to defense lawyers in criminal cases. The chamber erupted in applause following the vote.
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Criminal Justice
The Polling Center: Cruz Registers Tea Party Embrace of Gun Rights
Attitudes about gun control proposals among Texas Republicans provide a foundation for understanding Sen. Ted Cruz’s resistance to the apparent compromise taking shape in the U.S. Senate.
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Criminal Justice
Agreement Reached on Michael Morton Act
“It looks as if we have a deal,” Michael Morton said after Wednesday afternoon negotiations with senators and lawyers on a measure that would require prosecutors to turn over evidence to defendants in criminal cases.
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Criminal Justice
House Panel Considers Simpson’s TSA “Anti-Groping” Bill
Despite previous threats from the federal government to shut down Texas airports if state lawmakers limit the TSA’s ability to conduct security screenings, Rep. David Simpson is pushing lawmakers to approve a so-called anti-groping bill.
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Criminal Justice
Prosecutors, Defense Attorneys Spar Over Child Sex Crimes Bill
A panel of House lawmakers on Tuesday heard prosecutors and defense attorneys debate a bill that would allow prosecutors in child sex crime cases to bring in evidence of prior offenses, including accusations by other children.
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Criminal Justice
Proposal: Allow Private Firms to Provide Mental Health Services in Jails
Private mental health care providers would be allowed into select jails to attempt to restore inmates to competency under a proposed pilot program. The restored inmates would then be able to stand for trial.
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Criminal Justice
Fight Over Information Security Could Jeopardize “Michael Morton Act”
A fight over what defense lawyers could do with information about their clients in criminal cases after prosecutors turn it over to them is threatening to stymie the “Michael Morton Act.”
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Criminal Justice
Cornyn, McCaul to Introduce Border Security Measure
UPDATED: As a bipartisan group of senators purportedly moves closer to introducing a bill to overhaul the country’s immigration system, two Texas Republicans said they would file legislation to first ensure the border is secure.