The junior senator was among only six Republicans who opposed advancing a bill that would expedite the processing of hate crimes against Asian Americans by the Justice Department.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas House approves bill that would allow people to carry a handgun without a license
House Bill 1927 would nix the requirement for Texas residents to obtain a license to carry handguns if they’re not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a gun. Texans under current state law must generally be licensed to carry handguns, either openly or concealed.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas lawmakers consider limiting tenure after UT-Austin professor sued students over accusations of promoting pedophilia
One of the students sued by the teacher is the daughter of Allen Blakemore, a prominent conservative political consultant who has worked for state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, who filed the tenure bill.
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Texas Legislature 2021
House committee advances anti-abortion bills, including ones aimed at outlawing the procedure in Texas
The bills now head to the full House for debate. Versions already passed by the Senate are also pending. Each measure will need to be approved by both chambers before becoming law.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas energy companies push back against Berkshire Hathaway’s $8 billion plan for backup power
Revenue for 10 emergency power plants would come from a monthly charge on Texans’ power bills. The proposal is just one of several bills lawmakers are considering after February’s massive power outages.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Las Vegas Sands launches multimillion-dollar ad campaign to push for casinos in Texas
The TV and radio ads, which are set to start airing Thursday, make the case that Texas is forfeiting “billions” in tourism dollars to nearby states that allow casinos.
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Public Education
Austin ISD risks losing $5 million in state funding if more students don’t attend final weeks of school in person
Earlier this school year, the Texas Education Agency established guidelines that each school district must follow to qualify for the state’s hold harmless funding. Some districts, like Austin, are now at risk of losing funds.
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Coronavirus in Texas
COVID-19 ravaged Texas nursing homes. Here are the stories behind the numbers.
Nearly 9,000 Texas nursing home residents have died of COVID-19. This is what the last year of chaos and isolation was like for nursing homes residents and the employees who care for them.
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Public Education
STAAR testing adds pressure to final weeks as frantic Texas school year nears end
In an academic year scrambled by the pandemic and a deadly winter storm, Texas school students face makeup work and rounds of standardized testing. Many parents and teachers say it’s unnecessary.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Senate approves bail bill that would keep more people in jail if they can’t post cash bonds
Senate Bill 21 would require cash bail for people who have ever been convicted of a violent crime.