Democratic lawmakers wanted to replace a defunded agency by creating a new office that would look at health inequities across the state. But after Republicans pulled it into ongoing debates about transgender rights and critical race theory, the bill died in the Senate.
Topics
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Leadership tensions, potential special session loom as Texas legislative session hits uncertain end
Tensions between the two chambers are peaking, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is putting pressure on Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special session for unfinished business on conservative priorities
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he won’t doom police regulating agency to force a special session
The leader of the Senate gave himself leverage to force a special legislative session when he neglected to pass a bill to extend the life of the regulating agency for Texas law enforcement. But after blowback from the governor, Patrick said “we’re not holding anything hostage.”
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas lawmakers send $248 billion two-year budget to Gov. Greg Abbott
Abbott has the power to veto individual line items he objects to.
Posted in
Operation Lone Star
Greg Abbott sends state troopers, National Guard to border after increase in fentanyl seizures
Abbott said the increase in fentanyl seizures correlates with President Joe Biden taking office in January and implementing new border policies.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas could give landowners more say in eminent domain negotiations under bill sent to Greg Abbott’s desk
After failing last session, lawmakers finalized a bill — described as a “delicate compromise” — that provides new protections for landowners in negotiating with companies attempting to seize their land through eminent domain.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s criminal case to be heard in Collin County, appeals court rules
The case was moved to Harris County from Collin County after prosecutors argued that having the trial there would be unfair because of Paxton’s political ties in that region.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Analysis: A conservative Texas legislative session, with more — maybe — to come
Some conservative lawmakers are worried right now about bills falling to end-of-session deadlines, but several top Republican priorities have either crossed the finish line or are very close.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas lawmakers split over how long to extend Medicaid health coverage for new mothers
Maternal health advocates said the bill — originally pitched as a one-year extension — could reduce the state’s maternal mortality rate and offer vital help to mothers with conditions like postpartum depression or health complications in the months after giving birth.
Posted in
Politics
After Harris County was left out of latest round of Hurricane Harvey relief funds, George P. Bush asks feds for $750 million
Bush’s announcement comes after an outcry from Houston and Harris County leaders who requested $1.3 billion in federal funds for Harvey relief but were left off a list of recipients the General Land Office released.
