HillCo lobbyist Rick Dennis did not slip GHB into the drinks of two legislative staffers, an investigation found. But a history of complaints against him for inappropriate behavior raises questions about how seriously the Legislature takes misconduct.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Multiple Senate GOP priorities fail in Texas House after last-ditch effort by Democrats to run out the clock
The Democrats delayed and deflected as they tried to run out the clock on bills they oppose. Republicans strategized to push through bills they’d worked on all session.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick calls for June special session after three of his priority bills fail in Texas House
Gov. Greg Abbott responded, “Some are trying to end the game before the time clock has run out. There’s still time remaining for the House and Senate to work together to get important conservative legislation to my desk.”
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Criminal Justice
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals upholds “revenge porn” law
In 2018, a lower court ruled that a state law that prohibits posting someone’s intimate photos online without their permission violated the First Amendment. Wednesday’s ruling overturns that decision.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas educators worry bill limiting the teaching of current events and historic racism would “whitewash history”
Texas educators say they’re concerned they won’t be able to have open conversations about what’s happening in the world if the Texas Legislature approves a bill that restricts how teachers can discuss current events in the classroom.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Senate bill dictating which school sports teams transgender children can join misses House deadline
Democratic lawmakers waved transgender pride flags on the chamber floor after Senate Bill 29 missed the deadline for the House to pass all bills from the upper chamber.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Legislature passes bill that would outlaw abortions if Roe v. Wade is overturned
Called a “trigger” law, House Bill 1280 would take effect 30 days after the Supreme Court overturned the Roe decision or after a court ruling or constitutional amendment gave states the authority to prohibit abortions.
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Texas Legislature 2021
A year after George Floyd’s murder, only a few of Texas lawmakers’ police reform measures appear likely to become law
Narrowly targeted pieces of Texas’ George Floyd Act — like restricting chokeholds and requiring officers to provide first aid — are expected to pass. But the Act itself and many other related reforms have failed to progress during the legislative session that ends Monday.
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Politics
Donald Trump says he’ll endorse in likely primary battle for Texas attorney general between Ken Paxton, George P. Bush
The former president said in a statement Tuesday that he’ll issue an endorsement “in the not-so-distant future.”
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Legislature moves on two fronts to prevent state’s largest cities and counties from cutting law enforcement budgets
The Senate measure would require major counties hold an election before reducing their law enforcement budgets. The House bill would financially punish the state’s larger cities if they cut police funds.
