Politics
Longtime Houston Democrat Garnet Coleman will retire from the Texas Legislature
Posted on · The lawmaker has represented parts of central and southeast Houston in state House District 147 since 1991.
Politics
Texas House passes proposed new map for chamber’s 150 districts, aiming to protect Republicans’ majority for the next decade
Posted on · Members considered more than 50 amendments to the proposed map during debate that began Tuesday and ended early Wednesday. Some of the biggest changes focused on Dallas and Harris counties.
Politics
Texas House Solidifies Quorum With Burst Of Returning Democrats But Has Only 2 Weeks Left To Pass Jam-Packed Agenda
Posted on · It’s unclear what the Legislature will be able to accomplish with just two weeks left on the 30-day clock. Key legislative deadlines are coming. Member relationships are frayed. Some Democrats warn the quorum could be broken again.
Politics
Texas Law Enforcement Tapped To Round Up Absent House Democrats, Intensifying Battle In The Lower Chamber
Posted on · The Texas Supreme Court cleared the way for absent House Democrats' civil arrests after it temporarily blocked Harris County judges’ orders protecting them from such a move.
Politics
Another Special Session To Pass A GOP Voting Bill Started Without A Quorum. This Time It’s Unclear If Democrats Will Stay Away
Posted on · Both chambers convened at noon Saturday for a second overtime round ordered by Gov. Greg Abbott. The first 30-day stretch ended in an impasse after House Democrats left the state to block a controversial GOP elections bill.
Politics
GOP leaders Say They’ve Secured An Extra Month Of Funding For Texas Legislature To Plug Money Vetoed By Gov. Greg Abbott
Posted on · It was not immediately clear how much funding is being moved, where those dollars are coming from in the state budget and what mechanism under state law leaders are using to redistribute those funds.
Politics
With Time Running Out, Texas Legislature Still At Impasse On GOP Elections Bill
Posted on · Republicans believe they have already compromised enough on the legislation, while Democrats are distrustful of both the policy driving the bill and their GOP colleagues after seeing how they have managed the process around the proposal so far.
2021 Texas Legislature
‘Everything Is On The Table’: Democrats Mull Options For Special Session, Including Another Walkout
Posted on · After killing Republicans' priority voting bill during the regular legislative session, Democratic lawmakers are mulling how to try to stop it in the special session that starts July 8.
Politics
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Sets July 8 Date For Special Legislative Session On Voting Bill, Other Issues
Posted on · Abbott’s office did not specify what legislative priorities will be included on the special session agenda and said in an advisory that such items “will be announced prior to the convening of the special session.”
Politics
Gov. Greg Abbott Vetoes Funding For Texas Legislature And Its Staff As Punishment For Democrats’ Walkout On Elections Bill
Posted on · The governor’s move comes after House Democrats led a walkout in the final days of the regular legislative session to block passage of Senate Bill 7, Abbott’s priority elections bill that would have overhauled voting rights in the state.
Politics
Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman Resigns
Posted on · Her resignation is effective Friday, she told Gov. Greg Abbott in a letter.
The 87th Legislative Session
With Feelings Raw Over Voting Bill’s Demise, Texas Legislature Wraps Up — For Now
Posted on · Members celebrated the end of the session, but also acknowledged that they’ll be back sometime soon for at least one special session.
Politics
House Votes To Ban School Vouchers, Cap Attorney General Spending As Part Of Its Proposed $246 Billion State Budget
Posted on · House members filed nearly 240 proposed tweaks to the massive spending plan and spent hours taking votes on controversial issues ranging from Medicaid expansion to school vouchers.
Guns
Texas House Approves Bill That Would Allow People To Carry A Gun Without A License
Posted on · 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.
Energy & Environment
Electricity Repricing Bill Hits Wall In Texas House, Marking First Major Schism With Senate This Session
Posted on · Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the House "stood for big business" after Speaker Dade Phelan signaled skepticism about reversing billions of dollars in charges for wholesale electricity during last month’s winter storm.