Criminal Justice
Harris County’s misdemeanor bail reforms are working, a new report finds
Posted on · Despite concerns about violent crime, low-level offenses – including repeat offenses – are down compared to six years ago.
Tag: 87th Texas legislature
Politics
A federal judge has blocked Texas’ new social media censorship law for now
Posted on · House Bill 20, which was set to take effect Dec. 2, would have let Texas users banned by social media platforms sue for reinstatement or have the state attorney general sue on their behalf.
Politics
Greg Abbott’s ban on COVID-19 vaccine mandates is making its way through the Texas Legislature
Posted on · The House measure focuses on giving employees fired for refusing a vaccine the right to sue their former employers, while the Senate bill hews closer to Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order.
Politics
Gov. Abbott’s ban on COVID-19 vaccine mandates will likely face legislative and legal challenges
Posted on · It’s far from clear whether House Speaker Dade Phelan will force through a bill that would ban businesses from requiring their employees get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Politics
Texas Senate passes new controversial congressional maps
Posted on · The proposed maps would reshape the 18th and 9th Congressional Districts, leading Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Congressman Al Green to argue they’re being forced to run against each other.
Politics
A bill to spend $16.3 billion in COVID-19 relief funds has advanced to the Texas House
Posted on · The committee substitute for the bill includes hundreds of millions of dollars to retain frontline health care workers and to support the tourism and hospitality industry.
Politics
Texas senators considering how to spend the state’s $16.3 billion in COVID-19 relief funds
Posted on · Under a plan by State Senator Jane Nelson, more than 40% of the money would go to replenish the state’s depleted unemployment insurance fund.
Politics
Gov. Greg Abbott wants stiffer penalties on illegal voting. He has opposition within his own party
Posted on · Abbott added increased penalties for illegal voting to the third special legislative session, but GOP House Speaker Dade Phelan said he won’t act on it.
Politics
The Texas GOP has more redistricting power than ever thanks to a 2013 Supreme Court case
Posted on · Shelby County v. Holder nullified the preclearance requirements of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Criminal Justice
An Amendment To Let Texas Judges Deny Bail Advanced In The Senate, But Faces A Steeper Road In The House
Posted on · Senate Joint Resolution 1 calls for an amendment to allow judges to deny bail to people charged with certain violent, sexual, or trafficking crimes.
Business
Tech Groups Sue Texas Over Social Media Censorship Law
Posted on · Net Choice and the Computer and Communications Industry Association say the law violates the constitutional rights of social media platforms themselves.
Politics
Texas Property Tax Relief Bill Passes State Senate Hours After Being Added To The Special Session Agenda
Posted on · Senate Bill 1 would use a state tax surplus to lower school district property tax rates by roughly 6.6 cents, translating to about $200 in savings for the owner of a $300,000 home.
Politics
Texas Senate Passes Bill That Would Punish Social Media Companies For Alleged Political Censorship
Posted on · House Bill 20’s primary Senate sponsor argued that social media platforms are the modern equivalent of “common carriers” and should be treated as such in terms of protecting freedom of speech.
Politics
GOP-Backed Bail Bill Making It Harder To Bond Out Of Jail Pretrial Passes In The Texas House
Posted on · Supporters argue Senate Bill 6 is necessary to stem a rise in violent crime, while opponents argue it violates constitutional presumption of innocence.
Politics
Controversial Texas Voting Laws Overshadowed By Quorum Break Set To Take Effect Next Week
Posted on · While lawmakers in Austin continue to spar over an omnibus voting bill that would tighten voter restrictions, other voting laws are set to take effect Sept. 1.