Houston Matters
Sixty days in, the real sprint begins for Texas lawmakers in Austin
Posted on · Lawmakers now have roughly two-and-a-half months to pass new bills.
Tag: Texas House of Representatives
Texas
Texas House has record number of LGBTQ representatives as lawmakers face scores of bills focused on gender and sexuality
Posted on · The Texas Legislature has nine lawmakers who are openly LGBTQ, all Democrats, including Reps. Ann Johnson and Jolanda Jones of Houston. At the same time, some Republican lawmakers are pushing a slate of bills aimed at drag queens, transgender children and how sexuality is discussed in schools.
Politics
New House caucus aims to put water infrastructure upgrades front-and-center of Texas legislative agenda
Posted on · Much of the new Texas House Water Caucus’ effort will go towards helping midsized and smaller communities, but cities like Houston – which has seen three major disruptions of its water supply since 2020 – will benefit as well.
Politics
Republican Mike May, citing ballot paper shortages in Harris County, contests statehouse election he lost by 15 percentage points
Posted on · State Rep. Jon Rosenthal, the Democratic incumbent who won by 6,176 votes on Election Day, called May's challenge 'frivolous" and a "political stunt."
Politics
Dr. Suleman Lalani, among first Muslims elected to Texas Legislature, pledges to serve all Fort Bend County constituents
Posted on · Lalani of Sugar Land and Salman Bhojani, elected to represent residents of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, are the first Muslims and first South Asia natives to be elected as Texas lawmakers.
School shooting
‘73 minutes is too long’: Former judge weighs in on probe of police response in Uvalde
Posted on · Former Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman was on the committee behind a 77-page report released Sunday. The investigation revealed nearly 400 law enforcement officers arrived at the scene of the shooting, but, for many of them it was unclear who was in charge.
Town Square
A closer look at Uvalde school shooting ‘systemic failures’, and what’s being done to help families heal
Posted on · With the recent release of the Texas House committee investigation of the Robb Elementary School shooting and with Uvalde County commissioners' approval of a $5 million contract to assist victims, experts discuss what we can learn in order to protect our kids in the future.
Politics
Here are some Texas lawmakers not seeking reelection
Posted on · The third special legislative session has wrapped up. Here’s a look at the lawmakers who’ve announced they won’t return to their seats in the 88th legislature.
Redistricting
First lawsuit filed challenging new Texas political maps as intentionally discriminatory
Posted on · Before they’re even signed into law, the state’s new maps for congressional and statehouse districts have been challenged in federal court by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
Politics
Texas lawmakers pass controversial new map for the U.S. House of Representatives
Posted on · While Democrats hold firm in their accusations of racial gerrymandering, Republicans passed a map reallocating Texas’ seats in the U.S. House. A court challenge is likely ahead.
Politics
Texas House passes measure limiting trans youth sport participation
Posted on · The bill requiring Texas public school athletes to participate only on sports teams that align with their sex assigned at birth appears poised to become law.
Politics
After Voting Bill’s Passage, Texas Democrats Hold Out For Federal Help That May Never Come
Posted on · Texas Democrats made their way to the U.S. Capitol to pressure Congress into voting for federal voting protections. But politics in Washington make that less likely with each passing day.
Politics
Texas House Passes Controversial Election Bill
Posted on · The bill passed 79-37 on second reading late Thursday night then passed 80-41 on a third reading Friday afternoon. The measure includes bans on 24-hour voting and drive-through voting.
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.
Texas Legislature
Gov. Greg Abbott Could Veto Funding For The Legislature This Week In Retaliation For Democratic Walkout
Posted on · Legislative staffers could lose their paychecks beginning September 1, but insiders say if Abbott does follow through with his threat, the decision would almost certainly be reversed before going into effect.