Politics
What passed — and what didn’t — during Texas’ 3rd special legislative session
Posted on · Lawmakers adjourned sine die in the early hours of Tuesday morning, securing changes to the state’s political maps and other conservative goals.
Tag: third special session
Town Square
Understanding COVID vaccinations, Texas politics and early voting
Posted on · Having trouble keeping up with headlines in Texas politics? Experts explain the legislature’s third special session and early voting. Plus, in light of the passing of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, we discuss COVID complications and vaccines.
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.
Town Square
Here’s what we know about the Governor’s vaccine mandate ban, the cost of the pandemic and vaccines for young children
Posted on · A pediatric infectious diseases expert and a health economist discuss vaccines for children under 12 and the cost of the pandemic. Plus, we dive into Governor Abbott’s latest executive order to prohibit vaccine mandates.
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.
Town Square
The ‘Party Politics’ Of Third Special Session of the Texas Legislature
Posted on · The co-hosts of Party Politics join Town Square to examine bills allocating $16 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funds and COVID vaccine mandates at the local and state level.
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.
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
Gov. Greg Abbott Calls Special Legislative Session For Redistricting, Other Conservative Priorities Starting Sept. 20
Posted on · On top of redistricting, Abbott wants lawmakers to take up bills on restrictions for transgender student athletes and the allocation of billions of dollars in federal COVID-19 relief funds.