Bail Reform author says eloping democrats are compromising public safety
With her legislation aimed at keeping violent predators "locked up" once again withering in Austin, State Senator Joan Huffman pounded eloping House Democrats for, in her view, putting electoral politics ahead of public safety.
Gov. Abbott signs into law harsh new Fentanyl trafficking punishment
Texas Governor Greg Abbott ceremonially signed legislation that enhances criminal penalties for manufacturing and distributing fentanyl in the state. Texas is cracking down on the drug in response to record fatal overdoses in the U.S.
George P. Bush outraises AG Ken Paxton in primary challenge debut, though Paxton has bigger war chest
Bush started his Paxton challenge with a fundraising lead of $2.3 million to $1.8 million, but Paxton easily maintains the most cash on hand in a primary that also includes Eva Guzman, the former state Supreme Court justice.
Republicans say democratic elopement endangers bail reform, creates more victims
Republicans in the state capitol say the mass departure of Democrats from Austin in protest is killing felony bond reform. Much of the measures taken for felony bond reform would take place immediately, but if the D.C protest of House Democrats over voting rights continues, it will die.
Texas House votes to bring back absent Democrats, under arrest if necessary
Republicans in the Texas House of Representatives authorized finding and bringing back absent Democratic lawmakers "under warrant of arrest if necessary," but state troopers have no jurisdiction beyond Texas.
Texas Democrats leave state to break quorum and stop GOP voting bill
Dozens of House Democratic lawmakers are in Washington, D.C. to stop a voting bill in the current special session ordered by Gov. Greg Abbott.
Texas lawmakers debate bills that would change election laws statewide
Texas lawmakers are using a special legislative session to consider two bills that would change election laws statewide. The bills have been controversial. Some believe they would suppress minority votes.
GOP voting bill advances to Texas House floor after overnight committee hearing
Authors of voting legislation in the House and Senate are moving to ban drive-thru and 24-hour voting options, enhance access for partisan poll watchers and prohibit local election officials from proactively distributing applications to request mail-in ballots. Both bills also include language to further restrict the state’s voting-by-mail rules, including new ID requirements for absentee voters.
Bail Reform, Election Security lead Special Session Agenda with no action planned on Texas power grid
State lawmakers will be heading to Austin for a special legislative session. Among the issues to be addressed are violent crime, elections, and the border. The agenda does not include any action to improve the reliability of the Texas power grid.
What's important to you? Special session in Texas begins Thursday
Gov. Greg Abbott has announced the agenda for the special legislative session that begins Thursday, asking lawmakers to prioritize 11 issues that largely appeal to conservatives who wanted more out of the regular session. So we caught up with Houston area residents to find out what's important to them.
Texas parents seek help from lawmakers for child with autism suffering worsening health conditions
A popular autistic teen and business owner is in a crisis that is baffling doctors and frightening her parents.
Allen West announces he is running against Gov. Greg Abbott in Republican primary
The Texas GOP chairman made his campaign official Sunday.
"Everything is on the table": Democrats mull options for special session, including another walkout
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.
Academy can't be sued for selling gun used in Texas' deadliest mass shooting, state Supreme Court says
The gunman should not have been able to purchase an assault style rifle, but the store conducted the required federal background check, which didn't reveal his past assault conviction, the court said.
Animal advocates feel blindsided after governor vetoes bill to expand animal cruelty laws
All those who fought for Senate Bill 474, which is known as the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, say they can’t believe Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to veto it.
Gov. Abbott vetoes criminal justice bills, legislation to protect dogs, teach kids about domestic violence
Abbott vetoed 13 bills authored by Democrats and seven by Republicans. Twelve of the vetoes targeted bills that originated in the House, and eight were from the Senate.
Gov. Abbott signs 7 gun bills including permitless carry
Flanked by the longtime leader of the National Rifle Association, Governor Greg Abbott signed seven controversial bills into law dramatically expanding Gun rights in Texas.
Texans can carry handguns without a license or training starting Sept. 1
Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and other Republicans who were initially noncommittal about the bill were under immense political pressure this session from conservatives and gun rights advocates, who have long lobbied the Texas Legislature for permitless carry.
Gov. Greg Abbott wants to build a border wall, but does Texas have the ability — or money — to do so?
Critics have denounced Abbott's proposal as "political theater" that won't pass legal muster. But the two-term Republican governor says it's time to secure the border.
Kamala Harris to host White House meeting with Texas Democrats who blocked voting bill
The meeting will take place Wednesday, according to Harris' office.