After signing legislation he says is intended to “crush” distribution of the deadly narcotic, Governor Abbott called on state Democrats to “end their partying in Washington, D.C.” and return to enact bail reforms.
While some Senate Democrats also left Texas, the quorum that remained voted on a bonus TRST payment, the omnibus election bill, and bail reform.
Through his attorney, Sgt. Daniel Perry asserts that he was acting in self-defense when he shot and killed Garrett Foster.
The agenda items for the first special session have yet to be announced.
The 87th Legislative Session featured another episode in a long conflict between the conservative state government and its progressive capital city.
Catch up on the week's hottest stories in Texas politics with the reporting team at The Texan.
Listed among Gov. Abbott's emergency items, bail reform for violent offenders has passed its first marker after the House gave initial approval.
A report for Harris County acknowledges spikes in violent crime, but says misdemeanor bail reform policies are unrelated and are helping to reduce misdemeanor filings and use of cash bail.
Governor Abbott laid out five emergency items for the legislature to tackle this legislative session.
In response to policies in some of Texas' blue cities, Abbott has identified public safety reforms he will push this legislative session.
The double homicides at Texas A&M Commerce earlier this month carried out by Jacques Dshawn Smith have resulted in greater scrutiny over progressive bail policies in Dallas County.
