The proposed reforms target Harris County’s use of appointed magistrates to set low felony bond awards and PR bonds for felons in possession of weapons.
A similar proposal in 2021 passed the Senate with bipartisan support but failed to garner the two-thirds majority necessary in the Texas House.
With border security a top priority for many voters, Republican challengers hope to unseat three Democratic incumbents in South Texas.
Democrats have called for additional restrictions on firearms after the shooting deaths of 19 schoolchildren and two teachers in Uvalde.
Texas lawmakers considered sports betting legislation last year, but the proposals did not make it out of committee.
The proposed map for Texas’ congressional delegation was approved in the Senate and will now be sent to the House.
This week — progressive groups target moderate Democrats, Senate Democrats object to redistricting maps, Wesley Hunt rakes in national endorsements for a run in a new district.
In the coming weeks, the Facilities Commission is expected to finalize arrangements with the border wall program manager.
While some Senate Democrats also left Texas, the quorum that remained voted on a bonus TRST payment, the omnibus election bill, and bail reform.
Under Article IV, Section 14 of the Texas Constitution, Gov. Greg Abbott has the authority to veto bills passed by the legislature.
Casino gambling company Las Vegas Sands Corp. hired 73 lobbyists to advance casino bills during the regular session.
Reforms authored by Sen. Bettencourt would explicitly exclude epidemics from local emergency management, and reduce violations from criminal to civil penalties.
