Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said “little to no” Senate Republicans support gambling bills and they will “focus on issues voters expect us to pass.”
While the main legislative target of Democrats on the Thursday calendar timed out, it cost two of their own bills.
Pro-gambling interests spent millions of dollars on Texas elections and hired dozens of lobbyists to persuade Texas lawmakers.
While the proposals have dim prospects in the Senate, final passage on the House floor would be a major step forward for pro-gambling interests.
Despite committee changes, certain provisions continue to draw strong opposition from First Amendment groups.
Supporters are concerned the law is being abused and needs reform, but opponents say those reforms as written jeopardize the law’s free speech protections.
Leach was part of a group of lawmakers that called for an execution date to be canceled last year amid doubts about the prisoner’s guilt.
The individual who served Leach the lawsuit in the committee had registered to provide testimony for a bill being considered.
The budget now moves to the Senate, where the upper chamber will make its changes before the legislation must be reconciled in conference committee.
With five Democrats joining, House Republicans approved a funding increase to the state's Alternatives to Abortion program.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick indicated recently there is virtually no support in the state Senate’s GOP caucus for casinos and sports betting.
Both Republican and Democratic officials in Texas weighed in on the unprecedented charges against the former president.
