87th LegislatureFederalState HouseState SenateTexas Senate Sends Congressional Map to Lower Chamber
Daniel FriendOctober 8, 2021
The proposed map for Texas’ congressional delegation was approved in the Senate and will now be sent to the House.
HomeTagJoan Huffman | The Texan
87th LegislatureElections 2022State SenateTrump Endorses Kel Seliger Opponent After He Breaks From GOP on Key Votes
Daniel FriendOctober 6, 2021
As Sen. Kel Seliger breaks from his party on key votes, other Republicans appear keen to fill his seat with someone new.
87th LegislatureElections 2022State SenateTexas Senators Approve New Map for Senate Districts Despite Democratic Opposition
Daniel FriendOctober 4, 2021
The Texas Senate gave initial approval to the new map to shore up support for most incumbents in the chamber.
87th LegislatureElections 2022State SenateLt. Gov. Dan Patrick Lists Next Republicans He Wants in the Senate
Daniel FriendSeptember 30, 2021
Three Senate seats could go to new Republicans in the next election and the lieutenant governor has said who he wants to fill them.
87th LegislatureFederalState HouseState SenateTexas Legislature to Consider Congressional Redistricting Proposal That Adds Seats to Austin, Houston
Daniel FriendSeptember 27, 2021
A new congressional map has been proposed for Texas, which would largely build up defenses for Republicans in competitive seats.
87th LegislatureElections 2022State SenateProposed State Board of Education Map Would Bolster Republicans in 3 Competitive Seats, Democrats in 1
Daniel FriendSeptember 21, 2021
The proposed map for the Texas State Board of Education would boost Republican support in three districts while bolstering Democratic support in another.
87th LegislatureElections 2022State SenateProposed Texas Senate Map Would Shore Up Support for Most Incumbents
Daniel FriendSeptember 20, 2021
The proposed map would create one new Republican district while eliminating most competitive seats based on recent voting patterns.
87th LegislatureCriminal JusticeState HouseState SenateBail Reform Targeting Violent Repeat Offenders Passes Texas House, Heads Back to Senate
Holly HansenAugust 31, 2021
An amended version of Sen. Huffman’s legislation targeting felony bail policy for repeat violent offenders has passed the House but now returns to the Senate.
Elections 2022Potential 2022 Election Primary Dates Slated Based on Completion of Redistricting
Daniel FriendAugust 27, 2021
The Texas legislature has decided when the primary election dates could be based on when redistricting is completed.
87th LegislatureStatewide NewsHere’s A List of the New Special Agenda Items Called for by Governor Abbott
Daniel FriendAugust 5, 2021
The governor’s call for a new special session broadens the legislative options that lawmakers may be able to pass.
Local NewsGov. Abbott Signs Anti-Fentanyl Bill, Calls Out Absent Democrats for Blocking Bail Reform
Holly HansenJuly 21, 2021
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.
Local NewsAs Violent Crime Rises, Hidalgo and Garcia Move to Expand Temporary Court But Lambast Felony Bond Reform
Holly HansenJuly 21, 2021
Decrying other proposals as “splashy headlines,” Hidalgo and Garcia sought a 6-month expansion of criminal courts but passed a resolution condemning a legislative fix to felony bond policy.
87th LegislatureState HouseState SenateAfter Restructuring State Employees Pension, Legislature’s 13th Check for Retired Teachers Stalled by Quorum Break
Brad JohnsonJuly 16, 2021
The legislature is bent on approving a 13th check for retired teachers but the bill's future is tentative due to the current lack of quorum in the state House.
87th LegislatureCriminal JusticeState SenateTaxes & SpendingTexas Senate Moves Forward on Legislation While House Goes Without Quorum
Daniel FriendJuly 14, 2021
While some Senate Democrats also left Texas, the quorum that remained voted on a bonus TRST payment, the omnibus election bill, and bail reform.
87th LegislatureIssuesState HouseState SenateVeto Tracker: A List of Bills From the 87th Legislature Gov. Greg Abbott Has Vetoed
Hayden SparksJune 21, 2021
Under Article IV, Section 14 of the Texas Constitution, Gov. Greg Abbott has the authority to veto bills passed by the legislature.
87th LegislatureGunsState SenateTexas Senate Approves Bill to Eliminate License to Carry Fee
Daniel FriendMay 17, 2021
As constitutional carry continues to make progress through the Texas legislature, the Senate approved a measure to eliminate the fee for a License to Carry.
The Back MicThe Back Mic: Sid Miller Drops Pointed Radio Spot, Alcohol-to-Go Heads to Abbott’s Desk, Budget Conferees Announced
Brad JohnsonApril 30, 2021
This week — Sid Miller jumps into puberty blocker debate, alcohol-to-go nears the finish line, and budget conference committee begins.
87th LegislatureGunsState SenateTexas Senate Takes Unusual Steps on Constitutional Carry, Hearing Likely Next Week
Daniel FriendApril 23, 2021
The permitless carry bill passed by the House was referred to a new special committee that has a majority of its members publicly in favor of the pro-Second Amendment proposal.
87th LegislatureGunsState SenateHere’s a List of Where Texas State Senators Stand on Constitutional Carry
Daniel FriendApril 22, 2021
The Texan contacted every Texas state senator for their position on the constitutional carry legislation recently passed by the state House. See their responses here.
87th LegislatureState Senate2022 Primary Elections Likely to be Delayed, Candidate Filing Window Tightened
Daniel FriendApril 12, 2021
A bill approved by the Texas Senate would tighten the filing period for candidates and push back the 2022 primary elections depending on when redistricting is completed.