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.
While some Senate Democrats also left Texas, the quorum that remained voted on a bonus TRST payment, the omnibus election bill, and bail reform.
Democrats are attempting to block election reform legislation once again during the special session by breaking quorum.
Under Article IV, Section 14 of the Texas Constitution, Gov. Greg Abbott has the authority to veto bills passed by the legislature.
"Chubbing" and poor calendar placement left this bill without the chance for a vote by the time the clock tolled midnight.
Masks are now optional for senators, staff, and members of the public, but a COVID-19 test is still required for entrance to the Senate Gallery and committee meetings.
“These individuals still can compete, and they can do it under their biological sex,” Perry said before the Senate took a final vote.
Authored by nearly half of the Texas Senate, a proposed constitutional amendment would require legislative approval for extending disaster declarations.
This week — discussion of ERCOT reform special session, over two-dozen legislators vote against adjourning, ERCOT releases details of generators that were out-of-commission during blackout event.
Hearings investigating the Texas blackouts began Thursday.
In response to policies in some of Texas' blue cities, Abbott has identified public safety reforms he will push this legislative session.
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the Texas state legislature will finalize its rules this week and adjourn until January 26.
Democrat Rep. James Talarico introduced the House version of the bill in response to the death of Javier Ambler.
Following George Floyd's death, Sens. Cornyn and Cruz with Mayor Sylvester Turner hosted a roundtable on police reforms with community leaders, officials, and law enforcement.
