The bill prohibits biological males from competing in girls’ sports even if they identify as transgender girls.
The retirement is the seventh of this year while a handful of other incumbents are seeking other office.
The vacancies in the Texas House for the 2022 midterms are piling up, now reaching double digits.
Donald Trump, who is reportedly considering another run for president in 2024, has endorsed Abbott for reelection.
Though he had previously announced his intent to run again in 2022, Rep. Chris Paddie (R-Marshall) has changed course.
Sanford is the seventh House member declining to seek re-election in 2022.
Brian Harrison finished first on Election Day while John Wray, who formerly occupied the seat, finished second.
In the coming weeks, the Facilities Commission is expected to finalize arrangements with the border wall program manager.
The bill passed the Texas House upon second reading by a 79 to 37 vote. It will head back to the Senate after passing third reading.
The San Antonio Republican has taken a position of opposition to many of the priorities championed by his fellow GOP legislators.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins is asking for more power to impose mandates he believes will reduce coronavirus infections.
The Texas House was close to achieving a quorum as some Democrats direct biting criticisms toward those who have chosen to return to Austin.
Congressman Jake Ellzey left the seat vacant after he was elected to the United States House in July.
Without a quorum, the Texas House is at a standstill and law enforcement is unable to apprehend absent Democrats while they are out of state.
Democrats broke quorum by going to Washington, D.C. when the Texas House was scheduled to meet on Tuesday.
Some Democrats sided with Republicans on a limited number of issues, but election reform is a matter where they are standing their ground.
When Gov. Abbott made his state border wall announcement, Speaker Dade Phelan said he would be delegating responsibilities to Texas House Committees.
Turner is the second state representative this cycle to announce he won't seek re-election for his Texas House seat.
Gov. Greg Abbott said on social media that he will veto Article 10 of the state's budget, which includes funding for the legislature itself.
Lawmakers are headed home for the summer after a 140-day session, unless Abbott decides to call them back to Austin for a special session soon.
