The Calendars Committee scheduled eight bills on the general state calendar for Tuesday, March 28 and Wednesday, March 29. One of those items of business is House Bill 28 by Rep. Shelby Slawson (R-Stephenville) to increase the possible sentence for aggravated assault resulting in paralysis or a permanent vegetative state.
The bill was unanimously voted out of committee this session as well as last session. However, in 2021, the bill did not make it to the floor. HB 28 is set for consideration Wednesday.
Another bill, HB 300, would exempt feminine hygiene products, maternity clothing, and other necessities from sales taxes. Repealing the “tampon tax” passed the Ways and Means Committee unanimously, and the bill has more than three authors from both parties. HB 300 will be taken up on Tuesday.
On the other side of the Capitol, the state Senate has already passed legislation including increasing the penalty for illegal voting to a felony, as it was prior to the enactment of the 2021 election reform legislation. Senators also approved a $16.5 billion property tax relief plan.
The Legislature’s bill filing deadline was earlier this month, and committees are meeting to consider items of business and hear testimony. While lawmakers have been in session since January, legislators follow the order of business set forth in the Texas Constitution, which designates the latter months of the session for floor consideration of bills.
Copies of the general state calendars for Tuesday and Wednesday can be found below.
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Hayden Sparks
Hayden Sparks is a senior reporter for The Texan and a lifelong resident of the Lone Star State. He has coached competitive speech and debate and has been involved in politics since a young age. One of Hayden's favorite quotes is by Sam Houston: "Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may."
