Texas House of Representatives

Rep. Jasmine Crockett from Dallas pushed bills to reform policing, expand voting options and loosen drug laws in the state. But she made waves for her passionate dissent.

The bill was a priority for business groups in this legislative session.

Democratic lawmakers wanted to replace a defunded agency by creating a new office that would look at health inequities across the state. But after Republicans pulled it into ongoing debates about transgender rights and critical race theory, the bill died in the Senate.

As the Texas House of Representatives wraps up hearings on the last of its bills, some pieces of legislation slipped through the cracks — barely receiving a committee hearing.

House Bill 1927 would nix the requirement for Texas residents to obtain a license to carry handguns if they’re not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a gun.

Previously, the Senate approved a bill that would ask for an election if cities decide to reduce law enforcement budgets.

The program would be expanded for a number of conditions including chronic pain and PTSD — as well as allow for more potent levels of THC.

In 2018, a lawsuit was settled that was the culmination of a years-long $7 million legal battle Texas lawmakers fought against supplying corrections facilities with air conditioners. This week, the issue has resurfaced as the House is reviewing a slate of bills aimed at addressing extreme heat at state prisons.

House Bill 1927 would nix the requirement for Texas residents to obtain a license to carry handguns if they’re not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a gun. Texans under current state law must generally be licensed to carry handguns, either openly or concealed.

Opponents, including firearm instructors and police, worry permitless carry would be a public safety risk.

Senate Bill 3 would require all power generators, transmission lines, natural gas facilities and pipelines to make upgrades for extreme weather. Its prospects are uncertain in the House, which is scheduled to take up a series of related, standalone bills on Tuesday.

A provision that would remove police officers' legal shield against civil lawsuits has been pegged by multiple lawmakers as a sticking point in the Republican-led Legislature.