About half of them are aimed at increasing voter access, which lawmakers said became a more urgent issue during the pandemic. She added that, amid a mounting number of uninsured Texans, she was “extremely optimistic” legislators would vote to expand Medicaid this session. Dec. 22, 2020, We surveyed some of The Texas Tribune’s reporters and editors about what they’d be watching come Jan. 12, when state lawmakers are scheduled to gavel in the new session. Four Tribune reporters share what they are most watching for at the 2021 legislative session. “It's all insider baseball,” Ramsey said. The Phelan Administration at The Texas Tribune's symposium previewing the 2021 legislative session, The House Agenda at The Texas Tribune's symposium previewing the 2021 legislative session, The Senate Agenda at The Texas Tribune's symposium previewing the 2021 legislative session, Writing the Budget at The Texas Tribune's symposium previewing the 2021 legislative session, Drawing the Maps at The Texas Tribune's symposium previewing the 2021 legislative session, What the Black Caucus Wants at The Texas Tribune's symposium previewing the 2021 legislative session, What the Women's Bloc Wants at The Texas Tribune's symposium previewing the 2021 legislative session, Meet the New Members at The Texas Tribune's symposium previewing the 2021 legislative session, Reporters' Roundtable at The Texas Tribune's symposium previewing the 2021 legislative session, weeklong virtual symposium Dec. 7-11 previewing the state’s upcoming legislative session, who will retire as speaker at the end of his term, nothing the state hasn’t worked through before. HOUSTON - SIGN UP FOR FOX 26 HOUSTON EMAIL ALERTS. Several Texas lawmakers said the upcoming legislative session will likely be pushed into a special session next year if federal census results are delayed for long. When lawmakers gather in Austin on January 12th for the 87th session of the Texas Legislature, they'll be staring two colossal issues square in the face; an on-going pandemic still killing off their constituents, and a once-thriving economy chewed up by the very same contagion, robbing state coffers of at least $4.5 billion the Texas REALTORS® Legislative Priorities for the 87th Texas Legislature. Will Dan Patrick push to change the rules? Analysis: Texas elections are over. Texas Republicans have blocked voter access legislation for years. Texas Tax Talk: 2021's Legislative Priorities | Thought ... ... Tax Update By the freewheeling 1970s, Texas marijuana possession laws became less severe. The Texas Legislature is set to convene its 2021 legislative session on January 12, and lawmakers have already pre-filed several bills that would reform Texas’ outdated cannabis laws. The representatives also talked about how the legislative session will be affected by the pandemic, elections and the presumptive new speaker. Republican control of the Texas Legislature allows the party to continue to direct important issues during the upcoming session. While they supported safety precautions like wearing masks in their offices — members can make their own office guidelines — both said they didn’t want rapid testing to prohibit constituents from accessing members. I don't know.”, Four members of the Texas Senate outline what’s on the agenda for the upper chamber. In many states, this process is controlled by the state legislature, subject to gubernatorial veto.When one party controls the process, this can lead to gerrymandering, where district lines are set to maximize that party’s control in Congress. With the coronavirus pandemic continuing to affect everyday life, Texas legislators know that it won’t be business as usual at the Capitol during the 2021 legislative session. In 2021, lawmakers in the nation’s second most populous state and the world’s 11th largest economy, Texas, could be the first to put an end to this practice. Full Story, by Karen Brooks Harper Dec. 2, 2020, In January, the lieutenant governor suggested he could push to further lower the threshold required to bring bills to the floor if the GOP lost its supermajority. It's not. The Texas version is a bit quieter, but it's underway. Email. How many times? Morales, the Democrat, said he wants to consider pulling money from the state’s “rainy day fund” to address the budget and would like to increase access to broadband and healthcare in the many rural counties in his district, the largest in the state. State Rep. Giovanni Capriglione and State Sen. Chuy Hinojosa discuss their plans to craft a state budget amid an economic downturn. Texas Legislative Session Preview. Austin American-Statesman. Tribune events are supported through contributions from our investors and members. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on members to help keep our stories free and our events open to the public. “There’s a lot of unknowns,” said state Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, who chairs the Senate Select Committee on Redistricting. Full Story, by Patrick Svitek This publication highlights areas of interest Texas REALTORS ® will monitor during the 2021 session. A number of statewide public hearings scheduled for earlier this year were canceled because of the pandemic. During the 2021 legislative session, the Texas Legislative Black Caucus will focus on continuing efforts to reform the state’s criminal justice system, … “This is where we go to debate, jump up and down, scream at each other, come out with a kind of forced agreement – and if you can't get together, it doesn't function right.”. At a time when newsroom resources and revenue across the country are declining, The Texas Tribune remains committed to sustaining our mission: creating a more engaged and informed Texas with every story we cover, every event we convene and every newsletter we send. The Texas Tribune and Spectrum News have teamed up to present a free week-long event — from Dec. 7 to 11 — previewing the 2021 proceedings. The lege website makes it easy to see the bills filed every day. On Election Day, Republicans lost a critical advantage in the state Senate. “We have so many tools in our toolbox that we’ll be able to work through it. “And Dade Phelan is the perfect person for this situation.”. Full Story, Watch: Here’s what you should know heading into the 2021 Texas legislative session, Analysis: When mapmaking Texas politicians are smiling and quiet, pay attention, Masks required, COVID-19 tests encouraged for opening day in the Texas House next month, Analysis: Texans might be ready for casinos, but lawmakers aren’t convinced, GOP megadonor Sheldon Adelson readies 2021 lobbying blitz to bring casinos to Texas, Dan Patrick wants to change Senate rules so GOP keeps a key advantage, despite losing its supermajority, Analysis: Adding a new tax might be easier than ending an old tax break. The legislative agenda also states that the City of San Antonio supports Medicaid expansion in Texas, aligning with the County’s legislative agenda passed on Tuesday With a Republican-controlled state House and Senate, however, Medicaid expansion remains unlikely in Texas. Legislators will also be selecting a new Speaker of the House during the opening of the 2021 legislative session. Major sponsors of this symposium are Toyota North America, the Beer Alliance of Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Philanthropy Advocates, Educate Texas, Gulf States Toyota, Raise Your Hand Texas, AT&T, Texas State University System, HCA Healthcare, University of Texas at Arlington, IDEA Public Schools, DoorDash, Texas Exes, NRG Energy and 19th Amendment Centennial Fund. “This is the people’s house, and we need to make sure the people have access to us,” Jetton said. “With coronavirus, COVID-19, the agenda could be very narrow this session,” said state Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, during a panel discussion previewing the Phelan administration and the 2021 legislative session. Throughout the event, lawmakers, state officials and journalists discussed the impact of 2020 elections on the state House and Senate, the impact of COVID-19 on the state budget, the priorities of lawmakers in both chambers, calls for action on racial justice and police brutality, what the redistricting process is likely to look like and more. … Watch all of the conversations from the symposium and read highlights from the discussions below. From the mobile device browser, enter www.txlegis.com.NOTE: Some applications or features within an … Will Texas Lawmakers Legalize Casino Gambling in 2021? In fact, that might be the hardest option available. Third, definitely, he is trustworthy.”, The panelists also said that Phelan, like Dennis Bonnen — who will retire as speaker at the end of his term after a secret recording revealed he encouraged the targeting of 10 GOP members for primary challenges — has the same focus and knack to get things done as his predecessor and will, as Hunter said, fairly call “balls and strikes.”, Texas House members spell out their top priorities heading in to the 2021 legislative session. Redistricting takes place every 10 years following the census. Every two years, the Texas Legislature convenes for session. “We want to aim to provide uniformity, some type of consistent system, that people in Texas can look to and say, ‘This is what is expected of our law enforcement officers all across the state.”’. The redistricting process — redrawing congressional and state legislative districts — could take longer than usual this year, two state lawmakers said. Perhaps it goes without saying — but producing quality journalism isn't cheap. Ramshaw is also a former editor-in-chief of The Texas Tribune. A Texas redistricting committee is holding field hearings across the state ahead of 2021 mapmaking, including in San Antonio on Thursday. On January 12, lawmakers from across the state of Texas will convene the 87 th Texas Legislative Session. By. Full Story, by Cassandra Pollock Nov. 24, 2020, Phelan was a prominent lieutenant of current House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, whose handling of the 2019 legislative session was popular before scandal brought him down. On January 12, lawmakers from across the state of Texas … Texas Democrats promised 2020 would be the year Texas turned blue, the Texas Tribune reported on Wednesday. Lawmakers in January will tackle issues including the next state budget and redistricting. Greg Abbott in September by a bipartisan group of state lawmakers. Dec. 14, 2020, The House will limit attendance for what is typically a crowded day at the Capitol when family and friends attend the opening ceremonies. 2021 Texas Legislative Session Bills; Prepare for a (Legislative) Gun Battle in Texas Next Year. We have to live with the results. “It will be some pain, yes, but nothing compared to 2011.”, Redistricting leaders in the Texas House and Senate look toward the process of drawing the district maps that will take place this year. The 87th Legislature's regular session runs from Jan. 12 to May 31. Huffman said she plans to introduce a similar proposal. The Texas Legislature is the state legislature of the US state of Texas. The 87th Legislature's regular session runs from Jan. 12 to May 31. The Texas Constitution requires the Texas Legislature to convene in Austin on January 12, 2021 at noon. Monday marked the first day bills could be prefiled. The Tribune’s Evan Smith and Ross Ramsey on how the Legislature works — and what it might look like in a pandemic. Though donors and corporate sponsors underwrite Texas Tribune events, they play no role in determining the content, panelists or line of questioning. From the state budget to health care to education policy — and the politics and impact of the coronavirus behind it all — we focus on what Texans need to know about the biennial legislative session. By midafternoon, more than 500 bills had already been filed in the Texas … We're in that periodic move from electioneering to governing. “There's a million ways to do this.”, Three veteran members of the Texas House discuss how presumptive House Speaker Dade Phelan will lead the lower chamber. It is supported by Office of Public Insurance Counsel, One World Strategy Group, Texas Infrastructure Now and Fairmont Austin. “It's a social mechanism,” Ramsey said during a panel discussion explaining the Legislature and previewing the 2021 session. Nov. 27, 2020, More than 60 election-related bills have been filed in the House and Senate in the three weeks since the election. While Moody said he supported Phelan for his character, Button praised the Beaumont Republican for his years of leadership, including when Phelan didn’t push Button last session to support a bill he knew her constituents would reject. The conversation, moderated by Tribune reporter Patrick Svitek, also featured state Sen. José Menéndez, D-San Antonio, state Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, and state Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock. “Most issues in the Legislature aren't really Republican and Democratic issues,” Ramsey said. Texas Bill Filing For 2021 Texas Session Begins With Legislation On Abortion, Police Stops And Redistricting. A Texas redistricting committee is holding field hearings across the state ahead of 2021 mapmaking, including in San Antonio on Thursday. With Dade Phelan likely to become the Texas House speaker, Price said Phelan will have the “incredibly difficult job” of placing members on committees and deciding who will chair them. Facebook. “What this pandemic tells us is that we have a problem … in Texas, and now all the people are seeing it.”, Women’s equity is at the top of the agenda for state Reps. Gina Hinojosa and Julie Johnson, co-founders of the Texas Legislature’s Women’s Equity Bloc. Full Story, by Ross Ramsey State Reps. Hinojosa and Julie Johnson, D-Carrollton, spoke about what the women’s bloc is hoping for in the upcoming legislative session during a conversation with Emily Ramshaw, the co-founder and CEO of the 19th, a nonprofit newsroom focused on gender equity. Staying with their constitutional obligations, legislators must pass a two-year state budget and apportion the districts for Congress, State Board of Education, Texas Senate and House of Representatives seats as part of the decennial redistricting process. It is a bicameral body composed of a 31-member Senate and a 150-member House of Representatives. Dec. 9, 2020, Adelson's Las Vegas Sands has built a stable of high-powered lobbyists for the session, which starts in January, and the company acknowledged Tuesday that it is serious about bringing casinos to Texas. “And we have to pick and choose what bills get paid when times are tough, and how to manage feeding our family, and how to manage educating our kids, and all the things that women and mothers have to do across the state.”, Incoming members of the Texas Legislature discuss their plans and priorities for their first legislative session. Still, Dutton acknowledged the challenges of reimagining policing in a Legislature where only a fraction of bills become law and in a state where some Republican officials, including Gov. Key Texas House leader says Capitol occupancy may be limited in upcoming legislative session, GOP lawmakers heading into the legislative session take aim at voter fraud, despite no evidence of widespread problem. Health care will likely be top of mind for Texas lawmakers as they return to the Capitol for the 2021 legislative session during the worst public health crisis in a century. “It's up to the 150 of us to come together for the betterment of Texas,” Goldman said. “We're going to have a $4 to $5 billion budget deficit that we have to balance the budget on. The Washington version is noisy. He also supports rapid testing in the Capitol and will require masks in his office. By Robert Montoya | November 24, 2020. Full Story, by Karen Brooks Harper “Second, he takes time to communicate with people. We have redistricting, of course, that we have to do. Texas House Current Makeup: Republicans – 83, Democrats – 67 | January 2021: Republicans – 83, Democrats – 67. Today, members of the Texas House and Senate began filing bills. After the 2020 Census, redistricting will occur, with congressional districts redrawn for the 2022 through 2030 elections. March 24, 2021— Yesterday marked the halfway point of the eighty-seventh Texas Legislature, one of the wildest and most contentious we’ve ever seen. On Dec. 9, Lt. Gov. Last update: November 17, 2020 . Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union. The National Rifle Association has called the pre-filings for legislation in the Texas Congress next year a “record amount of gun control.” There are also a slew of bills aiming to increase gun rights in the state. Full Story, by Patrick Svitek and Mitchell Ferman In-Depth News Politics 2021 Texas Legislature gerrymandering legislative redistricting Texas redistricting U.S. Census Bureau. More than 800,000 people lack adequate broadband infrastructure, according to a letter sent to Gov. “For years we've had Texas Legislative Black Caucus members attempting to break down the barriers to access to health care and health services,” Collier said. The key races critical to the makeup of the 87th Texas Legislature are underway. Shine expects the next legislative session to be similar to that tumultuous time because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Greg Abbott, have pledged to “back the blue.”. Three veteran Texas lawmakers said that Dade Phelan, the presumptive Texas House speaker, will unite lawmakers through his experience and sincerity in what will be the Legislature’s first chance to address the health and economic impact of the pandemic next month. September by a bipartisan group of state lawmakers and Democratic issues, ” button said of she. Reopen the economy to address disparities in health care, which have been reluctant to expand access to broadband for... 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