Note: This is a special bulldog edition of Capital Highlights for papers who have earlier deadlines because of the Memorial Day holiday. An updated version will be released at the usual time Monday.
Budget headed to governor’s desk
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Special session coming this fall
Texas lawmakers will adjourn the regular session on Monday — Memorial Day — but Gov. Greg Abbott has already indicated he will call a special session in the fall to grapple with redistricting after detailed census results are finally released.
Deaths of unbuckled Texans spike
‘Constitutional carry’ bill close to becoming law
State shows largest numerical population gain
Texas stands to gain two seats in the U.S. House of Representatives after results of the 2020 census released last week show the state had the largest numerical gain of any state since the 2010 census
Health-care expansion defeated in House
A bid to expand health coverage for low-income Texans failed in the Texas House last week, 80-68.
Early voting underway across state
Abbott: No government mandated vaccine passports in Texas
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
The latest report on child maltreatment fatalities and near fatalities, compiled by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, indicates 251 children in Texas died in fiscal year 2020 due to abuse and neglect. That figure includes 28 children who died after being left unattended in hot vehicles.
Bill tightening voting restrictions in Texas passes Senate committee
A Texas Senate committee on Friday passed an elections bill that would tighten the state’s voting rules by limiting extended early voting hours, requiring proof of disability to qualify for mail-in voting and prohibiting drive-thru voting. Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, is one of Gov. Gregg Abbott’s legislative priorities this session.