Fifth Circuit delivers opinion concerning voter ID law

AUSTIN — Even if the Texas Legislature did not intentionally pass a voter identification law that illegally discriminates against voters who are black, Hispanic or poor, the practical effect of the law is discriminatory and in violation of the federal Voting Rights Act.

A 49-page opinion of a three-judge panel of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals was released on Aug. 5. The panel ordered that much of the case be remanded to a federal district court in Texas for further consideration.

Panel hears testimony in wake of jail death
AUSTIN — The Texas House Committee on County Affairs met on July 30 to hear testimony on Sandra Bland and jail standards.
Bland, 28, was pulled over by a state trooper in Hempstead on July 10. Soon after, she was placed in the Waller County Jail and was found dead in her cell on July 13. Investigators ruled the death a suicide. The story, covered by local, state, national and world news agencies, has emerged in the context of other tragic outcomes involving black citizens and law enforcement.

Governor says family of woman who died in custody deserves answers
AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott on July 22 issued a statement regarding the arrest and death of Sandra Bland, a 28-year-old Illinois resident who had driven to Hempstead in response to a job offer from Prairie View A&M University.

Governor's order enhances readiness on military bases

Comptroller says state will not borrow to meet budget

AUSTIN — Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on July 7 announced his decision not to go the usual route to insure that Texas meets its budgetary obligations.

High court puts Texas abortion law on hold

AUSTIN — The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 vote on June 29, granted a stay preventing revisions to the state abortion law made by the Texas Legislature in 2013 from taking effect on July 1.

The stay will remain in effect while the court is on hiatus. When it reconvenes in October, the court will decide if the issues at stake in the Texas case, Whole Woman’s Health (and others) v. Cole, merit further review. Voting to deny the stay were Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Scalia, Thomas and Alito.

Officials react to decision on federal health care law

AUSTIN — Pursuant to a 6-3 decision by the United States Supreme Court on June 25, health insurance policies will stay on course for Texans who secured coverage through a federally facilitated exchange under the U.S. Affordable Care Act.

The high court, in ruling against the plaintiffs in the case King v. Burwell, upheld the constitutionality of a federal tax credit that pays a portion of the cost of a policy.

Governor makes final decisions on bills passed by Legislature

AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott on June 20 completed the task of reviewing all bills that were passed by the Texas Legislature.  He had until midnight on June 21 to get the job done.

Federal court of appeals rules on abortion law

AUSTIN — A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on June 9 upheld the constitutionality of House Bill 2, the state abortion law revised by the Texas Legislature in a July 2013 special session.

Governor decides fates of bills passed by Legislature