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Tag Archives: Texas Legislature
Bill penalizing Texas cities that cut funding for police heads to governor's desk
Texas lawmakers on Friday gave final approval to a bill that would financially punish large cities that cut their police budgets, including prohibiting them from raising new property tax revenue. The legislation now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott, who has said…
Public Safety • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Jun 1, 2021
With state change, Board of Adjustment could consider new hardships
A move by the Texas Legislature could change the way the city grants variances to the Land Development Code. The bill, House Bill 1475, would add another type of hardship for the Board of Adjustment to consider – the financial…
Texas State Legislature • By Elizabeth Pagano • May 13, 2021
Prop E approval OKs ranked-choice voting, with legal questions ahead
Austin voters came out in favor of a new system for conducting local contested elections beginning in 2022, though how or if that change will be made appears unclear. Proposition E was approved 87,516 to 63,510 on Saturday, with nearly…
Bonds & Propositions • By Chad Swiatecki • May 3, 2021
Texas Legislature takes aim at parents and doctors of trans youth
Every once in a while, the monotonous, besuited cast of the Texas Capitol is overshadowed by the attention-grabbing hues of pride flags and the testimony of people showing up to ensure that their colors are seen and respected. And in…
Texas State Legislature • By Angelo Gaunichaux • Apr 29, 2021
Mayor, City Council express opposition to state legislation
Mayor Steve Adler and several City Council members expressed their frustration with the Legislature at Tuesday’s work session, after Intergovernmental Relations Officer Brie Franco described legislation aimed at curbing Austin’s authority to govern itself. Among Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s announced…
Texas State Legislature • By Jo Clifton • Apr 7, 2021
City, live music advocates decry legislation that would limit noise regulations
City leaders and live music advocates spoke out Monday against a bill in the Texas Legislature that would limit the ability of cities to regulate amplified sound from bars and music venues. The press conference at downtown club 3Ten was…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 6, 2021
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Rep. Talarico proposes bill for educational equity officers; AISD is a case study
Earlier this month, Rep. James Talarico, who represents Texas’ 52nd District, filed a bill aimed at tackling equity issues within the state’s education systems. Specifically, the bill would require school districts to hire a diversity, equity and inclusion officer. According to…
Education • By Sean Saldaña • Mar 25, 2021
Eckhardt, activists target ballot access bills in play for state lawmakers
Voters in Texas face the prospect of restricted access to the ballot box in coming years, with a group of Republican-proposed bills in the state Legislature drawing heavy criticism from Democrats and others concerned about increased obstacles to voting. The…
Elections • By Chad Swiatecki • Mar 24, 2021
Abbott plots DPS takeover of APD
Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Twitter Monday that he had received draft language to seize Austin’s Police Department and put it under the control of the Texas Department of Public Safety “just in time for Christmas.” The Austin Police Association,…
Police • By Jo Clifton • Dec 22, 2020
Travis County prepares for 87th Texas Legislature
Last Tuesday, Dec. 15, Travis County Intergovernmental Relations Officer Julie Wheeler presented the draft agenda items for the upcoming Texas legislative session to the Travis County Commissioners Court. The 87th Texas Legislature will convene on Jan. 12, and the legislative…
Texas State Legislature • By Seth Smalley • Dec 22, 2020
Group begins collecting signatures to put state law limiting police oversight to a vote
A new political action committee is trying to put a state law governing police oversight on the ballot next May. “I think it’s really unique and kind of amazing that (this petition could) allow the voters in Austin to decide…
Police • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Oct 7, 2020
Rodriguez concedes, calls for unity, Eckhardt headed to Texas Senate
Eddie Rodriguez announced Monday that he was opting out of an uphill battle for the Senate District 14 seat against former Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt. Instead, Rodriguez said he would focus his efforts “on winning a Democratic majority and…
