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Abortion, marijuana & chickens among bills filed at Texas Capitol

By Rudy Koski, FOX 7 Austin
Published  November 25, 2018 2:53pm CST
News
FOX 7 Austin

The state capitol was swarming Friday with holiday visitors.

For many the only list they're worrying about was a gift list but a few ideas were offered for the agenda under the capitol dome when lawmakers return in January. "Well I'd like them to take a little closer look at the benefits that are available to families with special needs,” said Rebecca Carroll from Houston.

John Allen was also wants lawmakers to think more about helping children. "Education for sure, putting money back into schools and just public education, supporting teachers and students."

The first bill filed in the house was HB 21. It creates tax free days for the purchase of college textbooks. Regulating 3D plastic firearms would be done with HB 38. It requires metal stamped with serial numbers to be imbedded in the untraceable guns.

As of Friday, 416 bills have been filed. Here are some of note;

  • [GFX- HB49] HB 49 would let Texas opt out of Daylight Saving Time.
  • HB 49 would let Texas opt out of Daylight Saving Time.
  • [GFX -HB79] HB 79 allows local communities to vote on whether or not to legalize slot machines; an issue typically tied to horse tracks.
  • HB 79 allows local communities to vote on whether or not to legalize slot machines; an issue typically tied to horse tracks.
  • [GFX HB84] Repealing the outdated law against homosexual conduct would be done under HB 84.
  • Repealing the outdated law against homosexual conduct would be done under HB 84.
  • [GFX- HB 136] HB 136 calls for more education on how to protect the bee population.
  • HB 136 calls for more education on how to protect the bee population.
  • [GFX-HB122] There are several bills regarding the use of marijuana - like HB 122 which involves medical uses.
  • There are several bills regarding the use of marijuana - like HB 122 which involves medical uses.
  • [GFX- HB194] HB 194 would increase the minimum wage in Texas to $15.
  • HB 194 would increase the minimum wage in Texas to $15.
  • [GFX- HB 307] If HB 307 is passed- school districts would not be able to prevent the 10 commandments from being posted in a classroom.
  • If HB 307 is passed- school districts would not be able to prevent the 10 commandments from being posted in a classroom.

Online voter registration is also being pitched. HB 361 was written by Austin Democrat Celia Israel. She told me the process is already used by more than 30 states; like Oklahoma and Arizona.

"Why do we have to hire temps to decipher our hand writing every two years. Its beyond me, so we are not going to eliminate paper, but we are going to say to the county administrators, here is a system you can use to help make your voting rolls more accurate, and ultimately that helps us. the Pew foundation has shown neither party benefits from this, but our country does,“ said Rep. Israel.

In the state senate, 191 bills, as of Friday, have been filed. Drones would be able to recorded video under SB 59 if they are delivering packages purchased on the internet.

Other senate bills to watch include; 

  • [GFX- SB 35  ] The reboot of the b-on time no interest college loan - which can also be forgiven – that’s offered under SB35.
  • The reboot of the b-on time no interest college loan - which can also be forgiven – that’s offered under SB35.
  • [GFX SB 86  ] SB86 would prevent cities from outlawing neighborhood chickens-  residents could have up to 6 if passed.
  • SB86 would prevent cities from outlawing neighborhood chickens-  residents could have up to 6 if passed.
  • [GFX- SB 104  ] An attempt to repeal Voter ID is being made with SB 104.
  • An attempt to repeal Voter ID is being made with SB 104.
  • [ GFX SB 150  ] SB 150 would provide protections for legal abortions.
  • SB 150 would provide protections for legal abortions.

State Lawmakers are not the only ones working on a list.

G​​​​​​​overnor Greg Abbott spoke to FOX 7 Austin News about the to do list he is working on.

"The list, we have been very clear about. We want to make sure that we are adding more funding for our schools, so our teachers are going to be paid better, will be doing a better job of educating our students. We want to make sure that we reduce property taxes so people can keep more of their hard earned money, and we want to make sure that we keep our communities safe,” said Gov. Abbott.

At the start of the last session Governor Abbott pitched a somewhat longer list.

A few of the topics then sparked heated debates especially those involving immigration. For the up coming session, it seems education funding may be the issue to watch.