The Mignon Memo

No second special session…

At least not for redistricting purposes. Attorney General Ken Paxton will appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States instead of having legislators redraw the congressional map found unconstitutional last week by a panel of federal judges in San Antonio. To read more…

From NASA to the University of North Texas.

Lesa Roe, current deputy administrator at NASA, has been named the next chancellor of the University of North Texas System. Roe will continue at NASA until she takes over from retiring chancellor Lee Jackson at the beginning of 2018.  Roe is the first woman to serve as UNT System Chancellor. To read more…

Big Tex = Deep Fried Everything!

This Sunday, the Big Tex Choice Awards, will be held in Dallas at the historic Tower Building in Fair Park. The 10 culinary finalists are competing for titles of “Best Taste-Sweet,” “Best Taste-Savory,” and “Most Creative.” Team McGarry is rooting for Deep Fried Chicken Noodle Soup on a Stick! To read more…

Wild Texas Film Tour ramps up.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, YETI, Stewards of the Wild, the Borderlands Research Institute, and King Land & Water are sponsoring an 11-city film tour featuring Texas wildlife and conservation short films. The tour kicks off in San Antonio on September 21^st and wraps up in Fort Worth on October 26^th. Each event including a film viewing, speakers, and the chance for attendees to learn more about supporting conservation organizations at a pre- or post- party. To learn more…

Only in Austin…

Cisco’s, an Austin Tex-Mex favorite since 1943, is getting new owners. Co-owners Matt Cisneros (grandson of Rudy “Cisco” Cisneros), Will Bridges, Rick McMinn, and Bryan Schneider vow it will remain mostly unchanged, but will expand its hours and add a liquor license.  To read more…

9 out of 20.

The special session ended last night with both chambers adjourning sine die on the 29^th day of the first called special session. Nine out of Governor Abbott’s 20 special session items passed and have been signed into law or are awaiting his signature. To read more…

Like finding a $20 bill in your coat pocket.

Well, sort of… Comptroller Glenn Hegar has updated his projection of unexpended general revenue from $41.5 million to $237 million. This was announced as legislators were negotiating a school finance package during the final days of the special session. To read more…

Get your map pencils ready.

A three-judge panel in San Antonio unanimously ruled that two Congressional districts (CD 27 represented by U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi; and CD 35 represented by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin) are unconstitutional and violate the Voting Rights Act. The maps must be redrawn before the 2018 election. To read more…

Only in Austin…

Asleep At the Wheel’s Ray Benson has created a fun live music venue that is an Austin must see. Its rooftop deck is a perfect place to catch a view of the Downtown skyline. Maybe you’ll bump into ‘ol Ray the next time you visit The Rattle Inn.  To read more…

Remembering Governor Mark White.

Governor Mark White (served from 1983-1987) died over the weekend at the age of 77. He leaves behind a legacy in public education, including the controversial “no pass, no play” policy for student athletes. Gov. White will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda, tomorrow, from 12-3pm. To read more…

Opposition to the “bathroom bill” continues to build.

Power players in various industries continue to voice their opposition to Governor Abbott regarding the “bathroom bill,” legislation that would regulate which restrooms transgender people may use. Most recently, a letter was sent to the Governor from executives of 11 prominent companies including Frito-Lay North America-PepsiCo, Neiman Marcus, Baker Hughes, and JP Morgan Chase.  The Texas Travel Industry sent a letter from its members yesterday. To read more…

Who does it best: Congress Street Bridge or Old Tunnel State Park?

Austin is home to the world’s largest urban bat colony with 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats under the Congress Street Bridge. Old Tunnel State Park in Fredericksburg also houses millions of Mexican free-tailed bats, but in an abandoned railroad tunnel repurposed by nature. The trail at Old Tunnel is open year-round, but bat viewing is held nightly May through October. You be the judge of which is the more impressive bat show! To read more…

Only in Austin…

Meet Butters, the adorable pygmy goat mascot of Civil Goat Coffee Co., a small batch coffee roaster, located near Bee Cave at 704 North Cuernavaca Drive. “Take your goat to work day” may not be every day, but Butters often tags along with Civil Goat owner and founder, Chris O’ Brien. To read more…

Leapin’ Lizards!

The Dallas Zoo has welcomed 6 baby Texas horned lizards. The state reptile is a threated species, so these tiny babies (weighing less than a dime) are important additions that will help save this species. To read more…

Deal or No Deal?

Monday, Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore made an offer to Rep. Dawnna Dukes to drop corruption charges if she agreed to resign from office and submit to a drug and alcohol assessment by the end of the day Tuesday. That offer has now expired, without an acceptance by Rep. Dukes. Her trial will begin in October. To read more…

Campus carry in full effect.

As of yesterday, community colleges must allow licensed gun owners to carry concealed handguns on campus. Campus carry has been in effect for public universities for a year now. Guns will be banned from classes attended exclusively by minors, and in campus day care centers. To read more…

Take me out to the ballgame…

Baseball legends, Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez of the Texas Rangers and Jeff Bagwell of the Houston Astros were inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame Sunday. Rodriguez is one of the best catchers of all time, and Bagwell one of the best offensive first baseman. To read more…

Only in Austin…

Alcomar, named for co-executive chefs Alma Alcocer (of El Alma) and Jeff Martinez (of El Chile), features cuisines of Mexico’s coastlines. Nothing beats the heat better than a cold margarita and a good ceviche. To read more…

Wondering how the rules apply during a special session?

HOUSE RULES SPECIFIC TO A SPECIAL SESSION

Rule 4, Section 11 (Posting Rule) — 24 hours instead of 5 days

“No committee or subcommittee, including a calendars committee, shall assemble for the purpose of a public hearing during a special session unless notice of the hearing has been posted in accordance with the rules at least 24 hours in advance of the hearing.”

Rule 4, Section 29 (Minority Report) — One day instead of two days during last week

“…..except during the last 15 calendar days of a regular session, or the last 7 calendar days of a special session, when the chief clerk shall hold a bill only one calendar day, exclusive of Sunday and the date of committee action, awaiting the filing of a minority report before the bill is filed away as dead.”

Rule 5, Section 28 (Debate Limits) — 10 minute limit during last 5 days

“During the last 10 calendar days of the regular session, and the last 5 calendar days of a special session, Sundays excepted, all speeches shall be limited to 10 minutes and shall not be extended.”

Rule 6, Section16 (Calendar Layout) — 24 hours instead of 36 hours

“A calendar must be posted on the electronic legislative information system at least 36 hours if convened in regular session and 24 hours if convened in special session before the calendar may be considered by the house, except as otherwise provided by these rules for the calendar on which the general appropriations bill is first eligible for consideration on second reading when convened in regular session.”

Rule 8, Section 7 (Prefiling) — 30 days before

“Beginning the first Monday after the general election preceding the next regular legislative session, or within 30 days prior to any special session, it shall be in order to file with the chief clerk bills and resolutions for introduction in that session.”

Rule 8, Section 14 (Committee Report Layout) — 24 hours instead of 36 hours

“Each bill or resolution, except the general appropriations bill, shall be delivered to each member by making a copy of the bill or resolution available in an electronic format for viewing by the member and, when the electronic format copy of the appropriate printing becomes available, by sending notice of that fact to a Capitol e-mail address designated by the member, at least 36 hours if convened in regular session and 24 hours if convened in special session before the bill can be considered by the house on second reading. If a member informs the chief clerk in writing that the member desires to receive paper copies of bills and resolutions under this section in addition to delivery in an electronic format, the chief clerk shall place a paper copy of the bill or resolution in the newspaper box of the member as soon as practicable after the electronic copies of the bill or resolution are made available for viewing. A printed copy of the general appropriations bill shall be placed in the newspaper mailbox of each member at least 168 hours during a regular session and at least 72 hours during a special session before the bill can be considered by the house on second reading.”

Rule 10, Section 7 (Resolutions) — HRs and HCRs need not be in the call

“The subject matter of house resolutions and concurrent resolutions does not have to be submitted by the governor in a called session before they can be considered.”

Rule 13, Section 9(f)(2)

(f) Limitations imposed on certain conference committees by the provisions of this section may be suspended in part by permission of the house to allow consideration of and action on a specific matter or matters which otherwise would be prohibited. Permission shall be granted only by resolution passed by majority vote of the house. All such resolutions shall be privileged in nature and need not be referred to a committee. The introduction of such a resolution shall be announced from the house floor and the resolution shall be eligible for consideration by the house:

(1) three hours after a copy of the resolution has been distributed to each member; or

(2) for a resolution suspending limitations on a conference committee considering the general appropriations bill, 48 hours in a regular session and 24 hours in a special session after a copy of the resolution has been distributed to each member.

As for the Senate? Well, the rules have always been a bit more bendy over there.

Yesterday the Senate suspended the rules to suspend the “tag” rule, allowing for the Sunset bill to be immediately heard in the Senate Business and Commerce Committee. The Sunset bill, continuing the Texas Medical Board and a few other licensing boards, is on its way to the Senate floor. To read more…

Only in Austin…

Need a sweet treat to cool off? Visit Lick for unique flavors like Dewberry Corn Cobbler, Honeyed Peaches with Rosemary, and Lemon Lavender. All of the milk and cream used to make Lick ice cream comes from a local, family-owned dairy in Central Texas; and everything from the sauces, syrups, cakes and marshmallows is made by hand in the Lick kitchen.  Check them out at the Burnet Road location, or at the new Mueller shop! To read more…

Summer is coming to an end …

At least for folks at the Texas Legislature… Governor Abbott has filed the official proclamation calling for the special session to begin Tuesday, July 18th at 10am. Which team are you on–#TeamSunsetandSineDie or #Team20for20?  To read more…

Raising Texas Teachers

Charles Butt, chairman and CEO of HEB Grocery Co., has once again demonstrated his commitment to public education in Texas by pledging $50 million to the Raising Texas Teachers scholarship fund. College students at 10 Texas schools will be eligible for scholarships of $8,000 per year to help them pursue teaching as a career. To read more…

Redistricting heats up, again.

Monday, the Texas redistricting case began in San Antonio before a panel of three federal judges who will decide whether the state intentionally discriminated against black and Hispanic voters when drawing House and Congressional districts. The trial will last all week, concluding Friday or Saturday. To read more…

Only in Austin…

Geraldine’s, named for the infamous guinea fowl that once roamed Rainey Street, is located at the bottom of the posh Hotel Van Zandt. Visitors may enjoy live music, the rooftop lounge, and private cabanas with outdoor seating. It’s the perfect place to spend a summer evening without too much of the Austin heat. To read more…

We have a budget!

Monday, Governor Abbott signed the state budget for the next biennium (2018-2019). But not without making some tweaks first, vetoing $120 million of the $217 billion budget. To read more…

New Leadership for San Antonio and El Paso.

San Antonio and El Paso have elected new mayors. Former state representative, Dee Margo, defeated businessman David Saucedo to replace outgoing El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser. San Antonio city councilman Ron Nirenberg defeated incumbent Mayor Ivy Taylor. To read more…

Put your summer trip to see the Battleship Texas on hold for now…

The 105-year-old Battleship Texas is closed until further notice after the discovery of a leak by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. An estimated $18 million is necessary for necessary repairs to deteriorating supports near the Texas’ engines. The San Jacinto Monument, however, is still ready for a summer tour. To read more…

Only in Austin…

Forever Bicycles, an outdoor art installation by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, is now open at the Waller Delta located at 74 Trinity. Over 1200 bicycles make up this impressive work of art. To read more…

In case you were wondering about the fate of these bills…

• Sanctuary cities ban: Greg Abbott livestreamed his signing of Senate Bill 4 on Facebook Live on May 7^th. Several civil rights groups and local government leaders opposed to the bill have sued the Governor and the state.
• Statewide texting-while-driving ban: The Senate passed House Bill 62 by a vote of 23-8 and the House concurred with the Senate’s amendments. The ban goes into effect September 1^st, 2017.
• Handgun license fees: Both chambers have passed Senate Bill 16, which would decrease concealed handgun license fees. The bill awaits Gov. Abbott’s signature.
• Uber bill: House Bill 100, which would establish statewide ride-hailing regulations and overrule local ordinances, has been sent to Gov. Abbott.
• Chilean flag emoji: House Concurrent Resolution 75, which would outlaw the use of the Chilean flag emoji in place of the Texas flag, has passed the House and been referred to the Senate Administration Committee, where it awaits a hearing.

Headed towards a special session?

After threatening to force a special session in a press conference last week, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick appears unsatisfied by the House’s attempts over the weekend to meet his demands for action on the “bathroom bill” and tax “rollback” legislation. Meanwhile, a federal court has suggested a special session on redistricting in Texas after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against gerrymandering in North Carolina.

Voter ID overhaul now an emergency item.

Sunday Gov. Greg Abbott declared voter ID an emergency issue needing to be addressed, and after a six-hour debate on Tuesday, the House voted 95-54 to give preliminary approval to Senate Bill 5 by Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston). SB 5 would change the current voter ID law passed in 2011. Opponents of the bill do not believe it goes far enough to protect voting rights. To read more…

Joint budget unveiled.Over the weekend, the House and Senate announced that they had come to a consensus on the budget, by pulling $1 billion from the Rainy Day Fund and $2 billion from an accounting trick related to transportation funding. The compromise budget must now be approved by both chambers and Gov. Abbott. To read more…

Only in Austin…Seven Austin barbecue joints made Texas Monthly’s list of the state’s “fifty best,” more than any other Texas city. Austin just might be the barbecue capitol of the world. To read more…

Passing notes.On Monday, House Speaker Joe Straus sent a letter to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, indicating that he thinks the state legislature can avoid a special session if the House and Senate can pass two bills: a state budget and legislation that would impact agencies slated for sunset review. Heavy negotiations between the leaders’ offices continue. To read more…

Budget may tap rainy day fund.On Monday, House Appropriations Chairman John Zerwas (R-Richmond) said that he and his Senate counterpart on the budget conference committee, Finance Chairwoman Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound), are exploring the use of the Economic Stabilization Fund, known as the rainy day fund, as well as transportation payment deferral in order to balance the budget. To read more…

Numerous bills die in “Mother’s Day Massacre.”Thursday was the final day for bills originating in the House to be given an initial hearing on the House floor. The House met until midnight but only made it to page 7 of a 21-page general calendar. On Friday, a small group of conservative lawmakers used parliamentary maneuvers to kill a 100-plus bill local and consent calendar, which typically consists of fast-tracked, non-controversial bills. Many bills died in what was dubbed the “Mother’s Day Massacre.” To read more…

Only in Austin…The Austin City Limits lineup has been released for the 2017 festival, which will be held October 6-8 and October 13-15 at Zilker Park. Headliners will include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ice Cube, and Foster the People. 3-day tickets are available now. To read more…

House passes child welfare reform bill.On Tuesday, the House gave final passage to HB 7 by Rep. Gene Wu (R-Houston) by a vote of 145-1 after considering several dozen amendments. The bill would streamline how Texas’ child welfare agency works with the courts to intervene in cases of abuse and neglect. To read more…

Gov. Abbott goes Facebook Live.Gov. Greg Abbott signed SB 4, the sanctuary city ban, into law on Sunday evening. Gov. Abbott publicized the signing with a Facebook Live video, the first time a Texas governor has signed a bill through an Internet live stream. The law will go into effect September 1^st. To read more…

“Raise the Age” legislation dead for this session.House Bill 122, known as the “Raise the Age” bill, by Rep. Harold Dutton (D-Houston) was declared dead in the Senate on Tuesday, where leaders resisted House calls to pass the bill but delay its implementation until 2021. The bill would have raised the age of criminal responsibility in Texas from 17 to 18. To read more…

Former Dallas Cowboys QB visits the Capitol.Longtime Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo paid a visit to the Capitol last Wednesday and was greeted by fawning legislators. Romo was honored with resolutions in both the Senate and the House. To read more…

Only in Austin…On Monday, HEB delivered over 800 San Antonio Spurs cupcakes to the Capitol. HEB is a corporate sponsor for the Spurs, who lead their NBA playoff series 3-2 against the Houston Rockets. To read more…