The Mignon Memo

12 Days Until Sine Die

Marihuana Decriminalization Bill Revived

This week marked the first time a cannabis penalty reduction bill has been voted out of a committee: House Bill 2593 by Rep. Joe Moody (D-El Paso) would reduce penalties for THC concentrate or edibles. The bill is now headed to the full Senate.

In a nutshell, possession of a single cannabis gummy currently carries a felony charge. Under HB 2593, that charge would be reduced to a Class B misdemeanor.

Of all the cannabis-related legislation, HB 2593 is one of the most bipartisan. Republican supporters of the legislation – including representatives of Republicans Against Marijuana Prohibition – touted the broad support for the bill in the Texas House.

Texas Cities Ease Back to Pre-COVID Living

Some of Texas’ largest cities began to ease months-long pandemic-era restrictions on gatherings and lift mask mandates on businesses this week. Texas’ COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations have plummeted to the lowest numbers the state has seen in a year.

At the same time, Gov. Greg Abbott announced yesterday that public schools can no longer require masks on their campuses starting June 5. The decision was part of a new executive order that bans cities in Texas from mandating masks.

Starting Friday, any government entity that tries to impose a mask mandate can face a fine of up to $1,000.

Potential Attorney General Primary Heats Up

George P. Bush, the nephew of former President George W. Bush and current Texas land commissioner, has yet to declare to run against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, but both fired warning shots this week in advance of what could become a particularly rancorous battle in the Republican primary.

Bush has been seriously mulling a run against Paxton for months but is promising to make his intentions public in early June.

Meanwhile, yesterday, Paxton came out swinging against his fellow Republican in a radio interview. “He’s kind of got this mentality that he’s going to be president someday,” Paxton said.

Only in Austin…

Legislators are rolling through the ups and downs of legislative session…from celebrating birthdays like Rep. James Talarico (D-Round Rock) to showing up to the Senate floor and realizing you threw two different shoes into your bag like Sen. Carol Alvarado (below).

So Many Bills…So Little Time

The House deadline to pass its own bills is upon us. The House has until tomorrow, May 13 at midnight, to pass its own bills so they can move to the Senate. This is one of the many deadlines members have to work with as the last day of the 87th Texas Legislative Session on May 31 draws near. Other end-of-session deadlines are here

Casinos in Texas Legislation Is Dead

A high-profile push by the gaming empire Las Vegas Sands to bring casinos to Texas appears doomed at the state Capitol as this year’s legislative session begins to wind down.

Monday was the deadline for House committees to advance that chamber’s bills and joint resolutions, and the deadline passed without the State Affairs Committee voting out the Las Vegas Sands-backed House Joint Resolution 133. The legislation, which got a hearing last month, would let Texas voters decide whether to build “destination resorts” with casinos in the state’s four biggest metropolitan areas.

Gov. Abbott Draws a Primary Opponent

Former state Sen. Don Huffines, a conservative Republican from Dallas who has been critical of Gov. Greg Abbott‘s coronavirus policies, announced Monday that he is challenging Abbott in the 2022 primary.

“Texas deserves actual Republican leadership that will act urgently and decisively—no more excuses or lies,” Huffines said in a statement, vowing bolder action on border security, property taxes, and elections.

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Also, former President Donald Trump endorsed Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick for reelection Monday. Patrick, who twice chaired Trump’s campaign in Texas, is up for a third term in 2022.

“Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is a great fighter for the people of Texas,” Trump said in a statement. “Texans should re-elect him! He is outstanding and has my Complete and Total Endorsement!”

Only in Austin…

It’s never easy for legislators being away from their families during the 140-day legislative session.

Rep. Armando Walle—along with Reps. Chris Paddie and Ana Hernandez—was able to watch his son play baseball and get a hit via FaceTime while Rep. Walle was on the House floor. And other times, legislators are able to bring their children to the Capitol as can be seen from the pictures below.

Money Update from the Comptroller

Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Monday issued a revised revenue estimate that gives lawmakers several billion more dollars to spend as they wrap up the next state budget this month.
Hegar cited the improved performance of the state economy, as COVID-19 restrictions began to be lifted over the past two months and immunizations improved consumer confidence.
The revised projections will give lawmakers an additional $3.1 billion as House and Senate budget negotiators race to hammer out a spending plan.

House & Senate Lift Mask Mandate

Citing the increasing COVID-19 vaccination rate in Texas, the Texas House and Senate have both removed a requirement that people wear face masks on the House and Senate floors, as well as and during committee meetings for the remainder of the legislative session that ends May 31. House members also passed a resolution by state Rep. Rafael Anchía (D-Dallas) to allow members of the media back on the House floor while the chamber is in session.

Then There Were Two…

Republicans Susan Wright and state Rep. Jake Ellzey of Waxahachie earned the most votes to advance to a runoff in the special election to replace the late U.S. Rep. Ron Wright (R-Arlington) in Texas’ 6th Congressional District. The race to replace the late Congressman Ron Wright after he died this year drew 23 candidates: 11 Republicans, 10 Democrats, one Libertarian, and one independent. The district spreads southeast from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to rural Ellis and Navarro counties.

Only in Austin…

Rep. Ana Hernandez was caught red-handed getting chocolates from Rep. Sam Harless’s (R-Spring) desk on the House floor.

House & Senate Budget Conferees Announced

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dade Phelan announced their picks to work on negotiating the differences between the Senate’s and House’s version of the state’s budget.

Senate Conferees:
Chairwoman Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound)
Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston)
Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham)
Sen. Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville)
Sen. Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood)

House Conferees:
Chairman Greg Bonnen (R-Friendswood)
Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake)
Rep. Mary González (D-Clint)
Rep. Armando Walle (D-Houston)
Rep. Terry Wilson (R-Marble Falls)

Texas Gains Two Congressional Seats

On Monday, the U.S. Census Bureau announced Texas will gain two additional congressional seats—the most of any state in the nation. Texas will now have 38 congressional seats as a result of the 2020 census data. Texas is one of six states to gain seats.

The census data puts the state’s population at 29,145,505—up from 25.1 million in 2010—after gaining the most residents of any state in the last decade. Census estimates show that the population growth has been driven by people of color. More detailed data, which lawmakers will use to redraw legislative and congressional districts, isn’t expected until early fall. Lawmakers are expected to be called back for a Special Legislative Session at that time.

Saturday is Election Day

This Saturday, May 1, is Election Day all over Texas! Voters in Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and other cities will be voting for congressional members, mayors, and other local officials and ballot propositions.

One race many will be watching is Texas’ 6th Congressional District (southeast of Dallas). Texas state Rep. Mike Ellzey (R-Waxahachie) is one of 23 candidates running to succeed Rep. Ron Wright, R-Arlington, who died in February from COVID-19 and complications from cancer. The crowded field includes Wright’s widow, a former wrestler, and several Republicans who served in the Trump administration.

Only in Austin…

Rep. Armando Walle (left) and Rep. Joe Moody (right) proudly showed off their great fashion choices during the budget debate on Thursday. Both were shown wearing Biggie Smalls socks on the House floor.

No word yet on who wore them better…

Budget Debate: Take Two

The House will have its turn to debate the state’s budget bill (Senate Bill 1) this Thursday. Legislators will attempt to move funding around in the budget for their legislative priorities through the amendment process.

This session, House members pre-filed 240 amendments to SB 1, which pales in comparison to previous sessions. Pre-filed amendments:
2021: 240
2019: 304
2017: 401
2015: 354
2013: 267

Support Grows for TX Healthcare Expansion

On Monday, a coalition of nearly 200 groups signed this letter to Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and Speaker Dade Phelan demanding action on protecting some of the estimated 5 million uninsured Texans. A wide spectrum of physicians, health care providers, local officials, business leaders, and advocates joined and signed this letter.

Open Carry Legislation Stalls in Senate

Lawmakers in the House last Friday approved House Bill 1927, which would eliminate the requirement for Texans to obtain a license to carry handguns — either openly or concealed — so long as they’re not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a gun.  As of Monday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says that the Senate does not currently have the votes to pass the permitless carry legislation. Patrick said he will try and see if there is a “path” to change that.

Only in Austin…

Sen. Zaffirini (pictured far right)

On Tuesday, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick presented Senator Zaffirini with a commemorative gavel in honor of completing a remarkable achievement of casting her 65,000th vote in the Senate. Sen. Zaffirini has not missed a single vote since 1987!

Senate & House Pass Broadband Expansion Bills

The House last Friday unanimously passed House Bill 5, the broadband access bill, with House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, voting for the legislation.

The Senate version, Senate Bill 5, has also been unanimously passed by the Senate.

The passage of a broadband expansion bill is considered one of the most important policy changes the state—broadband access is necessary to close the higher education digital divide, ensure quality jobs, and prepare our economy for the future.

House Announces Healthcare Priorities

Speaker Dade Phelan and a group of bipartisan House members unveiled the “Healthy Families, Healthy Texas” legislative package for the session. Phelan said the bills are part of the “first wave of health care priorities” for the House

How About These Guns?

Lawmakers are scheduled to debate two measures  House Bill 1911 and House Bill 1927, which would eliminate the requirement for Texans to obtain a license to carry handguns — either openly or concealed — so long as they’re not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a gun. 

The bills do not eliminate background checks or waiting periods or remove existing law that prohibits handguns from being taken into places like businesses and schools. Firearms instructors and law enforcement leaders from across Texas gathered in Austin Tuesday morning to voice their opposition to the measures.

Only in Austin…

(Baylor Men’s Basketball team on the Senate floor with Senate members.) The Baylor University Men’s Basketball team was honored on the House and Senate floors this week for winning their first-ever NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. Members sneaked in their personal pictures with the entire team during their visit to the Texas Capitol.

Senate Unanimously Votes on Budget

Yesterday, the Texas Senate unanimously voted on a two-year, $250 billion state budget, though there are still questions about how tens of billions of dollars in expected federal aid will be used — Senators acknowledged during Tuesday’s debate that those funds may be a challenge to appropriate, depending on when they come in and what strings could be attached to them.

The budget is roughly $5 billion over the amount Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar projected lawmakers would have to work with. But it does not factor in over $35 billion in federal funding in coronavirus aid, much of which will go to the state government.

Insulin Price Cap Legislation Gains Support

Rep. James Talarico (D-Round Rock) and state Rep. Four Price (R-Amarillo) held a news conference on HB 40 yesterday, which would cap out-of-pocket costs for insulin at $50 per month. The legislation has roughly 100 House members signed on in support.

The Senate last month passed the upper chamber’s version of the legislation, which was carried by state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham).

Early Childhood Caucus Formed

A bipartisan group of House members has founded the Early Childhood Caucus. State Rep. Diego Bernal (D-San Antonio) will serve as chair; state Rep. Angie Chen Button (R-Richardson) will serve as vice-chair; state Rep. James Talarico, (D-Round Rock) will serve as treasurer; and state Rep. Julie Johnson (D-Carrollton) will serve as secretary.

The Caucus’s bipartisan leadership has a shared goal of ensuring state policies across child care, health, education, and others help more kids get off to a strong start.

Only in Austin…

Speaker Dade Phelan held a reception with the Latina women of the Texas House.

“It was a pleasure to be with the group of Latinas in the House of Representatives this afternoon. I appreciate your dedication to our state,” Phelan said.

Happy Easter!

The Texas Senate and Texas House are suspending their regular order of business for Easter break. Both chambers are meeting this week, through Thursday, but they won’t be back in Austin until next Tuesday, April 6.

Happy Easter, everyone!

SB 1 Advances to the Senate Floor

The Senate’s version of the state’s budget was voted out of committee Tuesday morning. The plan – a $250.7 billion budget – passed on a unanimous vote.

The full Senate is expected to debate the budget bill in the upcoming weeks.

The House budget negotiators are finishing up their work, as they plan to have the full House chamber debate their version in mid-April.

House Passes Winter Storm Legislation

Yesterday, the Texas House of Representatives took significant action and passed six bills addressing a series of weather-related issues, from the makeup of the ERCOT board to creating a statewide disaster alert system.

The six bills were part of a seven-bill package prioritized by Speaker of the House Dade Phelan, who announced the initiative earlier this month in response to the wide-sweeping electrical blackouts affecting millions of Texans across the state as temperatures plunged to below freezing

Only in Austin…

Pictured above: Senator Cesar Blanco (D-El Paso)
Now that vaccines are available to all Texans, legislators and staff have been eligible to receive their first vaccine dose at the Capitol.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Texas State Guard have been helping administer doses this week.

And the Results Are…

Last Friday was the last day for House members to file their bills. After the dust settled, a total of 6,919 bills and joint resolutions had been filed.

We compiled the following statistics to show you the breakdown:

Committee Hearings Are in Full Swing

From electricity and energy-related legislation to healthcare, education, workforce development, and many more, both chambers of the Legislature have been hearing bills this week.

We expect many more hearings in the weeks to come. Many of these bills will be debated on the floor of the Texas House and Senate very soon.

Blue Books Are Here!

The “Blue Books” for the 87th Legislative Session have arrived.
What are blue books you ask?

Every session, the Texas Legislative Service (TLS) produces this handy blue-book, which is an up-to-date Capitol directory. It is the perfect Capitol guide that gets us around the Capitol. We keep them on us at all times.

Only in Austin…

The Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) announced last week that all state parks will return to normal capacity in time for spring and summer camping seasons.

Texas State Parks “have begun a strategic and thoughtful process of expanding capacity statewide” as Gov. Greg Abbott’s order to open the state 100% go into effect Wednesday, officials said.

Bill Filings Are Ramping Up

Friday, March 12, is the 60th day of session, which means it is the last day for House members to file their bills.

As of Tuesday evening, House members have filed 3,584 bills–815 of them in the last 3 days, while the Senate has 1,355 up for consideration, an overall 37% decrease from 2019.

While some bills are sillier than others (I’m looking at you, HCR 32!), we surely have our work cut out for us.

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HCR32

Capitol Mask Requirements Are Changing

Gov. Greg Abbott’s announced last week that he will be reversing the statewide mask mandate and reopening businesses to 100% capacity.
While the rapid-testing tent outside the North entrance of the Texas Capitol will remain, starting today, masks will no longer be required in public spaces at the Capitol. Instead, the officials “will strongly encourage all visitors to wear masks.”

“We’ve been very mindful in the House to try to be as open and transparent as possible with the public,” Phelan said. “We don’t want to decide and vote on bills that impact 29 million people, without hearing from 29 million people who have to live underneath those laws.”

Speaker Phelan Unveils ERCOT Reform Bills

Seven House Bills (HB 10-17) have been filed in the Texas House related to the reformation of ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission, winterizing facilities and natural gas infrastructure, and banning variable utility rate plans.

“I am proud the Texas House is leading the charge in protecting consumers, fortifying our grid, and creating clear lines of communication and authority during extreme weather events,” said Speaker Phelan. “We must take accountability, close critical gaps in our system, and prevent these breakdowns from ever happening again.”

Only in Austin…

SXSW is finally returning after being canceled last year. However, the 2021 festival will be completely online.
Check out the complete lineup on the SXSW website and register today to gain access!

https://cart.sxsw.com/?_ga=2.50594927.730911000.1612386447-2050212867.1612386447