legislation

Lawmakers zero in on 'bathroom' bill and marijuana in Austin

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Texas Legislature underway for its 85th session

Lawmakers are back in Austin to conduct the business of governing Texas.

AUSTIN, TX (KTRK) -- Later this morning, the 85th Texas Legislature begins its session in Austin.

One piece of legislation already getting a lot of attention is Senate Bill 6, known as the Woman's Privacy Act.

It's called the 'Women's Privacy Act,' but opponents say it's not about woman at all.

The so-called "bathroom bill" gets right to the heart of the debate we've seen across the country over transgender rights and privacy.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a top social conservative voice in the state, unveiled the proposed law last Thursday at a news conference.

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1. The FY18-19 Budget Estimate is not yet available, but we will pass a balanced budget that will strengthen the Texas economy and assure that it retains its global competitiveness

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Lawmakers are expected to approve the measure, even though Texas' largest business lobbying group says it and other anti-gay rights proposals could cost the state up to $8.5 billion and 100,000-plus jobs.

The measure is just one of 10 priorities Texas Republicans have set forth for the 85th session.

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Republican leaders are also proposing more property tax reform, ending the practice of sanctuary cities, and legislation that offers parents the option to send their children to any school they wish.

Other priorities include strengthening penalties for teachers caught in relationships with their students, and fighting to ban partial birth abortions.

Marijuana activists are also closely watching a slew of bills that would decriminalize its use, create a specialty court for first-time marijuana possession offenders, and reduce criminal penalties for its possession.