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

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.

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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.

PHOTOS: Top 10 bills Republicans want to pass in Texas

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 competitivenessKTRK

Property Tax Reform, Texans pay the 6th highest property taxes in the nation and the high rates are taxing people out of their homes and hampering business growth. This must changeKTRK

School Choice – There is broad support for legislation to ensure that every parent has the option to send their child to the school they believe is best for them.KTRK

Sanctuary Cities – No city in Texas should be allowed to ignore the law. We will end this practice once and for all this session.KTRK

5. Photo Voter ID – Nothing is more critical to our democracy than the integrity of the voting process. Photo Voter ID is essential.KTRK

6. Women’s Privacy Act – A majority of Texans in both political parties and in every ethnic and demographic group believe that women and girls should have privacy and safety.KTRK

7. Inappropriate Teacher-Student Relationships – “Pass the Trash” –Legislation is needed to to strengthen the reporting and training requirements and establish proper penaltiesKTRK

8. Fetal Tissue/Partial Birth Abortion – We will continue to fight to protect the dignity and sanctity of life by increasing criminal penalties for buying or selling fetal tissueKTRK

9. Spending Cap – We will continue to fight to strengthen the state spending limit so our government lives within its means.KTRK

10. Hailstorm Lawsuit Reform – We will rein in the hailstorm lawsuit abuse that is damaging local economies around our state.KTRK

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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.

SEE ALSO: Legal marijuana could be coming to Texas

Legalized Marijuana Coming To Texas