From Pot to Prison Rodeos, Texas Lawmakers File More Than 8,000 Bills by Friday Deadline

AUSTIN — Texas lawmakers have filed more than 8,000 bills and resolutions by Friday, the deadline to submit ideas for new laws they want to pass.This year, the top three leaders — Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker of the House Dennis Bonnen — have pledged to focus on property tax relief and overhauling the state's system for funding public schools. Abbott also promised to prioritize disaster response, teacher pay, mental health and school safety as "emergency items."The 181 members of the Texas House and Senate are also proposing thousands of other ideas. About 400 bills have been debated in committee until now, with fewer than 100 so far passing that first hurdle. Just two pieces of priority legislation, both by Flower Mound Republican Jane Nelson, have gotten past the second step by passing the full Senate.Here is a roundup of some of the bills lawmakers might debate during the three months left in the 2019 session. Lawmakers can continue to file legislation that deal with very local issues, as well as bills pertinent to Abbott's emergency items after the Friday deadline.  Continue reading...