Pot Bill to Be Debated Today, Dallas County GOP Chairwoman Dies, Dallas OKs Paid Sick Leave Ordinance

Good morning! Here are the top political headlines from Austin, Washington, the campaign trail and Dallas.Points from Austin1. A bill that would have decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana in Texas has been substantially rewritten -- on the day before its scheduled debate -- to increase its chances of becoming law. As proposed, House Bill 63 would have removed the current penalty for getting caught with an ounce or less of marijuana and replaced it with a $250 fine. But late Wednesday, Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, filed an amended version of the legislation. You can read how it was changed here, and follow Lauren McGaughy on Twitter today for updates on the debate.2. The ballot language on whether Texas should go year-round to either Daylight Saving Time or Standard Time won tentative approval from the House on Wednesday -- but not before a vigorous tussle between two experienced and influential Republicans. If Rep. Lyle Larson's proposed referendum on time wins a final House nod and then the Senate's blessing, state voters on Nov. 5 would face this question on the ballot: "Which of the following do you prefer? Observing standard time year-round. Observing daylight saving time year-round." No option would be given to keep the status quo.  Continue reading...

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