Senate Speeding Through Special Session

Nearly a week into the Texas Legislature's special session, committees in the Texas Senate have cleared a number of bills for votes by the full body. The Senate got the necessary sunset legislation out of the way early and committees met over the weekend to hear testimony and move the bills. There have been battles over local control -- and a "bathroom bill" -- but all have made it to the Senate floor.

A proposal to increase teacher pay is stalled in committee as members try to prevent making it an unfunded mandate from the state. But a bill that would eliminate payroll deduction of union dues for educators and other government employees -- but not emergency services personnel -- passed.

The House, meanwhile, is moving at a much slower pace, with committee hearings scheduled this week. Rep. Dan Huberty has refiled his House Bill 21, which tweaks public school funding formulas and injects new money into the system.

Texas Tribune
Analysis: In special session, Texas Senate's the hare, House is the tortoise

Houston Chronicle
Senate cues up bills for swift passage


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