As the deadline for filing bills in the Texas Legislature approaches, over 800 bills have been submitted, covering a wide range of issues. Legislators have until March 12 to file their proposed legislation for the current session.
The bills touch on various topics, including criminal justice reform, healthcare, education, and gun rights. One notable bill is the “constitutional carry” proposal, which would allow Texans to carry handguns without a permit. Another bill aims to address police misconduct by establishing a statewide database of officers who have been charged with crimes.
In response to the recent winter storm that left millions without power, several bills have been filed to address issues with the state’s power grid. One proposal seeks to require power companies to winterize their equipment, while another bill would increase the penalties for companies that fail to do so.
The legislature is also considering bills related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as proposals to limit the governor’s emergency powers and establish liability protections for businesses.
With so many bills filed, legislators have a busy few weeks ahead of them as they work to review and prioritize the proposed legislation. The next step will be for committees to hold hearings on the bills and make recommendations on which ones should move forward for a full vote in the House or Senate.
Overall, the large number of bills filed reflects the diverse range of issues facing Texas, and lawmakers will have their work cut out for them as they navigate the legislative process in the coming weeks.
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