DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) — With a new Texas legislative session right around the corner state lawmakers have already poured 500 bills into the hopper for consideration,
including one to ban the use of smart phones while driving. It’s the fourth time State Rep. Tom Craddick of Midland has tried to get the bill passed.
Other bills to be considered include:
— A proposal by State Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler, to disallow abortions even if a fetus has a severe and irreversible abnormality.
— State Sen. Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso, is trying to legalize the sale of marijuana, at least for medicinal purposes if not more widely for personal use.
— State Rep. Dan Flynn, R-Van, wants to end daylight saving time in Texas. If approved it would go into effect on Nov. 5, 2017. The last day of daylight saving time for the year would be the last day, period.
— State Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, is attempting to require firearm sales at gun shows to utilize the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
— State Sen. Don Huffines, R-Dallas, has proposed doing away with red light cameras across the state.
— State Rep. Roberto Alonzo, D-Dallas, wants to increase the minimum wage in Texas to $15 an hour or the federal minimum wage.
Other proposals include allowing applications for mail-in ballots to be completed online, making feminine hygiene products tax free, a bill that would prevent the state from doing business with companies that are boycotting Israel and elimination of the death penalty.
The new biennial legislative session begins January 10th and ends May 29th.
The Ft. Worth Star-Telegram quotes Jim Riddlesperger, a political science professor at Texas Christian University, in explaining not all bills will get the attention of the legislature. “It’s whether the lieutenant governor and House speaker have it on their priority list,” he said.
