2025 Texas Lege

[Winehole23]

SB 21, " Strategic Bitcoin Reserve"

lol Jack and the Beanstalk Republicans


Hilary Allen, a law professor at American University who specializes in financial regulation, said state crypto reserves are unwise .“There is simply nothing behind Bitcoin. It has no strategic use,” Allen told the Texas Observer. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are, Allen says, effectively a “ponzi–like asset” with no tangible value, entirely dependent on a supply-and demand-market of speculation and manipulation.


“I think the only people this will benefit are the Bitcoin ‘whales,’ (https://insights.glassnode.com/content/the-ultimate-guide-to-bitcoin-whales-2/) the people who are already heavily invested in Bitcoin,” she said, by providing a state-subsidized market for big investors who want to cash out.


If the state simply bought and held Bitcoin for years, it would merely prop up the market, while trying to strategically sell off its crypto holdings could cause the price to plummet.
https://www.texasobserver.org/texas-bitcoin-strategic-reserve-senate-bill-21/

[Winehole23]

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/mar/02/bitcoin-price-falls-biggest-monthly-loss-since-june-2022

[Winehole23]

Vouchers: still very unpopular in rural Texas



PALESTINE, Texas (KLTV) - A school voucher town hall meeting abruptly ended when the audience’s shouts of dissent sent Rep. Cody Harris walking off the stage.

The town hall also featured Rep. Brad Buckley. It was held at Palestine High School in the auditorium, and began at 5 p.m. The meeting was entitled “A Time for Truth and Facts.”

“There’s been a lot of strong strong feelings and emotions, a lot going around surrounding school vouchers, school choice in the community as well as across the state of Texas,” says Larissa Loveless, Director of Public Relations for Palestine Independent School District.

During the town hall meeting as people continued to voice their opinion, the angry crowd jeered and booed and Rep. Harris left the stage about an hour into what was scheduled to be a two-hour meeting.

Buckley followed behind him as he left the stage.

Harris declined to comment when asked for an interview.

After the meeting was dismissed, it left many people like Samantha Cardenas with unanswered questions.

“My question was to Cody Harris was, ‘can you guarantee my child will be accepted at a private school?’ With all of this, he didn’t get to it obviously,” says Cardenas.

Cardenas says her child with autism was denied access into a private school.
https://www.kltv.com/2025/03/01/school-voucher-town-hall-palestine-ends-with-state-representatives-booed-off-stage/

[Winehole23]

ideological and religious indoctrination is on the menu for school kids



“Our schools are not God-free zones,” said Sen. Mayes Middleton (https://www.texastribune.org/directory/mayes-middleton/), a Galveston Republican who authored the school prayer bill and has argued that church-state separation is not real. “When prayer was taken out of our schools, things started to go downhill in America.”


The vote comes amid a broader push by conservative Christians to infuse more religion into public schools and life. In just the last few years, state Republicans have required classrooms to hang donated signs that say “In God We Trust”; allowed unlicensed religious chaplains to supplant mental health counselors in public schools; and approved new curriculum materials that teach the Bible and other religious texts alongside grade-school lessons.

Last month, Texas senators also approved legislation that would allow public taxpayer money to be redirected to private schools, including parochial schools.

Those efforts have come as the Texas GOP increasingly embraces ideologies (https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/15/texas-legislature-christianity-church-state-separation/) that argue America’s founding was God-ordained (https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/28/texas-gop-convention-elections-religion-delegates-platform/), and its institutions and laws should thus reflect fundamentalist Christians views. Meanwhile, GOP lawmakers and leaders have continually elevated (https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/04/texas-legislature-church-state-separation/) once-fringe claims that the wall between church and state is a myth (https://www.texastribune.org/2022/07/29/texas-church-state-separation-opposition/)meant to obscure America’s true, Christian roots. The argument has been popularized by figures such as David Barton (https://www.texastribune.org/2023/11/03/david-barton-mike-johnson-texas-church-state-christianity/), a Texas pastor and self-styled “amateur historian (https://www.texastribune.org/2022/07/29/texas-church-state-separation-opposition/)” whose work has been frequently debunked by trained historians, many of them also conservative Christians.

Barton and his son, Timothy Barton, were both invited to testify in favor of the bills on Tuesday. Citing old documents and textbooks that mention the Ten Commandments, they argued that Christianity is the basis for American law and morality, and that their inclusion in classrooms would prevent societal ill such as gun violence.

“It used to be there was a very clear moral standard that we could point to,” Timothy Barton testified, calling it “ironic” that children can be arrested for breaking the law — and thus, he said, the Ten Commandments — but that they should not be able to read them in schools.

Other bill supporters and lawmakers said that there was a moral and spiritual imperative to introduce children to Christianity. Sen. Tan Parker (https://www.texastribune.org/directory/tan-parker/), R-Flower Mound, cited a study that found around 25% of children have been to church.

“It’s absolutely horrific, and something we all need to work on to address,” he said.

Other lawmakers similarly invoked declining Christian participation as a reason to support the bills. “There is eternal life,” said Sen. Donna Campbell (https://www.texastribune.org/directory/donna-campbell/), R-New Braunfels. “And if we don’t expose or introduce our children and others to that, then when they die, they’ll have one birth and two deaths.”
https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/04/texas-senate-ten-commandments-prayer-schools/

[Winehole23]

Texas Senator dictating to an ordained Baptist minister what her religion is



https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:nabpxh57dor5jlxw6cyxfpog/bafkreifa6psk2otpew3drpcax4qnb2yc75jv37hby2jt5ypgp h75xuvvje@jpeg

[Thread]

You still ain't turnin' Texas.

[Winehole23]

Two identical Ivermectin bills filed by Republican freshmen




SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 1001, Health and Safety



Code, is amended by adding Section 1001.090 to read as follows:



Sec.1001.090.STATEWIDE ORDER AUTHORIZING DISPENSING OF



IVERMECTIN. (a) The commissioner shall issue a statewide order



authorizing a licensed pharmacist to dispense ivermectin without a



health care practitioner's prescription order notwithstanding any



other law.



(b)The statewide order must include written, standardized



procedures or protocols for a pharmacist to follow when dispensing



ivermectin and require the pharmacist to provide each patient with



instructions on the proper use of ivermectin.



(c)Notwithstanding any other law, a pharmacist may



dispense ivermectin in accordance with the statewide order.



(d)Except for wilful misconduct or gross negligence and



notwithstanding any other law, a pharmacist acting in good faith is



not criminally or civilly liable or subject to professional



disciplinary action for dispensing ivermectin in accordance with



the statewide order.





Texas Legislature Online - 89(R) History for HB 3219 (https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3219)

[Winehole23]

IF YOU SAY YOU'RE TRANS ON YOUR JOB APPLICATION YOU ARE A FELONIOUS LIAR


A bill filed in the Texas House of Representatives this week threatens to charge transgender Texans with a crime for identifying with a gender that differs from their sex assigned at birth.
HB 3817 (https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3817) would make it a state jail felony for a person to “identify” to a state agency or private employer their “biological sex as the opposite of the biological sex assigned to the person at birth.”
https://myfox8.com/news/texas-bill-could-charge-transgender-people-with-gender-identity-fraud-if-passed/

[Thread]

You still ain't turnin' Texas.

[Winehole23]

sure as the turning of the sphere, with or without me

Texas will turn

[Thread]

sure as the turning of the sphere, with or without me

Texas will turn

I'll settle (without me)...I imagine a good 30-40 years down-the-line.

[Robz4000]

I'll settle (without me)...I imagine a good 30-40 years down-the-line.

Doubt the US exists in its current form 30-40 years down the line tbh.

[Winehole23]

Doubt the US exists in its current form 30-40 years down the line tbh.hell, it doesn't even exist in its previous form right now

[Thread]

Doubt the US exists in its current form 30-40 years down the line tbh.

That's what happens when a man (a smart ass outsider in New York) makes President and half the country won't brook it.

You not only picked on the wrong "smart ass outsider" but, then you did yourself damnable dirt by missing in Pennsylvania by a millimeter.

[Thread]

hell, it doesn't even exist in its previous form right now


That's what happens when a man (a smart ass outsider in New York) makes President and half the country won't brook it.

You not only picked on the wrong "smart ass outsider" but, then you did yourself damnable dirt by missing in Pennsylvania by a millimeter.

[Winehole23]

School voucher bill passes the Texas House


The Texas House gave initial approval early Thursday to a bill that would create a $1 billion private school voucher program, crossing a historic milestone and bringing Gov. Greg Abbott (https://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/)’s top legislative priority closer than ever to reaching his desk.



The lower chamber signed off on its voucher proposal, Senate Bill 2 (https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2), on an 85-63 vote. Every present Democrat voted against the bill. They were joined by two Republicans — far short of the bipartisan coalitions that in previous legislative sessions consistently blocked proposals to let Texans use taxpayer money to pay for their children’s private schooling.

https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/texas-house-school-vouchers-20280727.php

[Thread]

School voucher bill passes the Texas House

https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/texas-house-school-vouchers-20280727.php

Just bypass the whole rigamarole...home school your children. Forget the second car, the fancy house, eating out, on & on, keep your children close and teach them well.

[Winehole23]

In the Texas House, HB 5510– potentially the most wide-ranging abortion ban in the country— is scheduled for public hearing next Friday

Bill would criminalize funding for out-of-state abortion travel & allow private citizens to go after pill distribution websites, PayPal and Venmo


https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:e2tnz3xkgb2qjvc72d2j7f5f/bafkreib46ll73nqllrj45hfhyrcydgjd3n7h3r4mhomukzyiq mtkpstt5i@jpeghttps://legiscan.com/TX/text/HB5510/id/3175580

[Thread]

You ain't turnin' Texas.

[Winehole23]

IF YOU SAY YOU'RE TRANS ON YOUR JOB APPLICATION YOU ARE A FELONIOUS LIAR

https://myfox8.com/news/texas-bill-could-charge-transgender-people-with-gender-identity-fraud-if-passed/this one died in Calendars

[Winehole23]

Texas rolling back the loophole for consumable hemp products and adding penalties for possessing it


The Texas House late Wednesday gave initial approval to a bill that would ban all products containing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, likely spelling the end for the state’s short-lived hemp industry.

Under the legislation, which is nearing the governor’s desk for approval, adults would face up to a year in jail for possessing hemp products with any amount of THC — a stricter penalty than what is on the books for possessing up to 2 ounces of marijuana.

The bill’s expected passage portends a minor earthquake for the state’s economy, effectively shuttering a field that, by one estimate (https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/08/10/2722535/0/en/Texas-Cannabusinesses-Surpass-8B-in-Revenue-New-Economic-Report-Says.html), accounts for roughly 50,000 jobs and generates $8 billion in tax revenue annually.

THC products, now a ubiquitous presence at gas stations, convenience stores and thousands of other retailers across Texas, are now poised to be taken off the shelves. The about-face comes six years after the Legislature inadvertently touched off a massive boom in hemp-based products when lawmakers, intending to boost Texas agriculture, authorized the sale of consumable hemp.

Though that 2019 law does not allow products to contain more than trace amounts of delta-9 THC, it did not establish that same threshold for other hemp derivatives. Critics say the hemp industry has exploited that loophole to the tune of more than 8,000 retailers now selling THC-laced edibles, drinks, vapes and flower buds.
https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/21/texas-house-thc-hemp-senate-bill-3-ban/

[Winehole23]

straight up state direction of university hiring and curriculum

y'all better hope hard the Dems never take over state government


As originally written, SB 37 would prohibit professors from teaching students to adopt the idea that any race, sex, ethnicity or social, political or religious belief is superior to another. It would also set up a system by which degree programs could be eliminated if the state determines they do not provide a return on investment for students. The bill would give the governor-appointed regents who oversee each university system in the state the authority to approve every job posting for tenured faculty in liberal arts, communications, education and social work.https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/06/texas-house-higher-education-diversity-equity-teaching-bill/

[Winehole23]

Texas rolling back the loophole for consumable hemp products and adding penalties for possessing it

https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/21/texas-house-thc-hemp-senate-bill-3-ban/advantage: Mexican cartels

[Winehole23]

the police are a pampered, quasi-baronial class that must be protected at all costs from accountability and criticism -- especially when they fuck up


While newspapers publish memorial columns for the murdered kids at #Uvalde (https://bsky.app/hashtag/Uvalde), tomorrow the #txlege (https://bsky.app/hashtag/txlege) may (dis)honor them by making records about police misconduct secret if they don't result in discipline (#SB781) -- Texans learned after the Uvalde episode how seldom police in TX are held accountable.https://legiscan.com/TX/text/SB781/id/3055675

[Winehole23]

Making unpunished records available to federal investigators is especially important when the top cop is corrupt, because then there's nobody to discipline them. This is not a hypothetical scenario, it's EXACTLY what happened recently w/ the San Angelo police chief.https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndtx/pr/former-san-angelo-police-chief-sentenced-15-years-corruption-case

[Winehole23]

"we investigated ourselves and found no wrongdoing"

voters tossed him out on his ass

https://abc13.com/cleveland-texas-mass-shooting-san-jacinto-county-sheriff-greg-capers-reelection/14496667/

[Winehole23]

as an anti-bias measure, the State of Texas will create political appointees to oversee curriculum and staffing

https://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00037I.pdf#navpanes=0


Senate Bill 37 (https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB37) passed in an 83-53 vote Saturday. It would create a state-level committee that would recommend courses that should be required for graduation and how to condense the number of those courses. Meanwhile, each public university system’s board of regents, who oversee the school’s operations and are appointed by the governor, would be charged with creating a committee to review curricula and reject any course deemed ideologically charged or that doesn’t align with the workforce demands. Specifically, the committees would ensure curricula do not “advocate or promote that any race, sex, ethnicity or religious belief is inherently superior to any other.”
https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/24/texas-governing-boards-regents-senate-bill-37/

[Winehole23]

https://yt3.ggpht.com/a/AATXAJxAwpkzzb57usIptl56hSjArYllajKA-whrL8bMKQ=s900-c-k-c0xffffffff-no-rj-mo


Governor Greg Abbott has signed a law that allows oil and gas companies to treat and sell fracking wastewater (https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/politics/inside-politics/texas-politics/texas-agriculture-commissioner-says-farmers-would-be-okay-using-treated-fracking-water-on-farmland/287-f098218c-4871-4199-82d5-2f7d068c8d4c) — also known as produced water — for reuse. That could include discharging it into rivers and streams or even applying it on farmland for crop irrigation.

The move comes as the state faces a growing water shortage due to population growth, aging infrastructure, and prolonged drought conditions. Supporters say the law is a way to supplement water supplies and promote recycling. Critics say it could contaminate the very land Texans depend on for food and survival.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller believes the concept has potential — if it’s done right.

“Well, we need water," Miller said. "We don’t really care what the source is as long as it’s good, clean water that we can grow crops with. Fracking water would be fine."

https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/abbott-signs-law-permitting-use-of-fracking-wastewater/287-89df9861-29c7-4faa-b658-d651f94013ae

[Winehole23]

Texas lege putting warning labels on junk food


A new law in Texas will require many popular products to have a label warning consumers that it contains ingredients “not recommended for human consumption.”


It targets M&Ms, Doritos, Mountain Dew, and probably at least one of your grocery store guilty pleasures. The law, which was officially signed by Gov. Greg Abbott (https://www.dallasnews.com/food/2025/06/27/abbott-signs-texas-food-label-law-warning/), requires any food containing one of more than 40 additives to include the label on its packaging by 2027.
https://katiecouric.com/health/nutrition/texas-food-label-law-banned-additives/

[ChumpDumper]

Whoopsie!

1942203950955946320

https://x.com/TexasTribune/status/1942203950955946320

[Winehole23]

Kerr County doesn't like taxes, so they don't have nice things

apparently the state of Texas doesn't really care either



thoughts and prayers

[Winehole23]

https://legiscan.com/TX/text/HB5510/id/3175580apparently "never got scheduled for review"


https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/HB5510/2025
https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/SB2880/2025

[Winehole23]

special session upcoming


https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:ayutykgvyf4x7ev5ornltyzz/bafkreihi22g3p4q7pygelspxh4flqt2qpsy4ydhb6n3pxigz6 zafqyk22m@jpeg

[Winehole23]

(rumors of mid-stream redistricting, to shore up GOP power before the next census in five years. Texas last did this in 2003)

[Winehole23]

"no talking at night on campus"


Texas lawmakers trying to muzzle campus protests have just passed (https://www.kwtx.com/2025/06/02/lawmakers-approve-bill-limiting-protests-public-universities/?outputType=amp) one of the most ridiculous anti-speech laws in the country. If signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, S (https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB02972F.pdf#navpanes=0)enate Bill 2972 (https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB02972F.pdf#navpanes=0) would ban speech at night — from study groups to newspaper reporting — at public universities in the state.

Ironically, the bill builds on a previous law passed in 2019 meant to enshrine free speech (https://www.texastribune.org/2019/05/17/texas-free-speech-college-campus-legislation/) on Texas campuses. But now, lawmakers want to crack down on college students’ pro-Palestinian protests so badly that they literally passed a prohibition on talking.

We’re not exaggerating. SB 2972 would require public universities in Texas to adopt policies prohibiting “engaging in expressive activities on campus between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.” Expressive activity includes “any speech or expressive conduct” protected by the First Amendment or Texas Constitution.

The overnight ban on expressive activities is unfathomably broad. Off the top of our heads, here are just a few examples of what such a policy would prohibit on campus between 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.: Meeting with other students to socialize or study, writing an email, working on a research paper, posting on social media, reporting for the student newspaper, wearing a T-shirt with a slogan, dancing, playing music, painting a picture, or praying at a sunrise service.

Wake up in the mood to write about how much you like the First Amendment? You’d better wait till the clock strikes 8. Maybe go to the campus dining hall and get some breakfast first — just make sure it’s self-service, so you don’t need to talk to anyone during the silent hours.

Are universities likely to enforce their statutorily mandated policies banning overnight speech against students engaged in speech like that? Probably not. But they could, and that shows just how sloppy and overbroad this law is.

It’s also possible that universities will use such policies selectively to crack down on disfavored speech. If administrators find out, for instance, that the student newspaper’s editors discussed and wrote an editorial ripping a university policy to shreds while on campus in the wee hours of the morning, the ban on overnight speech would provide a solid tool for retaliation.

It’s unlikely that lawmakers intended to ban students’ talking to each other overnight; that possible outcome may be due to really poor draftsmanship. Based on legislators’ statements, they clearly mean for the university policies required by the law to prohibit overnight protests. But that, too, violates the First Amendment.

In fact, a court in Indiana recently enjoined (https://urlwatch.com/urlwatch?b=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYWNsdS1pbi5vcmcvc2l0ZXM vZGVmYXVsdC9maWxlcy9waWRlY2lzaW9uLnBkZg==&m=9SWFMloc7ONVmMFnAhZodrok5DDpmXnOuDXwZf3rdCz4UbLG ptx7Hggem5310Xmxji9OSqvjR7KO2ffw4gJAUks710LbgCU6gC JYChMgiGJDwYhdfM_p-ZcXLvtGdskkaWiN3yeNPm5iAwd0s86kVrHP7iF6lq8PDx3rC2u NSPjYlcaF2OD6pTmHEunadOy_6VdWI9eXcN0LBsbFyISSWzTGV 1nj3x_gyv0tPAdDh81DfJZZTFwuC_jHFdIZGODQ3fmfsAWz6b5 r5uvjsbSoY4kuKPMkq1RSdgXfRRzDYqFrYNDBwUB270iXkop70 4nhqcPZCIw9yc_qfEgy2-750Ux7SUDrA_e6&s=Jg7ga6IxO-GyqzQn&k=AQIDAHioQIyO0eoYoITvmmVWPEd8w8kFgVR_x66Xvs3Hkz-H4QF7SyV1TbIRKYPss14J24V5AAAAfjB8BgkqhkiG9w0BBwagb zBtAgEAMGgGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMVzQ tDK-FvjR3NW4sAgEQgDvx3Q3Z5zvGvQHkaHXWRF8ZPohaSNN1xQyda eFhuHFARC4w4-HXBTfTLaVxhYkYYu62V5kxAhkrwTqrGA==&bs=TH5Wa9Hb_xmmc68GOEjq7m7ceZTWaBS2YE9kvAMkN-Q=&domain=aclu-in.org) on First Amendment grounds a similar policy at Indiana University that required prior approval for protests on campus occurring between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The court said the Indiana policy was likely unconstitutional because it was not narrowly tailored to avoid burdening more speech than necessary. A total ban on all overnight protests, which is even broader, would be unconstitutional for the same reason.

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/outlook/article/texas-ban-universities-speech-talking-night-20361753.php

[Winehole23]

bathroom bill is back on the menu


When Gov. Greg Abbott initially called for a special session in June (https://www.texastribune.org/2025/06/22/texas-governor-greg-abbott-special-session-veto-bills-thc-ban/), it was to tackle six bills he had vetoed during the regular session, among them a contentious measure that would havebanned hemp products containing THC. But after flash floods overwhelmed parts of central Texas on July 4 — resulting in at least 120 deaths with many more still missing — the intended focus shifted to flood relief.



However, when the governor’s 18-point agenda (https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/PROC_first_called_session_89th_legislature_FINAL_2 pm_UNSIGNED_DRAFT_07-09-25.pdf) was released last week, it included far more than flood-related measures. In addition to considering bills that would restrict hemp products, Abbott has also asked lawmakers to consider legislation “further protecting unborn children and their mothers from the harm of abortion” and legislation “protecting women’s privacy in sex-segregated spaces.”


On Monday, the first day lawmakers were able to file bills for the special session, none of the 82 measures filed mentioned the deadly July 4 floods (https://www.kxan.com/news/texas-politics/no-flood-related-bills-on-first-day-of-texas-special-session-filing/), according to KXAN-TV, NBC’s Austin affiliate.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna218897

[Winehole23]

here's the 18 point agenda



I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, by the authority vested in me by Article III, Sections 5(a) and 40, and Article IV, Section 8(a) of the Texas Constitution, do hereby call a Special Session of the 89th Legislature, to convene in the City of Austin, commencing at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025, to consider and act upon the following:

Legislation to improve early warning systems and other preparedness infrastructure in flood-prone areas throughout Texas.

Legislation to strengthen emergency communications and other response infrastructure in flood-prone areas throughout Texas.

Legislation to provide relief funding for response to and recovery from the storms which began in early July 2025, including local match funding for jurisdictions eligible for FEMA public assistance.

Legislation to evaluate and streamline rules and regulations to speed preparedness for and recovery from natural disasters.

Legislation to eliminate the STAAR test and replace it with effective tools to assess student progress and ensure school district accountability.

Legislation reducing the property tax burden on Texans and legislation imposing spending limits on entities authorized to impose property taxes.

Legislation making it a crime to provide hemp-derived products to children under 21 years of age.

Legislation to comprehensively regulate hemp-derived products, including limiting potency, restricting synthetically modified compounds, and establishing enforcement mechanisms, all without banning a lawful agricultural commodity.

Legislation further protecting unborn children and their mothers from the harm of abortion.

Legislation prohibiting taxpayer-funded lobbying, including the use of tax dollars to hire lobbyists and payment of tax dollars to associations that lobby the Legislature.

Legislation, similar to Senate Bill No. 1278 from the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, that protects victims of human trafficking from criminal liability for non-violent acts closely tied to their own victimization.

Legislation that protects law enforcement officers from public disclosure of unsubstantiated complaints in personnel files. Legislation protecting women’s privacy in sex-segregated spaces.

Legislation proposing a constitutional amendment allowing the Attorney General to prosecute state election crimes.

Legislation that provides a revised congressional redistricting plan in light of constitutional concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Legislation, similar to Senate Bill No. 648 from the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, that provides strengthened protections against title theft and deed fraud.

Legislation, similar to Senate Bill No. 1253 from the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, that authorizes political subdivisions to reduce impact fees for builders who include water conservation and efficiency measures.

Legislation, similar to Senate Bill No. 2878 from the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, relating to the operation and administration of the Judicial Department of state government.

https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/PROC_first_called_session_89th_legislature_FINAL_2 pm_UNSIGNED_DRAFT_07-09-25.pdf

[Winehole23]

cracking and packing


https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:4ckq4ljulpv5ii7yl4daay6k/bafkreidihfeospwc24uaxtkwcspk5rpzqzilrmjzno6duilq3 wg4xyuumq@jpeg

[Winehole23]

in 2003, Dems fled the state, temporarily denying Republicans a quorum for mid-stream redistricting. It could happen again


Congressional District 18 candidate, Isaiah Martin, was released Friday night from the Travis County Jail, more than 24 hours after his arrest at the Texas Capitol.

Martin was arrested Thursday night at around 7:30 p.m. at the Texas Capitol after refusing to yield during his testimony at a redistricting hearing (https://x.com/velez_tx/status/1948536966946931073).

Martin was released at around 9:30 p.m. —tired, frustrated, but proudly defiant. He spoke exclusively with CBS Austin.



DPS charged him with disrupting a meeting, resisting arrest, and criminal trespassing but tonight, just hours after those charges were dropped—he’s out and already looking ahead.

"100 percent. I will 100 percent be there and you cannot get rid of me," Martin said.

Martin's arrest came during the first public hearing on redistricting held by the House. The fight over Texas’ political future isn’t just playing out at the Capitol—it’s playing out across state lines.
https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/isaiah-martin-released-from-jail-after-arrest-at-texas-capitol-redistricting-hearing

[Winehole23]

I would tend to trust Harvey Kronberg

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:ibkfnheate4rtakbczmqerly/bafkreidik2gyazwo3ss6q2z3mwdahcqoeizrojo33dfknc3gs 6ypfhnjwq@jpeg

[Winehole23]

But while the law in the Fifth Circuit (where Texas is located) now is that you can’t compel creation of coalition districts, Dhillon’s letter seems to go further by suggesting that any district that has a majority non-white population, even if it was not intentionally created to be majority non-white, is unconstitutional or at least constitutionally suspect.


Multiple legal experts have testified (https://www.naacpldf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025.07.24-TX-Congressional-Redistricting-Letter_Senate-final.pdf) that this understanding—if that’s what the somewhat ambiguously written letter actually meant to convey—is simply not the law. In fact, dismantling [these districts], in the absence of a legal reason for doing so, starts to look a lot like intentional racial discrimination.https://boltsmag.org/a-new-cycle-of-texas-gerrymandering-your-questions-answered/

[Winehole23]

The Texas Democrats, however, face the risk of a $500-a-day fine (https://www.texastribune.org/2025/07/29/texas-democrats-quorum-break-fundraising-fines-redistricting/) and even possible arrest for fleeing the state. The Republican-controlled Legislature approved the measure in 2023, two years after state Democrats left the state for three weeks (https://www.texastribune.org/2021/09/10/texas-house-democrats-quorum-break/) to block an elections bill from progressing.

“Democrats have got to stand up at this point and tell every individual in this nation, this is not normal. This is not democracy,” Democratic state Rep. Ann Johnson told NBC News on Saturday.

“You’ve got these Texas Republicans that are just rolling over and giving Trump what he wants because he’s asked for it. It’s an affront to every citizen, not only in Texas but the nation.”

The Texas House is scheduled to convene at 3 p.m. CT Monday. The redistricting bill is so far the only item on the calendar.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/texas-democrats-head-illinois-deny-republicans-quorum-redistricting-rcna222743

[GAustex]

It’s (D)ifferent when Dems do it

[Winehole23]

It’s (D)ifferent when Dems do itwhat's your point, man?

(R)s have been running Texas for 30 years and have gifted themselves midstream reapportionment, twice, as a little treat

[GAustex]

U lost

[Winehole23]

Texas GOP lawmakers released their first draft of the state’s new congressional map Wednesday, proposing revamped district lines that attempt to flip five Democratic seats in next year’s midterm elections.


The new map targets Democratic U.S. House members in the Austin, Dallas and Houston metro areas and in South Texas. The draft, unveiled by state Rep. Todd Hunter (https://www.texastribune.org/directory/todd-hunter/), R-Corpus Christi, will likely change before the final map is approved by both chambers and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott (https://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/). Democrats have said they might try to thwart the process by fleeing the state (https://www.texastribune.org/2025/07/29/texas-democrats-quorum-break-fundraising-fines-redistricting/).


This unusual mid-decade redistricting comes after a pressure campaign waged by President Donald Trump’s political team in the hopes of padding Republicans’ narrow majority in the U.S. House.
https://www.texastribune.org/2025/07/30/texas-redistricting-congressional-maps-house-republicans/

[SnakeBoy]

https://x.com/bwaltens/status/1952200420186894521

WHEELS

[Millennial_Messiah]

https://x.com/bwaltens/status/1952200420186894521

WHEELS

Based!!! :tu :toast :toast

[Winehole23]

^^^wishful thinking

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:euynv325eix7glyek377orak/bafkreibug4j5h5kgi33cjjswzurdaz6zvcdpon6czinnaekpb 45qcldha4@jpeg

[Winehole23]

“The Beto Bribe buyouts that were bankrolling the runaway Democrats have been officially stopped,” Paxton said in a statement. “Today, I stopped his deceptive financial influence scheme that attempted to deceive donors and subvert our constitutional process. They told me to ‘come and take it,’ so I did.”

https://www.texastribune.org/2025/08/08/beto-orourke-texas-democrats-ken-paxton-fundraising-quorum-break/

[Winehole23]

ad hoc redistricting to consolidate power


https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5o6k7jvowuyaquloafzn3cfw/bafkreiaebtlpd63el6cpo6ua6ajktzcewnovp3jmvh4sa7zmc cqrdiuwda@jpeg

[Winehole23]

could backfire by increasing the number of competitive districts in play overall in a wave election

it looks likelier that (R)s win up to five more congressional seats in keeping with the conventional wisdom, however the elections are still 14 months away -- a political eternity

[velik_m]

https://x.com/GovPressOffice/status/1955411757540970603

[Winehole23]

could backfire by increasing the number of competitive districts in play overall in a wave election

it looks likelier that (R)s win up to five more congressional seats in keeping with the conventional wisdom, however the elections are still 14 months away -- a political eternitycan't recall who coined this

it's called a "dummymander"

[Winehole23]

chickenshit Republicans doing a chickenshit flex


WILD situation in Texas right now: The House Speaker has required Dems, who just returned from their out-of-state quorum break, to have police escorts once they leave the chamber. One Dem is refusing to leave the House floor with escort, and GOP leaders have blocked press access to the chamber.

[Winehole23]

an update on this says the permission note and the DPS escort are for leaving the Capitol grounds, not the building

I don't believe there's anything legal or consitutional that gives Texas (R)s the power to assign LE detail to their political opposition, but such are the times


A Texas lawmaker found herself effectively stuck in her seat Monday, planted on the House floor after refusing to sign a political "permission slip"—a GOP-mandated form requiring Department of Public Safety escorts for Democrats who broke quorum over redistricting (https://www.chron.com/politics/article/texas-democrats-legislature-redistricting-20819178.php).



State Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) was seen sitting among her colleagues' empty chairs (https://x.com/baylisswagner/status/1957526259618984286) after being prevented from leaving the House due to her refusal to allow law enforcement officers to accompany her out of the chamber.



"In my heart, I don't feel compelled to sign it," Collier told NBC News Ryan Chandler (https://x.com/RyanChandlerTV/status/1957522175730090006). "I'll just sit here, I don't know...I guess I'll wait til Wednesday."

https://www.chron.com/politics/article/nicole-collier-texas-democrat-20822989.php

[Winehole23]

turning the Texas Capitol into a partisan jail isn't symbolism, it's fascism

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:jmte4w4x7ukciit6lci6ziau/bafkreiexmcnpbim7dsytv3netx2474btuahzm5bcd2rkj25qq p4amfiwqm@jpeg

[Winehole23]

Collier files a Habeas petition


https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/texas-democrat-collier-habeas-corpus-petition.pdf

[Winehole23]

Any character of restraint which precludes absolute and perfect freedom of action will justify the issuance of the writ of habeas corpus. Ex parte Snodgrass, 65 S.W. 1061 (Tex. Crim. App. 1901) (agitated lawyer zealously advocating in trial held in contempt and fined $50.00 permitted to file writ). Representative Collier is under restraint by virtue of the Speaker of the House’s order placing her into the custody of law enforcement prior to the Wednesday, August 20, 2025 Session.

Representative Collier has been informed that she is not free to leave the Capitol. Chairman of the Committee on House Administration Charlie Geren informed Representative Collier, “If you leave the Capitol you are subject to arrest.”

[Winehole23]

The question before the Court is not whether the House’s Sergeant-at-Arms can arrest an absent, quorum-breaking member – the Texas Supreme Court in In re Abbott, 628 S.W.3d 288 (2021), answered that question and held that a civil arrest of absent members was permitted under the Texas Constitution. See In re Abbott, 628 S.W.3d 288 (2021) (“The legal question before this Court concerns only whether the Texas Constitution gives the House of Representatives the authority to physically compel the attendance of absent members.”) (emphasis own). Rather, the question is whether detention, arrest, and compulsion is permitted for previously-absent, but now present, members.

[Winehole23]

Sec. 10. QUORUM; ADJOURNMENTS FROM DAY TO DAY; COMPELLING ATTENDANCE. Two-thirds of each House shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner and under such penalties as each House may provide. TEX. CONST. art. 3, §10 .

The plain language is clear: a member may be compelled by the Sergeant-at-Arms to attend a legislative session if he or she is physically absent, but no such power is conferred on the Legislature to arrest or otherwise compel a member who is currently present (and not absent) to stay.

[Winehole23]

There is no calendar for the House today. There is no calendar for tomorrow, or any upcoming date. There is no pending vote. There is no action on which a quorum is needed. And, more importantly, Representative Collier is currently present at the Capitol. She is not absent, and – thus – her appearance need not, and cannot, be compelled pursuant to article III, sec. 10 of the Texas Constitution.

[Winehole23]

six more Texas Reps tear up their permission slips

all women so far

search terms "slumber party" -- is the Texas House currently a jail?

[Winehole23]

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:axpzyhl2p5zy5nmb2vppqvmd/bafkreifsvbtsewabmz3zub3cx4hson4kp7hrirbbiz43xmlgh ch2aim4h4@jpeg

[Winehole23]

Meanwhile, Democrats are pointing out the obvious: This is a colossal waste of money. Just looking for the quorum-breakers — who were pretty easy to find, considering they were holding televised press conferences — cost the state six figures (https://www.facebook.com/KXANnews/posts/speaker-of-the-house-dustin-burrows-said-texas-dps-racked-up-at-least-six-figure/1212878574213399/) over the past two weeks, according to Rep. Dustin Burrows, the Speaker of the House. Plesa called it (https://apnews.com/article/texas-redistricting-democrats-police-california-3459806da6c593d5ffcbe6891551fd7e) “performative theater.” Which is generous. Theater at least requires some skill. This is more like a community college improv class where everyone’s playing “cop tailing a state rep” and nobody knows the scene is supposed to end.


And here’s the kicker: All this surveillance and chest-thumping isn’t even about passing legislation that helps Texans. It’s not flood relief, not healthcare, not education. No, the Republicans’ top priority is satisfying Trump’s demand for a redistricting map that rigs Congress in their favor. Texans flooded out of their homes? Sorry. We’ll get to you right after we redraw a district line through some minority neighborhoods.
https://thebarbedwire.com/2025/08/19/texas-capitol-minimum-security-prison/

[Winehole23]

DPS followed Rep. Collier to the bathroom and threatened her with felony arrest for making a phone call

Literally silenced a state rep in the capitol, I guess this'll be fine with Republicans when the shoe's on yhe other foot, eh?

[koriwhat]

DPS followed Rep. Collier to the bathroom and threatened her with felony arrest for making a phone call

Literally silenced a state rep in the capitol, I guess this'll be fine with Republicans when the shoe's on yhe other foot, eh?

She'd be better off without that call to Harris and her word salad of drunken debauchery.

[Winehole23]

That's not up to you, and what a state rep says in the capitol houldn't be up to DPS -- it's literally insane that the Texas House has been turned into a jail

[koriwhat]

That's not up to you, and what a state rep says in the capitol houldn't be up to DPS -- it's literally insane that the Texas House has been turned into a jail

You're so out of touch with everything bro but especially jokes and sarcasm. I bet you're a blast to hangout with.

[SnakeBoy]

https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/1958297560134672799

Dems wuz so brave tho :cry

[Winehole23]

ad hoc redistricting to consolidate power
Passed the Texas House today

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:z6rujpf4u56jfie7aqic2nfg/bafkreibqyroiy7fbf5lktqph4opefnhv5vxa6g6ytwmgyyzkx i2xqd4qba@jpeg

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:tm3djotsgwdkml5jn5rpubhd/bafkreihpy2f4gvmgd6csncyej3ct737uankl533bjjkb4imea m4mzdfq24@jpeg

[koriwhat]

Passed the Texas House today

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:z6rujpf4u56jfie7aqic2nfg/bafkreibqyroiy7fbf5lktqph4opefnhv5vxa6g6ytwmgyyzkx i2xqd4qba@jpeg

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:tm3djotsgwdkml5jn5rpubhd/bafkreihpy2f4gvmgd6csncyej3ct737uankl533bjjkb4imea m4mzdfq24@jpeg

Both of them are failures and not leaders whatsoever. Scumbag rich retards which I thought you were against WH? :lol

[Millennial_Messiah]

Both of them are failures and not leaders whatsoever. Scumbag rich retards which I thought you were against WH? :lol

Not to mention NY can't redraw until at least 2028 and California still has a ton of legal hurdles to pass a map without independent redistricting commission, especially in time for 2026.

[ChumpDumper]

https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/1958297560134672799

Dems wuz so brave tho :cry:lol you're losing so you had to cheat

[Blake]

https://x.com/GovPressOffice/status/1955411757540970603

This is an incredible level of trolling.

[GAustex]

Phelan is out
Bout time

[SnakeBoy]

One less rino

Still plenty left to go

[Winehole23]

One less rino

Still plenty left to goimagine if the SA had won and the German elites had lost in 1934

https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/roehm-purge

[Winehole23]

ostracizing and legally persecuting a minuscule minority is again really high on the list of Republican priorities


Special sessions are usually invoked by governors for emergency, priority bills. The first session was called in June, but in July, deadly flooding in the region wiped out a girls’ summer camp and caused the governor to add disaster preparedness and relief to the agenda. By tying voter suppression and anti-trans policies to the flood relief bills, the Texas GOP seemingly made a strategic move: They used dead kids in Texas as human shields for their assaults on civil rights.https://www.advocate.com/politics/texas-transgender-bathroom

[Winehole23]

how does stripping some people's right to use the bathroom helpful to Texans?

[Yonivore]

chickenshit Republicans doing a chickenshit flex
Rules are rules. Last time she was allowed to leave, unescorted, during a Legislative Session she fled the state, her job, and her responsibilities.

[Winehole23]

Rules are rules. Last time she was allowed to leave, unescorted, during a Legislative Session she fled the state, her job, and her responsibilities.god what a boot licker you are

the legal argument against this is in this thread, try addressing that

[SnakeBoy]

imagine if the SA had won and the German elites had lost in 1934

https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/roehm-purge

oh yeah...hitler

[Yonivore]

god what a boot licker you are

the legal argument against this is in this thread, try addressing that
Not my job to address. The House rule seems to be doing its job. I'm sure Representative Collier is availing herself of all legal means to address her situation. Until then, she's in Session until the sine die adjournment of the 2nd Special Session and free to leave with an escort.

Democrats like theatre, they're getting it. I think they should let her walk but, there is a House Rule - passed by a Democratic Legislature, under a Democratic Speaker, in 1949 that allows the Speaker to do what the current Speaker is doing. I think Republicans are sick and tired of Democrats acting like babies and busting quorum every time an issue they don't like comes up for a vote. So, drawing on the ghost of Democratic Speaker Durwood Manford, Jr. they've chosen to use the rule his House instituted in 1949 to keep Democrats from busting quorum - again. Collier's fellow Democrats accepted the escorts and are going about they're lives.

In defense of Rep. Collier, the measure she opposed has passed the House and there's no longer a reason to compel her attendance - unless (and I'm not a legislative rules scholar), there's a concern they will not be able to adjourn the Session with a quorum I don't know how that works.

[Yonivore]

god what a boot licker you are

the legal argument against this is in this thread, try addressing that

god what a boot licker you are

the legal argument against this is in this thread, try addressing that
Not my job to address. I think this is what Constitutional scholars would call a "novel constitutional question" or "question of first impression." And, since I'm not a legal scholar, I'll not argue the legal points. The House rule seems to be doing its job. I'm sure Representative Collier is availing herself of all legal means to address her situation; as she should. Until then, she's in Session until the sine die adjournment of the 2nd Special Session but, free to leave with an escort.

Democrats like theater; they're getting it. I think they should let her walk but, there is a House Rule - passed by a Democratic Legislature, under a Democratic Speaker, in 1949 that authorizes the Speaker to do what the current Speaker is doing. I think Republicans are sick and tired of Democrats acting like babies and busting quorum every time an issue they don't like comes up for a vote. So, drawing on the ghost of Democratic Speaker Durwood Manford, Jr. they've chosen to use the rule his House instituted in 1949 to keep Democrats from busting quorum - again. Collier's fellow quorum-busting Democrats accepted the escorts and are going about they're lives.

On the other hand and, in defense of Rep. Collier, the measure she opposed has passed the House and there's no longer a reason to compel her attendance - unless (and I'm not a legislative rules scholar either), there's a concern they will not be able to adjourn the Session with a quorum. I don't know how that works.

[Yonivore]

god what a boot licker you are

the legal argument against this is in this thread, try addressing that

god what a boot licker you are

the legal argument against this is in this thread, try addressing that
Not my job to address. I think this is what Constitutional scholars would call a "novel constitutional question" or "question of first impression." And, since I'm not a legal scholar, I'll not argue the legal points. The House rule seems to be doing its job. I'm sure Representative Collier is availing herself of all legal means to address her situation; as she should. Until then, she's in Session until the sine die adjournment of the 2nd Special Session but, free to leave with an escort.

Democrats like theater; they're getting it. I think they should let her walk but, there is a House Rule - passed by a Democratic Legislature, under a Democratic Speaker, in 1949 that authorizes the Speaker to do what the current Speaker is doing. I think Republicans are sick and tired of Democrats acting like babies and busting quorum every time an issue they don't like comes up for a vote. So, drawing on the ghost of Democratic Speaker Durwood Manford, Jr. they've chosen to use the rule his House instituted in 1949 to keep Democrats from busting quorum - again. Collier's fellow quorum-busting Democrats accepted the escorts and are going about they're lives.

On the other hand and, in defense of Rep. Collier, the measure she opposed has passed the House and there's no longer a reason to compel her attendance - unless (and I'm not a legislative rules scholar either), there's a concern they will not be able to adjourn the Session with a quorum. I don't know how that works.

[Yonivore]

god what a boot licker you are

the legal argument against this is in this thread, try addressing that
Not my job to address. Whether or not the Speaker of the Texas House has the authority to prevent a present Representative from leaving the Capitol is, I believe, what legal scholars would call a "novel constitutional question," or "question of first impression," as it has never been heard in any court. And, whatever legal argument was posted earlier in this thread has no influence on me or my argument that the Speaker is merely imposing a rule to which all Representative agree. In the meantime, the House rule seems to be doing its job. I'm sure Representative Collier is availing herself of all legal means to address her situation. Until then, she's in Session until the sine die adjournment of the 2nd Special Session and free to leave with an escort.

Democrats like theater; they're getting it. I think they should let her walk but, there is a House Rule - passed by a Democratic Legislature, under a Democratic Speaker, in 1949 that ostensibly allows the Speaker to do what the current Speaker is doing, although (in fairness to all) the particular question of enforcement of the rule has never been addressed, or needed, since its inception. I think Republicans are sick and tired of Democrats acting like babies and busting quorum every time an issue they don't like comes up for a vote. So, drawing on the ghost of Democratic Speaker Durwood Manford, Jr. they've chosen to use the rule his House instituted in 1949 to keep Democrats from busting quorum - again. Collier's fellow Democrats accepted the escorts and are going about they're lives. Whether the enforcement of that rule passes legal muster is a question for the lawyers and courts.

In defense of Rep. Collier, the measure she opposed has passed the House and there's no longer a reason to compel her attendance - unless (and I'm not a legislative rules scholar), there's a concern they will not be able to adjourn the Session with a quorum I don't know how that works.

[Yonivore]

god what a boot licker you are

the legal argument against this is in this thread, try addressing that
Not my job to address. Whether or not the Speaker of the Texas House has the authority to prevent a present Representative from leaving the Capitol is, I believe, what legal scholars would call a "novel constitutional question," or "question of first impression," as it has never been heard in any court. And, whatever legal argument was posted earlier in this thread has no influence on me or my argument that the Speaker is merely imposing a rule to which all Representative agree. In the meantime, the House rule seems to be doing its job. I'm sure Representative Collier is availing herself of all legal means to address her situation. Until then, she's in Session until the sine die adjournment of the 2nd Special Session and free to leave with an escort.

Democrats like theater; they're getting it. I think they should let her walk but, there is a House Rule - passed by a Democratic Legislature, under a Democratic Speaker, in 1949 that ostensibly allows the Speaker to do what the current Speaker is doing, although (in fairness to all) the particular question of enforcement of the rule has never been addressed, or needed, since its inception. I think Republicans are sick and tired of Democrats acting like babies and busting quorum every time an issue they don't like comes up for a vote. So, drawing on the ghost of Democratic Speaker Durwood Manford, Jr. they've chosen to use the rule his House instituted in 1949 to keep Democrats from busting quorum - again. Collier's fellow Democrats accepted the escorts and are going about they're lives. Whether the enforcement of that rule passes legal muster is a question for the lawyers and courts.

In defense of Rep. Collier, the measure she opposed has passed the House and there's no longer a reason to compel her attendance - unless (and I'm not a legislative rules scholar), there's a concern they will not be able to adjourn the Session with a quorum I don't know how that works.

[Yonivore]

I've tried to post a more thoughtful response for the past 30 minutes now and the forum keeps taking a dump. This is something I've experienced quite a bit this year. Has something fundamental changed about the hosting of this forum? Anyway, I copied and saved my last attempt so, I'll try again later, Winehole.

[Winehole23]

oh yeah...hitleroh yeah, I'm on record as saying comparing Trump with Hitler is passé


Trump is in his own category now

[Winehole23]

YV

you didn't address it

[Winehole23]

last night was a bleak one for TX legislature history. dan patrick literally denied senate democrats the ability to filibuster redistricting, even though rules allow it. roland gutierrez asked what precedent there was for this. patrick didn't even bother to answer. that's how the map passed.

[Yonivore]

YV

you didn't address it
I don't know what the fuck is going on with this forum but, this is the first time since about 15 minutes after my previous post, that I've been able to get in. Thinking my IP had been flagged or something, I tried several different devices (with and without VPN) and no luck so, if that continues, my responses are liable to be much more infrequent.

Anyway, to respond to your last post on this topic:

god what a boot licker you are

the legal argument against this is in this thread, try addressing that
Not my job to address. Whether or not the Speaker of the Texas House has the authority to prevent a present Representative from leaving the Capitol is, I believe, what legal scholars would call a "novel constitutional question," or "question of first impression," as it has never been heard in any court. And, whatever legal argument was posted earlier in this thread has no influence on me or my argument that the Speaker is merely imposing a rule to which all Representative agreed. In the meantime, the House rule seems to be doing its job. I'm sure Representative Collier availed herself of all legal means to address her situation. But, all arguments aside, she remained in Session until the sine die adjournment of the 2nd Special Session and was, until then, free to leave with an escort.

Democrats like theater; they're got it. I think they should have let her walk but, there is a House Rule - passed by a Democratic Legislature, under a Democratic Speaker, in 1949 that ostensibly allows the Speaker to do what the current Speaker did, although (in fairness to all) the particular question of enforcement of the rule has never been addressed, or needed, since its inception. I think Republicans are sick and tired of Democrats acting like babies and busting quorum every time an issue they don't like comes up for a vote. So, drawing on the ghost of Democratic Speaker Durwood Manford, Jr. they've chosen to use the rule his House instituted in 1949 to keep Democrats from busting quorum - again. Collier's fellow Democrats accepted the escorts and went about their lives. Whether the enforcement of that rule passes legal muster was a question for the lawyers and courts.

In conclusion, I wasn't licking any boots, just pointing out that the House is enforcing a long-standing rule (from 1949, under a Democratic Speaker) to prevent another quorum bust. Whether that enforcement is constitutional is exactly what Collier’s habeas petition is about. Until a court rules, the Speaker’s interpretation stands. That’s not bootlicking, that’s just how the process works. As it turns out, the rule was lifted once HB-4 passed and there was no longer a danger of the quorum being busted.

By the way, has anyone else had trouble getting into or posting in the forum? This isn't the first time and, frankly, it's why I haven't been around here much. That and the lack of intelligent opposition.

[Yonivore]

YV

you didn't address it
I don't know what the fuck is going on with this forum but, this is the first time since about 15 minutes after my previous post, that I've been able to get in. Thinking my IP had been flagged or something, I tried several different devices (with and without VPN) and no luck so, if that continues, my responses are liable to be much more infrequent.

Anyway, to respond to your last post on this topic:

god what a boot licker you are

the legal argument against this is in this thread, try addressing that
Not my job to address. Whether or not the Speaker of the Texas House has the authority to prevent a present Representative from leaving the Capitol is, I believe, what legal scholars would call a "novel constitutional question," or "question of first impression," as it has never been heard in any court. And, whatever legal argument was posted earlier in this thread has no influence on me or my argument that the Speaker is merely imposing a rule to which all Representative agree. In the meantime, the House rule seems to be doing its job. I'm sure Representative Collier is availing herself of all legal means to address her situation. Until then, she's in Session until the sine die adjournment of the 2nd Special Session and free to leave with an escort.

Democrats like theater; they're getting it. I think they should let her walk but, there is a House Rule - passed by a Democratic Legislature, under a Democratic Speaker, in 1949 that ostensibly allows the Speaker to do what the current Speaker is doing, although (in fairness to all) the particular question of enforcement of the rule has never been addressed, or needed, since its inception. I think Republicans are sick and tired of Democrats acting like babies and busting quorum every time an issue they don't like comes up for a vote. So, drawing on the ghost of Democratic Speaker Durwood Manford, Jr. they've chosen to use the rule his House instituted in 1949 to keep Democrats from busting quorum - again. Collier's fellow Democrats accepted the escorts and are going about they're lives. Whether the enforcement of that rule passes legal muster is a question for the lawyers and courts.

In defense of Rep. Collier, the measure she opposed has passed the House and there's no longer a reason to compel her attendance - unless (and I'm not a legislative rules scholar), there's a concern they will not be able to adjourn the Session with a quorum I don't know how that works.

In conclusion, I wasn't licking any boots, just pointing out that the House is enforcing a long-standing rule (from 1949, under a Democratic Speaker) to prevent another quorum bust. Whether that enforcement is constitutional is exactly what Collier’s habeas petition is about. Until a court rules, the Speaker’s interpretation stands. That’s not bootlicking, that’s just how the process works.

As it turns out, the rule was lifted once HB-4 passed and there was no longer a danger of the quorum being busted.


By the way, has anyone else had trouble getting into or posting in the forum? This isn't the first time and, frankly, it's why I haven't been around here much. That and the lack of intelligent opposition.

[Winehole23]

that's bootlicking, tbh

turning the Texas House into a jail while there's a quorum already established and members are in their place is absurd and oppressive and a violation of basic freedom

[Winehole23]

once again, national conservatism manifests socially as restrictive speech codes with harsh state punishments for disfavored speech

in this case, various Houston area municipalities purport to censor school curriculum, content and student participation under authority of SB 12


A U.S. district judge today granted a preliminary injunction (https://www.aclutx.org/app/uploads/2026/02/0090.-02-20-2026-PRELIMINARY-INJUNCTION-Signed-by-Judge-Charles-Eskridge-Parties-notified.-jmg4-1.pdf) blocking the enforcement of key aspects of Senate Bill 12 (https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB12) in Houston ISD, Katy ISD, and Plano ISD until the case is fully resolved and issued an opinion (https://www.aclutx.org/app/uploads/2026/02/0089.-02-20-2026-OPINION-AND-ORDER-DISMISSING-COMMISSIONER-OF-TEXAS-EDUCATION-AGENCY-AND-GRANTING-PRELIMINARY-INJUNCT-1.pdf) explaining its reasoning. The court ordered that the districts are “enjoined from implementing policies pursuant to Sections 3, 7, 24, and 27 of S.B. 12, or otherwise enforcing those provisions, during the pendency of this litigation.”https://www.aclutx.org/press-releases/federal-court-halts-enforcement-of-key-provisions-of-law-censoring-identity-and-inclusion-in-k-12-schools-in-three-texas-school-districts/

opinion and order: https://www.aclutx.org/app/uploads/2026/02/0089.-02-20-2026-OPINION-AND-ORDER-DISMISSING-COMMISSIONER-OF-TEXAS-EDUCATION-AGENCY-AND-GRANTING-PRELIMINARY-INJUNCT-1.pdf