Want to stay fully informed of the latest dealings in the Texas Legislature during the session? Then read the TMA Legislative News Hotline.
TMA Legislative News Hotline: Friday, May 24, 2013
With only three days left of the 2013 legislative session, TMA can proudly say it’s been a great year. At this point, we know the state budget bill increases funds for mental health, substance abuse, and women’s health services, and increases funding for graduate medical education. And, many of TMA’s key bills made it through both chambers and now await Gov. Rick Perry’s signature. Watch TMA’s Legislative News Hotline video featuring TMA’s chief lobbyist Darren Whitehurst discussing several major bills in play with Steve Levine, TMA’s vice president of communications.
TMA Legislative News Hotline: Thursday, May 23, 2013
Lawmakers passed two bills Wednesday that are essential for locking down the final budget puzzle pieces. The Senate approved House Bill 1025, the emergency appropriations bill that covers unpaid bills in the current budget cycle, ending Aug. 30.
TMA Legislative News Hotline: Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Last night dozens of bills died when they got stuck behind a contentious debate on Senate Bill 11 by Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) and Rep. Four Price (R-Amarillo) that would have required welfare recipients to undergo a drug screening. SB 11 was the subject of much conversation during the final hours of second reading on the General Calendar. The good news is that the House took up many of TMA’s bills earlier in the day so they didn’t get stopped. Today is another critical day. It’s the last day for the House to consider local and consent Senate bills on second or third reading and all third readings of Senate bills on the House Supplemental Calendar. Wednesday is also the last day for the Senate to consider all bills on second or third reading.
TMA Legislative News Hotline: Tuesday, May 21, 2013
The finish line of the 2013 legislative session is within reach, with only six days left. At this point, every minute is critical to move bills. For a bill to survive at this point, it must get through the Texas House by tomorrow. Wednesday is the last day for the House to consider local and consent Senate bills on second or third reading and all third readings of Senate bills on the House Supplemental Calendar. Wednesday is also the last day for the Senate to consider all bills on second or third reading.
TMA Legislative News Hotline: Monday, May 20, 2013
On Saturday, Gov. Rick Perry signed into law the first of five TMA bills reducing red tape for physician practices. Senate Bill 166 by Sen. Robert Deuell, MD (R-Greenville), and Rep. Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio) allows physicians to check in patients using the electronic strip on the back of their Texas driver's license starting Sept. 1.