Straus Shifts Gears

Earlier this month we wrote about how Texas House Speaker Joe Straus was slow-rolling the reading and referral of bills – particularly certain conservative priorities. Since then, Straus has picked up the pace. Reading and Referral of House Bills and House Joint Resolutions by week February 9 – 13:  373 HBs & HJRs February 16 – 20:  226 HBs & HJRs February 23 – 27:  238 HBs & HJRs March 2 – 6:  557 HBs & HJRs March 9 – 13:  932 HBs & HJRs March 16 – 20:  1166 HBs & HJRs Over the last two weeks, Straus has more than doubled his referral rate. Why it took so long is a mystery. Following a relatively short list of referrals on Monday, there are only 178 house bills left to be referred to a committee. The House has received 32 senate bills and only one has been referred to a committee. There is no reason that all of these bills should not be read and referred by the end of the week. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has acted quickly to pass significant conservative legislation out of the Senate. The bills that are now in the House’s hands include pro-gun legislation and a bill and constitutional amendment dedicating motor vehicle sales taxes to highway construction.