This Week in Texas: May 12, 2021

Posted May 12, 2021 in The Mignon Memo

So Many Bills…So Little Time

The House deadline to pass its own bills is upon us. The House has until tomorrow, May 13 at midnight, to pass its own bills so they can move to the Senate. This is one of the many deadlines members have to work with as the last day of the 87th Texas Legislative Session on May 31 draws near. Other end-of-session deadlines are here

Casinos in Texas Legislation Is Dead

A high-profile push by the gaming empire Las Vegas Sands to bring casinos to Texas appears doomed at the state Capitol as this year’s legislative session begins to wind down.

Monday was the deadline for House committees to advance that chamber’s bills and joint resolutions, and the deadline passed without the State Affairs Committee voting out the Las Vegas Sands-backed House Joint Resolution 133. The legislation, which got a hearing last month, would let Texas voters decide whether to build “destination resorts” with casinos in the state’s four biggest metropolitan areas.

Gov. Abbott Draws a Primary Opponent

Former state Sen. Don Huffines, a conservative Republican from Dallas who has been critical of Gov. Greg Abbott‘s coronavirus policies, announced Monday that he is challenging Abbott in the 2022 primary.

“Texas deserves actual Republican leadership that will act urgently and decisively—no more excuses or lies,” Huffines said in a statement, vowing bolder action on border security, property taxes, and elections.

————

Also, former President Donald Trump endorsed Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick for reelection Monday. Patrick, who twice chaired Trump’s campaign in Texas, is up for a third term in 2022.

“Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is a great fighter for the people of Texas,” Trump said in a statement. “Texans should re-elect him! He is outstanding and has my Complete and Total Endorsement!”

Only in Austin…

It’s never easy for legislators being away from their families during the 140-day legislative session.

Rep. Armando Walle—along with Reps. Chris Paddie and Ana Hernandez—was able to watch his son play baseball and get a hit via FaceTime while Rep. Walle was on the House floor. And other times, legislators are able to bring their children to the Capitol as can be seen from the pictures below.