Uncertainty Reigns As ‘Sanctuary City’ Lawsuits And Special Session Speculation Continue

This week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune.

By Rhonda FanningJune 2, 2017 1:39 pm, ,

It’s time for the week that was in Texas politics with Emily Ramshaw, editor-in-chief of the Texas Tribune.

Austin and San Antonio are suing the state over the so-called ‘sanctuary cities’ ban. Ramshaw says the legal fight was expected the moment the legislation began moving through the House and Senate.

“Expect a really long road ahead for this piece of legislation,” Ramshaw says.

The state’s political class is waiting to find out whether Gov. Greg Abbott will call a special session of the legislature.  Ramshaw says the announcement, one way or another, was expected this week. Now it’s unlikely to happen until at least next week, or even later, she says.

Timing for the special session is also uncertain, Ramshaw says, with dates ranging from this summer to next spring being discussed. But Abbott has remained silent on the topic.

Abbott has signed a number of bills this week, including one eliminating straight voting in Texas.

Attorney General Ken Paxton won a victory in his long-running legal case. Paxton is charged with securities fraud. The case has been moved from Paxton’s North Texas home base to Houston. The judge presiding over the case sought to remain in charge.  This week, a court sided with Paxton, ruling that the judge will not be allowed to stay with the case.

Listen to the full interview in the audio player above.