Time for the week that was in Texas politics with Emily Ramshaw, editor-in-chief of the Texas Tribune.
As the legislative session winds down, tensions are high between the leaders of the House and Senate. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is pushing hard for a special session to address the so-called ‘bathroom bill” and tax reform measure he has championed throughout the regular session.
Ramshaw says the state budget, which is a must-pass item, stands a better chance.
“I don’t think the budget is going to end up being the hangup,” she says. “And I actually think they’ll get the property tax relief thing moving. It’s the bathroom bill that has been the sticking point from the start of the session till the end.”
Other high-profile legislation has, or will soon pass, Ramshaw says. A bill that establishes statewide regulations for ride-hailing companies, and prevents cities like Austin from enacting their own rules, is on its way to the governor’s desk.
Ramshaw says another bill that looks likely to pass is Rep. Victoria Neave’s rape kit crowdfunidng proposal. The bill allows Texans renewing a driver’s license or ID card to donate to a fund for testing backlogged rape kits.
Listen to the full interview in the audio player above.
