Greg Abbott Is Eager To Sign The ‘Sanctuary Cities’ Bill Into Law

This week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune.

By Rhonda FanningMay 5, 2017 4:03 pm, , ,

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

Governor Greg Abbott says he’s warming up his pen to sign SB4, the so-called ‘sanctuary cities’ bill that passed the House this week.

“This bill basically says that local municipalities in Texas need to comply with local immigration laws,” Ramshaw says. “The most controversial element, that made it a “Show Me Your Papers” bill is that now authorities can check your immigration status at routine traffic stops.”

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-San Antonio) announced that he will not run for the senate seat currently occupied by Ted Cruz. Fellow Democrat, U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-El Paso) is already in the race.

“Castro is in a really plum spot in Congress,” Rahshaw says. “He has a high profile. He plays a big role in some of the committees investigating Trump and Russia.”

Governor Abbot is excited about another House action. The governor is seeking a Convention of States to amend the U.S. Constitution. The bill passed by the House would add Texas to the ten states already seeking such a convention. It has not passed the Senate.

“This aces a very long road,” Ramshaw says. “Even if it passes the Legislature, 30-some-odd states would have to agree to participate in this in order to even begin considering making this a reality.”

 

Listen to the full interview in the audio player above.