Texas Standard for June 5, 2023: What happened to the bill closing the ‘dead suspect loophole?’

A bill crafted to close Texas’ “dead suspect loophole,” which advocates say will increase transparency in police investigations, may be dead itself – despite being passed by the House and Senate.

By Texas StandardJune 5, 2023 8:49 am,

Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Monday, June 5, 2023:

Aside from border security bill, will anything come of this special session?

The regular session of the Texas Legislature is over. A special session is underway, but will the House and Senate overcome an impasse on property tax cuts? The Texas Newsroom’s Julián Aguilar joins us with a look ahead.

What happened to the missing bill closing the ‘dead suspect loophole?’

A bill crafted to close Texas’ “dead suspect loophole,” which advocates say will increase transparency in police investigations, may be dead itself – despite being passed by the House and Senate. KXAN reporter Josh Hinkle investigates the disappearance of the legislation.

What a pilot shortage could mean for your summer travel plans

Last week, Fort Worth-based American Airlines announced that 150 of its planes will remain grounded due to an ongoing pilot shortage. What does it mean for the airline industry and families planning vacations? Dallas Morning News reporter Alexandra Skores joins us with more.

Scooters are back in Dallas after 3 years. What’s changed?

Love them or hate them, electric rental scooters are back in Dallas. Their return comes three years after the program was canceled because of safety concerns. KERA’s Toluwani Osibamowo took to the streets to figure out what, if anything, has changed.

Smoking out Texas’ historic barbecue spots

You’ve probably seen those Texas historical markers placed at spots across the state. But did you know those honors include some great Texas smokehouses? Daniel Vaughn, barbecue editor for Texas Monthly, joins us with a look.

New law adds additional math courses for middle schoolers

One of the bills the Texas Legislature approved this year seeks to increase the number of middle school students taking advanced math courses. KUT Austin’s Becky Fogel reports the governor signed the measure into law last week and it took effect immediately:

What Texas laws are doing to people carrying at-risk pregnancies

Abortion has been all-out banned in Texas for the last nine months. How do those laws impact women who want their pregnancies but face complications? Houston Public Media’s Sara Willa Ernst reports.

A mental health funding crisis keeps suspects in jail longer

Nationwide, mentally ill people accused of crimes are waiting months for mental health care before they’re able to stand trial. Sometimes those waits can be longer than the potential sentences themselves. Wall Street Journal reporter Elizabeth Findell joins us with the story.

All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.

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