- Abbott Signs Bill Decriminalizing Truancy.
House Bill 2398, which will go into effect as the upcoming school year begins in Texas, effectively ends the practice of jailing students for skipping school. Critics say it disproportionately affects minority and poor students.
"Criminalizing unauthorized absences at school unnecessarily jeopardizes the futures of our students," Abbott said in a statement Friday, explaining he signed HB 2398 as part of his broader mission to boost the state's education system.
- Abbott Signs Grand Jury Reform Legislation.
Gov. Greg Abbott has signed legislation reforming Texas' grand juries, officially scrapping the state's controversial "pick-a-pal" method of selecting people to sit on the panels.
Under House Bill 2150, the state will no longer use the outdated system that lets judge-appointed commissioners pick jurors, a nationally uncommon practice that critics say is rife with potential for conflicts of interest. Authored by Democratic state Rep. Carol Alvarado of Houston, HB 2150 institutes a more random process drawing jurors from broader pools of potential candidates.
- Abbott OKs Venue Change for Political Corruption Cases.
Ignoring calls for a veto, Gov. Greg Abbott signed controversial legislation this week that will allow elected and appointed state officials and state employees to bypass Austin prosecutors when they are accused of public corruption.
Abbott, a Republican, signed the bill Thursday without making a statement or staging a public signing ceremony. His press office did not respond to requests for comment left via email and over the phone.
- Click here for Texas Tribune's page on all Law and Order topics dealt with by the legislature.
