Day 128 - May 17

Passed so far today: 

HB 162 - Relating to minimum standards for prescribed burns.

HB 219 - Relating to the release of a deed of trust or other contract lien securing a home loan after payoff by mortgagor. 

HB 260 - Relating to the calculation of net to land in the appraisal of open-space land for ad valorem tax purposes.

HB 1040 - Relating to the authority of entities regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance to conduct business electronically.

HB 1225 - Relating to the administration of certain required assessment instruments in paper format.

HB 1789 -  Relating to the application of nepotism prohibitions to a person appointed or employed by a school district as a bus driver.

HJR 134 - Proposing a constitutional amendment to abolish the office of county treasurer of Galveston County.

In the news: 

- Texas lawmakers take special ed students hostage in voucher fight. (Editorial).

- Texas 'Death star' bill to block an array of local regulations on verge of passing Legislature.