A few stories covered in class today

These first three regard the Texas Lieutenant Governor's effort to direct what types of issues will be considered in the 85th session beginning on 2017.
- Patrick Urges Senators to Study Jail and Police Safety.
- Religious Liberty, Ethics on Senate To-Do List.
- Interim Committee to Take a Closer Look at Jail Safety.

These stories highlight two three bills signed by California Governor Jerry Brown.
- Governor Jerry Brown OKs automatic voter registration through DMV.
- California governor signs bill legalizing physician-assisted suicide.
- Gov. Brown signs climate change bill to spur renewable energy, efficiency standards.

Each is an example of both the concept of states as "laboratories of democracy" and of the differences that exist between states based on each state's political culture. As opposed to Texas, California is one of a handful of states which makes it easy to register to vote. What could be easier than automatic registration?