From the Texas Tribune: Dan Patrick makes "Star Spangled Banner Act" a legislative priority after the Mavericks go 13 games without the national anthem

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Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced Wednesday that requiring the national anthem to be played "at all events which receive public funding" will be among his top legislative priorities this session.

The "Star Spangled Banner Protection Act," which has not yet been filed, comes as the Dallas Mavericks are under attack by some GOP Texas lawmakers seizing on a report that team owner Mark Cuban decided to stop playing the national anthem before home games this season. The team will resume playing the anthem before games, the NBA said Wednesday.

"It is hard to believe this could happen in Texas, but Mark Cuban’s actions of yesterday made it clear that we must specify that in Texas we play the national anthem before all major events," Patrick said in a statement. "In this time when so many things divide us, sports are one thing that bring us together — right, left, Black, white and brown. This legislation already enjoys broad support. I am certain it will pass, and the Star Spangled Banner will not be threatened in the Lone Star State again."

Also read: Analysis: A Star-Spangled culture war in Texas.