Supporters said the proposal, which sought to amend the state constitution, would improve safety. Critics said it would violate due process and unfairly target minority groups.

The clock ran out on several bills favored by hard-right Texas lawmakers on Tuesday, with topics ranging from abortion to immigration to voting rights.

The Odessa American is the leading source of local news, information, entertainment and sports for the Permian Basin.

Senate Bill 15, a top priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, is part of a broad push by lawmakers to put a dent in the state’s high home prices.

The legislation, which now returns to the Senate for review, encourages large-scale users to develop backup power sources.

Shawn Carney, president and CEO of 40 Days for Life, shared his thoughts on Senate Bill 10, which passed 88-49 in the Texas House over the weekend.

Senate Bill 2858 would have expanded a sweeping state law intended to erode the authority of the state’s major urban areas.

A GOP-led bid to increase enforcement of Texas’ 2021 homeless camping ban died in the House after Democrats challenged the bill on a technicality.

The Texas House gave a thumbs Wednesday to a bill allowing smaller homes on smaller lots in Texas’ biggest cities..

The proposal is largely in response to massive pro-Palestinian demonstrations last year. Critics say it would walk back free speech protections that conservatives advocated for in previous legislative sessions.