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| Bipartisan Texas lawmakers have issued a new subpoena requiring death row inmate Robert Roberson to testify regarding the state's junk science law. This action follows an earlier subpoena that delayed Roberson's scheduled execution, which was set to be the first in the U.S. linked to shaken baby syndrome. The House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence aims to investigate whether a 2013 law allowing prisoners to challenge convictions based on new scientific evidence was overlooked in Roberson's case. Lawmakers have expressed the importance of Roberson's testimony in shedding light on issues with the "junk science writ" process, while Roberson's attorney has emphasized the need for him to appear in person due to communication challenges. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has yet to respond to the subpoena, and a new execution date for Roberson has not been established. |
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| The "Take it Down Act," co-sponsored by Senators Ted Cruz and Amy Klobuchar, aims to combat deepfake content and nonconsensual intimate images, including revenge porn. The bipartisan bill has already passed the Senate unanimously and is now awaiting action in the House, with a push for expedited consideration. During a Zoom press conference, both senators emphasized the urgency of the legislation, highlighting the growing prevalence of AI-generated deepfake images that violate individuals' privacy. The bill proposes criminal penalties for offenders, including up to two years in prison, and mandates that online platforms remove such content within 48 hours of notification. Senators Cruz and Klobuchar expressed hope that the bill will soon reach President Biden for approval, reinforcing the importance of protecting victims while upholding free speech rights. |
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| Texas lawmakers are set to convene in January to debate the future of marijuana laws in the state, with opinions divided on the legalization of recreational cannabis. Currently, Texas permits limited medical use of marijuana for certain health conditions, while Delta 8 and Delta 9 products are legal. Representative Jessica Gonzalez has introduced a bill to legalize recreational use, allowing adults over 21 to possess and transport cannabis, but this faces opposition from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who advocates for a complete ban on THC products. Local businesses express concern that such a ban would push consumers back to illegal markets, undermining safety and regulation. As the legislative session begins on January 14, the future of marijuana laws in Texas remains uncertain, with calls for both expanded medical use and stricter regulations. |
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| The National Defense Authorization Act mandates the Department of Defense (DOD) to redistribute or sell unused border wall materials, but not existing sections of the wall. President-elect Donald Trump criticized the Biden administration for allegedly selling off sections of the border wall, threatening legal action if the sales continue. However, the DOD clarified that it is not selling parts of the wall, but rather excess materials purchased during Trump's first term, which are being redistributed or auctioned. As of mid-December 2024, nearly 60% of these materials have been redistributed to border states and federal agencies, while the remaining 40% were sold to GovPlanet, an online auction platform. Trump has expressed intentions to resume border wall construction and has discussed potential legal actions with Texas officials regarding the sales of these materials. |
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Tensions among House Republicans escalated during a recent conference meeting, where Missouri Rep. Eric Burlison criticized Speaker Mike Johnson's funding plan as a "total dumpster fire." Burlison expressed disappointment in Johnson's communication and the lack of transparency regarding the bill's language ahead of a crucial vote. Other Republican representatives, including South Carolina's Ralph Norman and Texas's Chip Roy, echoed frustrations over the funding strategy, with Roy emphasizing the need for serious spending reforms. Despite the dissent, Johnson defended the plan, asserting that it is a necessary small continuing resolution and not an omnibus bill. As the deadline for government funding approaches, Johnson remains optimistic about his leadership and the party's ability to navigate the challenges ahead. |
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| John Parkinson, Lauren Peller |
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| Several new laws in Texas will take effect on January 1, 2025, including the elimination of state vehicle inspections and enhancements to data privacy regulations. Texas House Bill 3297 will remove the requirement for annual inspections for non-commercial drivers, although emissions tests will still be necessary in certain populous counties. The Texas Data Privacy and Security Act will require businesses to implement unified opt-out mechanisms for online data processing, allowing consumers to easily opt out of targeted advertising and data sales. Additionally, Texas Senate Bill 2 aims to provide property tax relief by streamlining appraisal limitations and tax administration. Other legislative changes include the establishment of the 477th Judicial District and revisions to the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to improve clarity and accessibility. |
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| A bipartisan committee of Texas lawmakers has issued a new subpoena compelling death row inmate Robert Roberson to testify regarding his murder conviction, which some legislators claim is based on flawed scientific evidence. This action follows allegations that Attorney General Ken Paxton's office delayed previous attempts to secure Roberson's in-person testimony. The Texas Supreme Court has ruled that while a legislative subpoena cannot block an execution, state officials are expected to comply as long as it does not interfere with a scheduled execution. Roberson's execution has been halted, and lawmakers are pressing for his testimony before the committee disbands with the new legislative session. Lawmakers have expressed concerns about the handling of Roberson's case and the implications of his conviction, which they believe may have relied on discredited science. |
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| Fort Worth, Texas, is set to become the site of a $632 million factory for Bell Textron Inc., which will manufacture components for the U.S. Army's next-generation assault helicopter, the V-280 Valor. This project marks the largest Army contract in history, potentially valued at up to $70 billion, and is expected to create at least 520 jobs with an average salary of $85,000. The factory will occupy a 44,373-square-foot building in the Alliance area, previously used by Stanley Black & Decker, and will undergo an expansion of 5,400 square feet. Local and state officials, including Governor Greg Abbott and Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, expressed their support for the project, highlighting its significance for economic development and workforce training in the region. The city of Fort Worth has approved $46 million in incentives, including substantial property tax abatements, to facilitate the establishment of the factory. |
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| Texas Political Pulse for December 18, 2024. PressRelations Reports created this media review specially for you. Our team is available to answer your questions. Please, just email us: support@pressrelations.com
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