While COVID-19 cast a shadow over the opening of the 87th Texas Legislature, the dramatics of the closing days thrust Texas into the national spotlight with Gov. Greg Abbott vowing to veto the section of the state budget that funds the legislative branch after the voting restrictions bill failed to pass. Senate Bill 7, a […]

During the 2021 Texas Legislative Session, representatives and senators are required by law to pass a balanced budget and address redistricting, the decennial redrawing of maps for the state’s congressional, legislative, and State Board of Education boundaries. The pandemic delayed the release of the updated U.S. Census, meaning redistricting will most likely be handled in […]

New Mexico Legislature Adjourns, Texas Lawmakers Pick up the Pace The first session of New Mexico’s 55th Legislature has adjourned. “What a session it was!” shared Stephen M. Robertson, executive vice president of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association (PBPA). All committees and floor sessions were held virtually. Testifying in committee was made difficult with varying […]

Texas lawmakers convened in Austin Jan. 12, launching a historic session overshadowed by a pandemic and its cascading domino effect. “Getting down to business” took on a whole new meaning, with legislators and leaders examining everything from basic meeting guidelines to complex budgetary needs through a COVID-shaped lens. The Coronavirus topped the initial agenda with […]