Panel: The Senate Agenda
The 84th Legislature saw the end of the Senate's "two-thirds" rule requiring at least 21 members out of 31 to bring contentious pieces of legislation to a vote, in addition to major pieces of conservative legislation.
Led by newly elected Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the Senate featured intense rancor over bills intending to strengthen the state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act, further restrictions on abortion rights and concealed carry on public universities and colleges, which passed and took effect on Aug. 1.
State Sen. Konni Burton (R-Colleyville), Sen. Sylvia Garcia (D-Houston), Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa (D- McAllen), Sen. Jose Rodriguez (D-El Paso) and Sen. Van Taylor (R-Plano) offer a glimpse Saturday into what's to come in their legislative body once they reconvene in January.
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