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The Latest Breaking News from Brian Birdwell

We ranked Texas senators across the ideological spectrum based on their 2023 votes

Here’s a look at Senate members, ranked from most conservative to most liberal, based on their votes cast during the 2023 regular session and four special sessions.

The Texas Tribune

“The first child is the one that pays the most”: How one family carved out Medicaid coverage for a rare treatment

Gabe Nolasco was born without a vital immune system gland. His family spent years in quarantines and advocating to state insurance so they could keep him alive.

The Texas Tribune

Mexico “rejects” Texas’ proposal to allow state police to deport undocumented immigrants

Mexico said Texas’ Senate Bill 4 will violate the human rights of Mexican immigrants living in Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott said he plans to sign the proposal into law.

The Texas Tribune

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Senate fast-tracks passage of vouchers and border security legislation

The Senate revved to life Thursday, holding committee hearings with little advance notice and advancing four bills that satisfy Abbott’s agenda.

The Texas Tribune

With time running out, Texas Senate punts on taking action on border bill

The Senate on Sunday afternoon failed to take action on a border security bill, leaving virtually no time to pass the bill before the special session ends on Tuesday.

The Texas Tribune

Fighting between legislative leaders imperils Texas border security bills

The governor, lieutenant governor and House speaker generally agree on building more border barriers and making illegal border crossings a state crime. But disagreements over strategy and personal animosity mean those measures face long odds this special legislative session.

The Texas Tribune

Texas Senate moves border bill that allows state police to arrest migrants at U.S.-Mexico border

Two immigration bills advanced in the Senate on Thursday evening. A bill that would increase the minimum sentence for smuggling migrants passed with bipartisan support and will head to the House.

The Texas Tribune

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Analysis: The 2023 Texas Senate, from right to left

Here’s a look at Senate members, ranked from most conservative to most liberal, based on votes cast during the 2023 regular session.

The Texas Tribune

As Paxton allies press to avoid impeachment trial, House managers warn against “sham” proceeding

All eyes are on a secretive Senate committee that is drafting rules for an impeachment trial. Those rules are expected to be presented to the Texas Senate on Tuesday.

The Texas Tribune

Dan Patrick says Senate won’t budge on property tax relief — but there’s no House to negotiate with

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says the Senate won’t accept a property tax relief bill the lower chamber left behind before adjourning for the special session. A bill targeting migrant smuggling also appears imperiled.

The Texas Tribune

Texas to enforce immigration laws under bill passed by state Senate

AUSTIN, Texas — A sweeping border security bill that critics say would empower Texas law enforcement officers to enforce immigration laws passed the state Senate on Wednesday.

Tribune News Service

Texas Senate moves to create new immigration enforcement unit, allow state police to arrest for border crossings

The House has already passed the bill, but the two chambers will need to iron out the differences in their versions before it is sent to Gov. Greg Abbott.

The Texas Tribune

Texas would enforce immigration laws under a bill that Senate panel advances

AUSTIN — Texas law enforcement officers would start enforcing immigration laws under a bill advanced by a Senate panel Thursday.

Tribune News Service

GOP border bill expanded to stiffen penalty for human smuggling, create border-crossing crime

State Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, tacks two of his stalled bills onto legislation that would create a border police unit and increase state spending in border communities.

The Texas Tribune

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Texas Observer

The Border Patrol’s Power Grab

The agency seeks more authority to nab trespassers and others in the state.

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