Politics

The Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs also debated a measure Thursday that would deny state funds to libraries that host drag story hours.

Currently, state employees who have a baby are not granted paid parental leave. Instead, the worker must use accumulated vacation or sick time. They can also take unpaid time off under the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act.

The crowd gathered in Austin on Monday, waving pride flags and signs of support. The rally served as a platform to protest a slew of bills under consideration in the Texas Legislature affecting transgender youth and drag performers.

Similar debates on hot-button social issues — from gender-affirming care to drag performances to DEI programs — are playing out in statehouses nationwide.

Plenty of bills are still up for debate before the session ends in six weeks.

Bill author Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, said the measure is coming in response to what he called “an explosion” of local ordinances adding regulations.

Texas State Rep. Donna Howard authored a proposal this legislative session that would exempt period products – as well as additional supplies including diapers, breast pumps and maternity clothes – from sales tax.

Bills with big name backing in the Texas House and Senate would force a citywide election if the Austin Transit Partnership wants to borrow money for construction of light-rail lines.

The measure, authored by Rep. Steve Toth, R-Woodlands, has a 10-year statute of limitations. Opponents say the wide scope of the proposal makes it dangerous.

Senators want to make renewable energy in the Texas more expensive and put public money toward building more gas power plants.