Capitol Cocktail Hour
The legislative insider: Paul Qui praise, hit-and-run loophole and coffee shortage
We have a new pope, and Rick Perry dodged the “will he or won’t he” campaign questions at the Conservatives Political Action Conference. But none of that matters here. Because this is a column about the 83rd Texas Legislature.
Mandatory CPR
A hearing took place on Tuesday for a bill that would make it a requirement for all Texas high school students to pass a CPR class before graduation. Proponents of the bill point out that CPR can double — and sometimes triple — the chances of survival for someone in cardiac arrest.
Hit and run
One bill that’s received a lot of attention this week has to do with the hit-and-run loophole. Under current Texas law, if an intoxicated driver hits someone and flees the scene, he is likely to receive a lesser sentence than if he stays and administers aid.
Drunk drivers who help victims are more likely to be charged with DUI or, if the person dies, intoxication manslaughter. Drivers who leave are less likely to have their blood tested and are usually only slapped with a third-degree felony. The new bill would drive up the penalty to a second-degree felony.
The Paul Qui resolution
Top Chef, Austin hero and maker of the finest buns in the land was officially lauded by the Texas House on Monday for his achievements as a chef and restaurateur. Congrats on having your very own bill, Paul!
Two-term limit
Legislation was passed in the Senate on Tuesday that would limit the number of consecutive terms a person could serve in certain offices, such as governor and lieutenant governor, to name two. Noticeably absent from the list of restricted offices: senators.
Insider gossip
We heard from an official, unnamed source that the appropriations committee does not always have coffee in their meetings. Because we are taxpayers, we say that’s awesome. Because we are people, we say that’s pretty low.
Tired of budgets yet?
Don’t be! Last week we told you about the Senate-approved budget poised to head down to the floor for a final vote. Well, it did and it passed! The House still has to pass theirs. Once they do, the two chambers have a duel in the capitol building hilariously titled “Duel in the Dome.”
Hopefully these tidbits are enough to get you through the weekend. Don’t be afraid to saunter up to that special person you’ve been eyeing and drop a load of Texas legislative facts in her lap. You’re welcome.