Special Session News

Texas Senate passes controversial abortion bill but Dems vow to keep fighting

Controversial abortion legislation is headed to Rick Perry.

Courtesy of KVUE News

KVUE — Opponents in orange, supporters in blue all sat quietly in the Texas Senate gallery as Texas Department of Public Safety troopers stood watch.

The day began with a stern warning not to replicate the outburst that drowned out a vote on the same legislation after a day-long filibuster by state Sen. Wendy Davis (D-Fort Worth), at the end of the last special session.

"My friends, we're going to keep standing," said Sen. Wendy Davis after the vote. "We're going to stand to seek justice for those who are treated with injustice in this state."

"As the governor said, we will not tolerate any outburst in the Senate," cautioned Sen. Kevin Eltiffe. "We will maintain decorum this entire session."

With Democrats well out of filibuster range and Republicans with the votes needed for passage, it was the final debate over a controversial bill banning abortions after 20 weeks and imposing strict new standards on abortion providers and clinics.

"Those that don't meet that standard would close," Davis told Sen. Glenn Hegar (R-Katy), the Senate sponsor of House Bill 2 and author of Senate Bill 5 during the first called session of the 83rd Texas Legislature.

"I've never believed that they all would close, because there was a time period to allow them to come up to those standards," Hegar contended.

Democrats offered a total of 20 amendments, such as exceptions to the 20-week ban for rape and incest.

"I could go the rest of the evening giving you horror stories," state Sen. John Whitmire (D-Houston), said during an emotional exchange with Hegar. "We know that this is a reasonable amendment, and if it's not accepted it's only pure politics and that makes me sick at my stomach because we can do better."

"If that makes you sick, I'm sorry. But I'm going to stand here today as the author of this bill, and I'm going to defend it on what I believe is right," Hegar replied.

Republicans struck down each amendment, ensuring a final vote would go directly to Gov. Rick Perry. After nearly 10 hours of debate, it was on its way with a 19-11 vote. As hundreds of protesters gathered at the Capitol steps afterward, Senate Democrats vowed the fight would continue.

"My friends, we're going to keep standing," Davis said. "We're going to stand not just for Texas women; we're going to stand for Texas school children. We're going to stand to seek justice for those who are treated with injustice in this state."

While both sides acknowledge the legislation is likely headed to a fierce court battle, Republicans voiced confidence in the law's constitutionality.

"We make sure before we bring it to the floor we believe it will hold constitutional muster," said state Sen. Dan Patrick (R-Houston).

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Read the full story on KVUE.com.

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Animal News

Dallas animal shelter invites residents to host a pet during holiday

DAS

Husky at Dallas Animal Services

Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is inviting the community to help bring pets “Home for the Holidays” by adopting or fostering during one of the shelter’s busiest times of the year.

DAS has achieved strong positive outcomes this quarter, including adoptions, foster-to-adopt placements, and underage foster placements, with 1,377 in October and 1,378 in November. The department is now working toward a December goal of 1,400 positive outcomes, with 588 completed so far this month.

“We are grateful for the support our community continues to show,” said Victoria Chittam Bennett, Assistant Director. “Every adoption opens a kennel for another pet in need, and the holidays are an especially meaningful time to welcome a new companion.”

This season, adopters will also have the chance to participate in the Friends of Dallas Animal Services (FODAS) 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways, fully funded and supported through donations from generous community supporters. For more information about this initiative, visit friendsofdas.org and watch out for announcements on social media.

Holiday staycations
Residents who may not be ready to adopt can still support DAS pets by participating in Silent Night Holiday Staycations, a short-term foster opportunity that gives dogs a relaxing break from the shelter during the holiday period.

Pickup dates are scheduled for December 20-21, with drop-off options on December 27-28 or January 3-4. Participants typically spend 1-3 hours at the shelter selecting a foster match, and contact with pets outside the home should be limited. Questions may be directed to DASFtA@dallas.gov.

“Holiday Staycations allow our dogs to decompress and show their personalities in a home environment,” said Amanda Earl, Assistant Director. “The insight we receive from these foster stays is invaluable in helping pets find permanent homes.”

DAS encourages the community to adopt, foster, volunteer, or share adoptable pets to help meet December’s lifesaving goals.
“Together, we can bring home the holidays for the pets relying on us,” said Director Paul Ramon.

For more information on adoptable pets, holiday programs, or ways to get involved, visit https://bedallas90.org/ or stop by the DAS Shelter at 1818 N. Westmoreland Rd.

animals