Texas Tribune Brief

The Austin real estate investor was a central figure in allegations that led the Texas House to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton last month. One of the charges against Paul has ties to the impeachment allegations.

The governor revealed plans for a floating river barrier at a Capitol signing ceremony for six new laws related to border security. The first 1,000-foot section will be set up near Eagle Pass.

Before Gov. Greg Abbott can review the budget that will direct the state’s spending for the next two years, the comptroller has to certify that it doesn’t spend more money than the state expects to bring in.

The quiet East Texas town of Jasper came together immediately after the racist murder of James Byrd Jr. in 1988. Now, Texas is leading the nation in incidents of white supremacist propaganda.

The refugee system in Texas and nationally is still recovering from major cuts under the Trump administration. The latest casualty is Texas’ largest resettlement agency, Refugee Services of Texas.

The bill would close a long-standing loophole in state law that allows officials to withhold law enforcement records if no one was convicted in a case. The measure was the only bill sent to the Senate that did not get signed and sent to the governor.

The Houston-based attorneys are legends in their own right, having participated in numerous high-profile criminal and civil matters.

Ken Paxton has been suspended from office until his impeachment trial before the Texas Senate so the agency will be run by Scott, a former deputy attorney general.

The move, basically telling the Senate to take the House bill or leave it, could exacerbate already heightened tensions at the Capitol.

Abbott noted many bills that were passed during the regular session, which ended around 6 p.m. Monday, but he added that “many critical items remain” and will require multiple special sessions.