Shapleigh said that if the border region does not improve economically, the future cost to the state to provide for the region will increase and affect family incomes throughout the state. Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliff has supported the plan, but it has met with resistance from Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Rylander, who opposes taking money out of the state's emergency fund, also called the Rainy Day Fund. Gov. Rick Perry signed into law a bill banning children under 18 from riding in the open bed of pickup trucks on Texas' public roads.
Sponsors call the new law a safety measure to protect children from fatal accidents.
The law will allow exceptions for trucks driving on a beach or for migrant workers driving from field to field. It would not apply to people driving on private roads. Local governments could give permits for traditional hayrides in some communities. Compiled from reports by the Associated Press.