The House last week killed an attempt to create a two-year moratorium on the death penalty, leaving that issue to languish while supporters decide whether or not to try again. No matter what passes or fails, there's sure to be flurry of activity in the waning days. Key negotiating points are Medicaid funding and how much to spend on a public school employee health insurance plan. Comptroller Carole Keeton Rylander threw lawmakers a curve on Thursday when she said her latest revenue estimates won't be released until a week before the session ends. The aggravation is just beginning.
Sparks are sure to fly.
The House passed a two-year moratorium on issuing any new charters. It will be much tougher to get a passing grade from the Senate. Lawmakers approved the measure in April and Perry signed it into law. A major overhaul of how Texas provides legal services for poor defendants sailed through the Senate last month but awaits a vote in the House. The bill is treading water in the House.