Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1916-12-22
MANY NEW LAWS TO COME
IN NEW LEGISLATURE
Confined from page one)

bonds. This sum is said to be needed Ia
carry out the plans of the board of re-
gents TO construct a number of new mod
ern buildings to replace some now located
IN the campts and which are considered
Inadequate.
just what attitude Governor Ferguson
will take toward this proposal has not been
indicated.
Another measure which is expected TO
create considerable interest is a bill now
being prepared by G.. w. Woodman, state
labor commissioner, providing for civil
service for all state employees. A bill
along similar lines was introduced IN a
former legislature but was defeated.
Several labor measures will be intro
dnced, including an extension Of the scope
of the eight-hour law enactment Of a min
imum wage law for female employees and
amendments to the workmens compensa-
ton law.
A bill on the latter subject has already
been prepared, which is said TO have the
approval of the State Industrial Accident
Board and the executive committee of the
State Federation of Labor.
An amendment To the 5i-hour law, with
Il view of making it effective is 10 be in
troduced also.
The General Irrigation Law is also to
be amended, according to plans, so rs TO
give the State Board of Water Engineers
more administrative powers and also
greater scope in the adjudication Of water
rights. II j. proposed to make changes
in the State Warehouse and Marketing
Law. This j a part Of the platform de
mand.
Measures calculated to attract and en-
courage foreign capital are also to be pre-
sented for consideration and it il said
the Governor may have something to say
in his message on this subject.
The state penitentiary system is also
to come up for consideration and it j.
said, there may he certain changes made
in the law governing the penal system.
l"Such changes as are necessary" the
democratic authorities say. a bill also L.
to be introduced to appropriate approx
mately $l,000,000 to pay back debts of
the pcnitentiary system, contracted before
Ferguson's administration. The governor
says the legislature should dispose of tho
| old debts as it deems proper.
The penitentiary system is now said to
be upon a sel%f-supporting basis.
Sale OF the Texas State railroad l. an
| other matter which will be left TO the Tex
as legislature to dispose Of. That the
| State is willing to sell the property. i
generally known, il i said.
Some disposition Of the Rusk iron fur
mace il also scheduled to come before the
legislature.
II is said that approximately $4,000 900
for the support Of the state government
for the next two fiscal years will be ask
ed. With the present tax rate, authorities
assert. the appropriation may be made
| without the State going on a deficit.
There also will be an effort made TO
pass a law, creating an additional agricul-
tural and Mechanical college to be situated
in the western portion of Texas; a new
state insane asylum lis also proposed and
an appropriation of 800, 900 for tick Grad
~icaiion will be brought to the attention
of the lawmakers.
James I. Denton. representative OF JEFF
ferson county, will introduce a bill. which,
il passed, will make tick eradication. by