Abortion limits bill makes progress in second special session

The first special session in June lasted 30 days and ended with an 11-hour filibuster of the abortion restrictions by Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, in a move that galvanized the abortion-rights community and sparked massive protests at the Capitol.

At a cost of about $30,000 per day, a 30-day special session can cost taxpayers more than $1 million. The price tag includes $150/per diem pay for each lawmaker for food and living expenses in Austin, though a handful choose not to take the pay when they are not in Austin for session work.

Special sessions can only be called by the governor and cannot last longer than 30 days.

The other two bills under consideration during the second special session include transportation funding and a bill dealing with juvenile justice.

Transportation funding

Lawmakers are still haggling over how to fund highway projects after officials at the Texas Department of Transportation said they need $4 billion in additional funding to maintain the state's roads.

A proposal that appeared to be gaining traction was a measure asking voters to approve the diversion of some oil-and-gas proceeds to roads—monies that typically go directly into the state's Economic Stabilization Fund.

But in a House hearing July 9, some representatives expressed concern that it would either gut the rainy day fund or that parts of the bill that place a minimum on the rainy day fund balance will eventually result in no money for roads at all.

An alternate idea being considered by lawmakers is diversion of the fuel tax toward highway funding.

Juvenile Justice

A measure that closes a loophole in the juvenile justice system is still awaiting a floor vote in the Senate.

The bill would allow life with the possibility of parole for 17-year-olds convicted of capital murder.

The legislation is in response to recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions that say teens cannot be sentenced to life without parole.

Perry not seeking re-election

The nation's longest-serving governor announced July 8 that he would not seek re-election to a fourth full term next year, opening the door to a political shake-up and freeing himself for a potential do-over of his presidential campaign in 2016.

Perry, who gained national attention during a botched run at the Republican presidential primary in 2011, did not say whether he would seek that office again but indicated he would update voters on his political plans at a later time.

""The time has come to pass on the mantle of leadership," Perry said in an announcement in San Antonio. "I will spend the next 18 months working to create more jobs, opportunity and innovation. I will actively lead this great state. And I'll also pray and reflect and work to determine my own future."

The announcement touched off speculation about who would seek the governor's mansion. On the Republican side, Attorney General Greg Abbott has expressed interest, and former Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Tom Pauken is actively campaigning.

Democrats have not put forth any candidates yet, but Davis is being strongly encouraged by many to run.