While the unofficial end—known as Sine Die—and the official end of the legislative session isn't here yet, and there's no concrete word on a potential special session, it is becoming increasingly clear that certain issues have fallen by the wayside this time around under the pink dome. Here are five topics that failed to advance in 2017:
1. Raising the minimum wage
This session went about the same as other recent efforts to raise the state minimum wage. Despite more than 10 bills being filed on this topic—some to raise the wage to as much as $15 and others to $10.10—none got very far. For the most part, House bills were heard in the House Business and Industry Committee and were subsequently left pending since mid-March. Related Senate bills didn't even get a hearing. So, for now, Texas' minimum wage will remain the same as the federal minimum, $7.25.
2. Decriminalizing small possessions of marijuana
An effort to decriminalize possession of marijuana failed despite bipartisan leadership from Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, and Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs. The two sponsored House Bill 81, which would lower penalties for possession of one ounce of marijuana from arrests to mere tickets. The bill failed to receive approval before an important deadline that rendered all unvoted upon House bills useless.
3. Constitutional carry
While the session has featured numerous steps toward reducing the complexities of the license to carry process, it hasn't featured final movement toward constitutional carry. State Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, sponsored HB 375 which would allow any individual without a license to carry or training to carry a handgun. The bill was heard in committee in late March and has not seen any movement since then.








