Latest news with #DonnaCampbell
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Down to the wire: Texas lawmakers tackled communism, school prayer, squatters Thursday
Texas lawmakers are racing to toward the June 2 finish line for the 2025 legislative session. Here are some of the highlights of Thursday's action. The Texas House voted overwhelmingly to require public school students to learn about 'historical events and atrocities' that took place under communist regimes, putting Texas in line with Florida and other states that have adopted similar policies. Senate Bill 24 by Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, mandates the state to develop curriculum for fourth- through 12th-grade social studies classes that include 'the oppression and suffering experienced by people living under communist regimes, including mass murder, violent land seizures, show trials, concentration camps, forced labor, poverty, and general economic deterioration.' It would also mandate teaching about the history of communist movements in the U.S. Democratic state Rep. Gene Wu of Houston expressed concern that the bill could give a false impression about the prevalence of the ideology in U.S. history, saying that in the past, people who fought for worker's rights were often accused of being communists. More: Bipartisan contingent of Texas senators advance bill to teach 'horrors of communism' Austin Democratic Reps. Vikki Goodwin and Gina Hinojosa sought unsuccessfully to require students to learn about fascist regimes in addition to communist ones. A proposed amendment from Rep. Jon Rosenthal, D-Houston, to add education on Nazism and its 'resurgence in the United States and Europe in the present day' also failed to stick. Republican Rep. Stan Kitzman of Pattison, an army veteran who represents a large, rural area west of Houston, made a rare appearance at the back mic to defend the legislation. 'Communism is responsible for more misery and murder around the planet in the 20th century than any other form of government,' he said Thursday to applause from members. Rep. Mihaela Plesa, D-Dallas, gave an emotional address about her family's experience fleeing the communist regime of former Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. 'When my parents grew up, when the government killed a member of your family, they would send you the bill for the bullet,' Plesa told the lower chamber. 'By passing Senate Bill 24 … we are giving children like the one I once was a chance to see their family's truth reflected in the history we teach.' The bill passed in a 119-13 vote with five members abstaining. It now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott. A bill that would remove sodas from being eligible for purchase under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program initially passed the House on Thursday. The lower chamber voted 88-47 to advance Senate Bill 379 by Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston. It would prohibit the use of SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, from purchasing carbonated, sweetened soft drinks, which proponents of the bill say are contributing to an obesity epidemic in Texas. The Senate passed the measure by a 24-6 vote in late March. More: Greg Abbott moves to block Texans from using food stamps for soda and candy Critics have said the legislation could lead to a reduced availability of food for SNAP recipients, causing some small vendors to choose to stop accepting benefits altogether rather than sort through regulatory guidelines. Abbott last week formally requested a waiver from the Trump administration to prohibit the purchase of 'unhealthy, highly processed food' using SNAP benefits. Although it's not yet entirely clear, the waiver might be required for the state to legally implement Middleton's bill if it becomes law. The bill is part of a recent conservative movement to "Make Texas Healthy Again," which Republican lawmakers hope will lead the way in a wider movement championed by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The House must vote one more time, and the Senate will need to accept minor House tweaks to the bill, before it will head to the governor's desk for a signature. The House gave its blessing Thursday to Senate Bill 31, which aims to clarify the medical exception to the state's near-total abortion ban and educate doctors on when they can legally terminate pregnancies. The bill's House sponsor, Republican state Rep. Charlie Geren of Fort Worth, said the proposal aims to prevent maternal deaths that have occurred since Texas outlawed nearly all abortions in 2022. "We know women have died after care was delayed or denied,' said Geren, who authored the House companion for SB 31. "We know women have left Texas for lifesaving care. We know women have been horribly injured because doctors have refused to provide abortions that could save their bodies. Doctors and hospitals need the clarity that SB 31 can provide." More: Texas House passes bill clarifying medical exceptions in state abortion ban Lawmakers in the lower chamber also voted to bar cities like Austin from funding out-of-state abortion travel with Senate Bill 33, authored by Campbell. That bill's House sponsor, state Rep. Candy Noble, R-Lucas, said the legislation will ensure public money isn't "spent on an activity that is illegal in Texas." 'We don't want to be litigious, but when a city decides to clearly circumvent the intent of a law passed by the Texas Legislature, it's time for us to get stern,' she said. Several attempts from Democratic lawmakers to kill a bill to expand prayer in public schools failed Thursday when the House initially passed the measure 88-57. Senate Bill 11 by Galveston Republican Sen. Mayes Middleton would allow a school district or charter school's board to set aside time for "prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious text" each day. Students and school employees would be required to provide consent forms for participation in the prayer period, and the bill would prohibit prayer or reading of religious texts over a loudspeaker. Furthermore, districts would not be required to adopt the policy. The bill, however, also strikes a provision in Texas law that prohibits educators from encouraging students to pray — a point some opponents of the measure took issue with. The House passed legislation to give more protections to homeowners whose property is being occupied by anyone who is not invited to be there. Provisions of SB 1333 include allowing an owner to submit a complaint to the local sheriff or constable of the county in which the property is located, and it requires that complaint to be made under oath. The sheriff or constable upon verifying the complaint, must "without delay to serve notice to immediately vacate on the person occupying the dwelling without the owner's consent and put the owner in possession of the dwelling." The House made changes to the version passed by the Senate, so the measure will go back to the upper chamber for further consideration. The Senate can accept the changes or request a conference committee to iron out the differences. At least one chamber, the House, has been advised that floor sessions will be held Saturday and Sunday, notwithstanding the Memorial Day weekend. That's because scores of bills are backed up, and the Legislature is entering its final full week ahead of the session's must-end date of June 2. No firm word yet from the Senate on its weekend plans, or whether Monday, the actual federal holiday, will be a workday in the Capitol. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas lawmakers tackled communism, school prayer, squatters Thursday
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas moves to ban taxpayer-funded abortion travel: 'It's time for us to get stern'
Texas cities will be banned from using taxpayer dollars to fund out-of-state abortion travel under a bill that the Legislature sent to the governor Thursday. Senate Bill 33, authored by Republican state Sen. Donna Campbell of New Braunfels, builds on a 2019 law that prohibits public entities from contracting with abortion care providers such as Planned Parenthood, including for services unrelated to pregnancy termination. The Texas House passed the measure with an 87-58 vote, with two Democratic members joining their GOP colleagues to approve the bill. The Senate passed the measure with a 22-9 vote in April. The proposal is all but certain to affect Austin, whose City Council allocated $400,000 to provide logistical support, such as lodging and travel expenses, to residents who terminate their pregnancies outside of Texas. The bill's House sponsor, state Rep. Candy Noble, R-Lucas, said the legislation will ensure public money isn't "spent on an activity that is illegal in Texas." "Our goal, always, in this room, is to have our laws followed when we pass them," Noble said on the House floor. "We don't want to be litigious, but when a city decides to clearly circumvent the intent of a law passed by the Texas Legislature, it's time for us to get stern." Austin City Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, who led the city's effort to fund abortion travel, called the measure an attack on local control. "This law sends a clear message that Austinites don't deserve the freedom to make personal medical decisions or the right to (enact) policies shaped by our values," Fuentes said in a statement. "It's shameful, it's wrong, and only deepens the reproductive health crisis Texans are already facing.' SB 33 would authorize not only the state's attorney general but also any Texas resident to sue cities and other public entities that violate the law. If a lawsuit succeeds, the plaintiff would be entitled to seek declaratory relief, injunctive relief, court costs and attorney's fees from the defendant. Once signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, the bill would go into effect in September. Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Austin last year over its allocation of funds for abortion travel, citing an existing statute. The suit remains unresolved. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Legislature passes bill to ban Austin's abortion travel fund
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Week Four of the International Code Council's Building Safety Month Spotlights Building Safety Professionals
Learn more about how buildings and communities are directly impacted by building safety professionals Washington, D.C., May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The International Code Council's Building Safety Month campaign continues in its fourth week by highlighting the important work of building safety professionals and the rewarding career paths available to those who want to make a difference in their communities. Week Four: The Starting Lineup, outlines the roles of building safety professionals such as inspectors, building officials, plans examiners, permit technicians and fire marshals. Week Four also provides guidance on how to work with local building departments to ensure the safety of homes, businesses, schools and public buildings. 'Building safety professionals are the silent defenders of public safety,' said Code Council Board President David Spencer, CBO. 'It's a rewarding career that is always in-demand and has an incredible impact on our daily lives.' Communities across the United States are issuing proclamations declaring May 2025 as Building Safety Month. View the proclamations here or submit one here. To participate in Building Safety Month: Visit Issue a proclamation declaring May 2025 as Building Safety Month. View the proclamations here and submit one here. Join us on social media and help spread the word. #BuildingSafety365 Download the promotional toolkit. Discover resources for planning Building Safety Month events. American Gas Association is the foundation sponsor of 2025 Building Safety Month. To learn about sponsorship, click here. ### About the International Code Council The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide. CONTACT: Donna Campbell International Code Council 734-660-6518 dcampbell@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Week Three of the International Code Council's Building Safety Month Focuses on Disaster Preparedness
Resources supporting resilient buildings are among the tools highlighted during this week of Building Safety Month Washington, D.C., May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Washington, D.C. – The International Code Council's Building Safety Month campaign continues into its third week with an emphasis on building safety preparedness. Preparing and planning for potential disasters can significantly diminish building damage and help ensure the resiliency and sustainability of communities around the world. Week Three: Building Your Defense, emphasizes how building safety impacts everyday lives and highlights the things people can do at home to stay safe. Learn about fire and water safety tips, as well as how to limit damage to buildings during natural disasters. 'Strong communities start with good preparation,' said Code Council Board President David Spencer, CBO. 'Through small actions like developing a fire escape plan and preparing an emergency kit, you're not just planning ahead, you're protecting what matters most.' Communities across the United States are issuing proclamations declaring May 2025 as Building Safety Month. View the proclamations here or submit one here. To participate in Building Safety Month: Visit Issue a proclamation declaring May 2025 as Building Safety Month. View the proclamations here and submit one here. Join us on social media and help spread the word. #BuildingSafety365 Download the promotional toolkit. Discover resources for planning Building Safety Month events. American Gas Association is the foundation sponsor of 2025 Building Safety Month. To learn about sponsorship, click here. ### About the International Code CouncilThe International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide. CONTACT: Donna Campbell International Code Council (734) 660-6518 dcampbell@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas Senate Bill 31 looks to eliminate emergency abortion 'loopholes'
The Brief Texas lawmakers present a trio of abortion bills to strengthen abortion laws and clear up what is constituted as a medical emergency. Senate Bill 31 is intended to protect doctors who perform abortions in cases of medical emergencies. Lawmakers debate Senate Bill 33 and Senate Bill 28-80 to close any potential loopholes that cities have exploited by using public funds to support out-of-state abortion travel. Texas lawmakers took up a trio of bills that aim at strengthening some of the strictest abortion laws in the nation. But one bill is intended to clarify when doctors can perform an abortion during an emergency — a situation some doctors say has been murky. What we know When the Texas Heartbeat Act was established in 2021, medical professionals across the lone-star state claimed it muddied the waters on what constituted a medical emergency, allowing an abortion to be performed, legally, and without repercussions. Senate Bill 31, dubbed the "Life of the Mother Act", seeks to get clinicians on the same page. It also comes after the news outlet Propublica reported on three Texas women, including 28-year-old Josseli Barnica, who died after not receiving critical care during miscarriages. Dig deeper Also in committee on Thursday, was Senate Bill 33 and Senate Bill 28-80 were debated. SB 33 is to close "loopholes" that supporters say some cities have exploited using public funds to support out-of-state abortion travel. "SB 33 bans the logistical support, which includes child care, transportation to or from abortion providers, lodging and meals. Overall, Senate Bill 33 ensures that, local governments comply with Texas pro-life laws," said State Senator, Donna Campbell of Texas District 25. This would implement criminal penalties for people and organizations who fund others' abortions. It also aims to crack down on those who mail abortion-inducing medications into the state. What they're saying "The intent of this bill is to remove any excuse from a doctor or a hospital treating a mom, for example, with an ectopic pregnancy, or a mom who's suffered a miscarriage or situations like that. To remove any question, any hesitation," said State Senator, Bryan Hughes of Texas District 1. "This will protect doctors and civil suits. It will protect them in criminal prosecution as well as any discipline from the medical board," said Texas Right to Life President, Dr. John Seago. The other side Reaction to the bills are drawing swift criticism from many women's health advocacy groups. "This is more about control than it is about protecting people or protecting their health or protecting life," said Denise Rodriguez of the Texas Equal Access fund. Rodriguez works for Texas Equal Access Fund, an organization funded through private donors which helps Texas women get access to abortions in other states. Under the new legislation, she and her group could be prosecuted. "Anybody who is thought to have helped somebody access care… like somebody who gave somebody a ride to the airport, somebody who helped them pay for the procedure or facilitated in some way," said Rodriguez. She accuses some lawmakers of intentionally "disguising" pieces of the legislation to avoid a bigger fuss. "It is a political Trojan horse. It's being marketed as a way to provide clarity for physicians and hospitals to be able to provide emergency medical care for pregnant Texans who are facing emergencies. But it doesn't do that," said Rodriguez. What's next The timeline is unclear about when the trio of bills will be voted on or whether there's any indication they'd then pass the house. The Source Information in this article is provided by the Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs and previous FOX 4 coverage.
