Latest news with #HB17
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Local leaders share concern for SB 17 during press conference ; Local Republicans react
The Brief Local leaders react to SB 17 and share concerns if passed through the House and signed into law. Local republicans share why they support SB 17 HOUSTON - A bill moving through the Texas Legislature has ignited controversy-- with opponents calling it racist and discriminatory. Senate Bill 17 would ban some people from some foreign countries — like China and Russia — from owning land in the state. On Thursday, the Texas House Committee of Homeland Security advanced Senate Bill 17 to HB 17, and it is now headed to the House floor for a vote. What they're saying Commissioner Lesley Briones joined Fort Bend County Commissioner Dexter McCoy, Asian Texans for Justice, civil rights leaders, and community advocates to speak out against Senate Bill (SB) 17. A press conference was held on Monday at 9:30. "SB 17 undermines the American dream it undermines the moral fabric if what we stand or as Americans. Harris County is one of the largest economic hubs, not only in Texas but in the United States, so to have a law that would take our neighbors' rights away or to have a law where the attorney general could unilaterally take the property is unconstitutional. It undermines due process,"said Commissioner Leslie Briones. The other side In a statement on X – State Representative Cole Hefner from District 5 - who introduced the bill shared excitement for the bill moving forward to the house. In Galveston, State Senator Mayes Middleton from District 11 sent over a statement showing support for SB 17. Statement Regarding SB 17 "Hostile foreign nations, like China, should not be buying Texas out from underneath us," said Senator Mayes Middleton. "This bill puts America and Texas first." "This bill," Middleton continued, "prohibits countries designated by the United States Director of National Intelligence, that pose a risk to national security from buying real property including commercial, industrial, mining, and agricultural land in Texas, and safeguards our security from adversarial foreign interests." Why you should care This bill will soon be voted on in the House and, if passed, will take effect in the Fall of 2025.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Mexico lawmakers propose creating grocery commission to lower food prices
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – Amid rising grocery prices, can New Mexico do more to battle back against higher costs? That's what a state lawmaker is now hoping for. Three Democrats are backing a bill to create a new state group, dedicated at bringing down New Mexico food costs. Story continues below Crime: Trial continues for men accused in fatal shooting of 11yo outside Isotopes Park DWI Scandal: DWI Advocate Reacts To Corruption Scheme Sports Office: From player to businessman with NBA veteran Kenny Thomas 'This commission would study what types of strategies we might have to promote to buy local to support the growers in the state who produce so much,' said Representative Charlotte Little (D-Albuquerque). If you've gone grocery shopping these days, you've probably noticed your dollars stretching less as food prices increase nationally. Now, New Mexico lawmakers say it's time to do something about it. Rep. Little is the lead sponsor of HB 17 which would create what would be New Mexico's first 'Commission on the Reduction of Grocery Costs.' If approved, the nine-member council would review and develop policy ideas for reducing food costs, including recommending strategies to support local food businesses and evaluating laws around price gouging. 'A couple of days where we had updates on the prices of eggs and while it might seem comical, the reality is that they are about six dollars a dozen right now,' said Rep. Little. The commission would ultimately report findings to the governor and lawmakers. Rep. Little said the commission's work is urgent. 'Around what's happening in Washington, the tariffs and everything else. We're worried about, so if we're already seeing these prices before, what are we going to see now?,' said Rep. Little. The bill also has a proposed 'Emergency Clause,' so if it passes, the commission's work would start immediately and last for one year. Lawmakers have yet to debate the bill and the legislative session is now just a couple of days away from the 30-day halfway point. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
