TCJL 2019 Session Report

The 86th Legislative Session began with a distinctly different tone than its predecessor. The November 2018 election registered voter dissatisfaction with an aggressively partisan approach that produced an overemphasis on social issues at the expense of addressing basic functions, primarily public education. The Lieutenant Governor narrowly won re-election, and if it hadn’t been for a special election in which a…

Lt. Gov. Patrick Announces 2021 Redistricting Committee

AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced his appointments to the 2021 Redistricting Committee today. Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, will serve as Chair: “This critical committee is bipartisan and includes senators from every region of our state. Sen. Huffman is an exceptional and trusted leader in the Texas Senate and I am confident she and this committee will do the…

TCJL Files Amicus in Firearm Litigation

Last week TCJL filed an amicus curiae brief in a case of first impression that could have far-reaching impact on retail sellers of firearms and ammunition in Texas. The case, In re Academy, Ltd. d/b/a Academy Sports + Outdoors, arose from the horrific shooting at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas in November, 2017. Plaintiffs sued Academy, alleging, among other things, that it violated the federal Gun…

Gov. Abbott Sets HD 125 Special Runoff Election Date for March 12th

Governor Greg Abbott set the special election runoff date for Texas House District 125 for March 12, 2019 with early voting by personal appearing starting on March 4, 2019. The seat was vacated by (then) Rep. Justin Rodriguez following his appointment as Bexar County Commissioner in January. The 5-way special election was held February 12th, with Ray Lopez (D-San Antonio) and Freddie…

Governor Abbott Appoints Brett Busby To Texas Supreme Court

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Brett Busby to the Supreme Court of Texas for a term set to expire on December 31, 2020. Busby’s appointment follows the retirement of Justice Phil Johnson. “It is a distinct honor to appoint Brett Busby to serve on the Supreme Court of Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “Brett’s respect for the Constitution and his…

Senators Reintroduce LFTA Bill on Litigation Funding Industry

Billions of dollars are being invested in lawsuits by sophisticated hedge funds that, according to some of these firms, yield huge money for them. Yet neither the defendant, nor in many cases the actual plaintiffs, have any idea that this is happening. That’s why today, Sens. Chuck Grassley, John Cornyn, Thom Tillis, and Ben Sasse reintroduced the Litigation Funding Transparency Act…

Governor Abbott Sets HD 145 Special Runoff for March 5th

Governor Greg Abbott set the HD 145 Special Election Runoff between democratic candidates Christina Morales and Melissa Noriega for March 5, 2019. The seat was vacated by Sen. Carol Alvarado following her successful bid for Texas Senate District 6 in December, with Morales & Noriega emerging as the two frontrunners in the highly contested 8-way Harris County race in late…

Governor Abbott Appoints Stretcher To Eleventh Court Of Appeals

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Keith Stretcher to the Eleventh Court of Appeals for a term set to expire on December 31, 2020, or until his successor shall be duly elected and qualified. Keith Stretcher of Midland is the former city attorney for the City of Midland, serving for 23 years. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Midland County Bar Association…

Governor Abbott Appoints Neill To Tenth Court Of Appeals

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed John Neill to the Tenth Court of Appeals for a term set to expire on December 31, 2020, or until his successor shall be duly elected and qualified. John Neill of Burleson is judge of the 18th Judicial District Court, serving over 20 years. He is board certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Johnson County Bar Association…

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