Texas House passes bill changing state’s filing deadlines

The Texas House on Tuesday passed a bill changing the state’s filing deadlines and primary runoffs to accommodate new laws for voters in the military — raising questions about whether the new schedule would affect local elections.

Brooks: http://dallasne.ws/kvx9Yo

Texas Legislature won’t finish congressional redistricting

AUSTIN — Lawmakers will fail to redraw the state’s congressional boundaries before their session ends next week, setting in motion the likelihood that federal judges will determine the new House lines, including the composition of four new districts.
 http://dallasne.ws/jAHGEE

Texas House, Senate struggle to find agreement on funding of schools

AUSTIN — With less than a week to go, the always-volatile issue of school funding could make for a rough conclusion to the 2011 legislative session.
After House efforts to pass a school finance plan were short-circuited Monday night, House and Senate leaders began searching Tuesday for common ground on how to distribute $2 billion a year in funding cuts — $4 billion over the next two years — among the state’s 1,030 school districts.

Stutz: http://dallasne.ws/mevCbA

Sen. Patrick: Anti-groping bill was a 'Come and Take it' moment

Sen. Dan Patrick pulled down his anti-groping measure late Tuesday night that would make invasive pat downs at airports a crime in the state and took the opportunity to vent his frustrations with the federal government.

Mulvaney: http://dallasne.ws/jCCeC3

Perry ceremonially signs sonogram bill, lawmaker praises God

Surrounded by cheering anti-abortion activists, Gov. Rick Perry joined lawmakers who led the passage of a bill requiring a sonogram for women seeking abortions and ceremonially signed the legislation Tuesday.

Shannon: http://dallasne.ws/jbjTi2

UT, A&M faculty productivity criticized in studies — and studies criticized, too

Two new studies say that professors at Texas’ top public universities aren’t very productive — but critics say those studies are flawed.
The studies — one examining the University of Texas at Austin , the other highlighting Texas A&M University — come during intense academic and political debate over the mission and performance of the state’s flagship public universities.

Hacker: http://dallasne.ws/jUdLKD

Budget deal would give 41,000 fewer Texas students aid for college

AUSTIN — Texas’ state universities and colleges would provide financial aid to 41,000 fewer students over the next two years under a proposed budget agreement, and key senators warned Monday that will narrow the path to upward mobility for minority and poor youths.

Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/kQ2PFW