Pitts asks Combs to testify about Texas' current, $4.3 billion deficit

 Rep. Jim Pitts, the House's chief budget writer, sent a letter late Tuesday to Comptroller Susan Combs, asking for her to explain to his committee -- in writing and in person -- just exactly how Texas fell into a fiscal ditch and how it might escape. Pitts, R-Waxahachie, asked Combs specifically to explain how and why state spending in the current two-year cycle will exceed the revenue guesses she made in 2009 by $4.3 billion -- at least, according to her January revenue estimate. He noted that in June 2009, she certified that the just-passed 2010-2011 budget was balanced. But on Monday, Pitts filed House Bill 275, to draw down rainy-day fund money to cover the gap Combs now projects for the cycle that ends Aug. 31. (Recent cuts may reduce it by a billion or so.)

Garrett: http://dallasne.ws/eZZfkM

Conservative groups claim bullying bill is about gay rights

 Conservative groups told state lawmakers that a bill meant to prevent cyberbullying in schools may result in special protection for gay students. Rep. Mark Strama's bill brought in a long line of supporters and opponents at the House Public Education committee on Tuesday. The bill would define cyberbullying in the Texas Education Code, add additional reporting requirements for districts and -- most controversially -- would give teachers the power to discipline students for off-campus texting and other online activities.

Mulvaney: http://dallasne.ws/f4Ewnn

Texas DPS urges spring breakers to avoid Mexico because of drug cartel violence

 In light of the continued drug cartel violence raging in Mexico , particularly the border areas, the Texas Department of Public Safety has put out an advisory urging folks to think twice before heading across the Rio Grande to whoop it up on Spring Break.

Trahan: http://dallasne.ws/hYaD5h

Lawmakers eye reforms for Texas asset forfeitures

After hearing horror stories about innocent owners losing their property and officials using seized funds to party or travel, Texas legislators are seeking to reform state asset forfeiture laws. Under the Texas law aimed at funding law enforcement and hitting criminals where it hurts — their wallets — people can have their property confiscated even if they’re never charged with a crime.

Diane Jennings reports: http://dallasne.ws/g5Oab6

Pro-life license plate bill gets initial OK from Texas Senate committee

AUSTIN -- After a decade of stalling out, specialty license plates advancing the pro-life cause appear to be turning a corner. A bill that would let the state sell “Choose Life” license plates was passed by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday with a 5-1 vote after just a few minutes of testimony.

Brooks: http://dallasne.ws/gpVtoS

GOP budget chiefs favor using rainy-day money, despite Perry protest

AUSTIN — The Legislature’s chief budget writers said Monday that rainy-day money ought to be used to cover the state’s current operating deficit, but Gov. Rick Perry quickly opposed the idea, saying his fellow Republicans are moving too fast.
Rep. Jim Pitts , chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, filed a bill that would use nearly $4.3 billion of rainy-day funds to erase a shortfall in the current two-year cycle, which ends Aug. 31.

More from Garrett on use of rainy-day fund: http://dallasne.ws/hE82Cc

Senators grill chairman of Forensic Science Commission

 AUSTIN — Williamson County prosecutor John Bradley collided with Democratic senators Monday over his actions as chairman of the Texas Forensic Science Commission, the center stage for the contentious investigation into the 2004 execution of Cameron Todd Willingham. The Senate Nominations Committee ultimately approved Bradley with a 4-2 vote along party lines, sending his nomination to the full Senate. But before the vote, Democratic senators interrogated Bradley for more than an hour about his decisions as leader of the commission in the last 18 months.

Mulvaney: http://dallasne.ws/f2A0oU