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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants the Texas Senate to reexamine how the state conducts runoff elections and recommend new laws aimed at stopping protesters from covering their faces when the Legislature meets next year.
On Tuesday, Patrick released a second round of directives for Senate committees, building on a list of 57 items from earlier this year that focused on various issues including housing costs, school vouchers, property tax relief, and strengthening the power grid.
The new list includes several right-wing priorities and intensifies Republicans’ stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Last year, Texas lawmakers banned such programs at public universities, leading to layoffs and protests at some schools. Patrick now wants these higher education institutions to reexamine their DEI policies and recommend reforms to align with state workforce demands.
Additionally, Patrick directed senators to propose legislation against masked protesters, claiming some individuals conceal their identities to commit crimes. This measure has already been pursued in New York and North Carolina but faced heavy criticism from civil liberties groups.
Patrick also called for an evaluation of impeachment proceedings to ensure fairness and transparency in the process, a year after the Senate acquitted Attorney General Ken Paxton. He also wants a review of runoff election rules and timing, suggesting a possible adjustment to the vote threshold in certain instances.
Furthermore, Patrick instructed lawmakers to recommend legislation to remove noncitizens from voter rolls and prevent them from registering to vote, amid concerns ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
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