Special Session

Republicans in Texas achieved one of their major 2021 goals on Tuesday, as Gov. Greg Abbott signed a controversial and expansive bill that imposes major restrictions on how people can vote in the state.

Texas’ new near-total abortion ban, one of the most restrictive in the nation, punctuated a week that brought into stunning relief just how far the state’s political pendulum has swung to the right since the 2020 election.

Could the nonsense of the GOP Arizona election audit come to Texas? How the "Big Lie" won’t die and how it could damage the election system. And a deep dive into the strife at Southlake, Texas and how the battle for those suburb voters can explain what is happening in the Lone Star State.

Unlike other abortion restrictions, the state is not enforcing this ban. Instead it is up to private citizens to sue.

Senate Bill 1 rewrites Texas election laws to further restrict the voting-by-mail process and outlaw local voting initiatives meant to widen access, namely those pushed by Harris County that were disproportionately used by voters of color.

Some overlooked voting laws, permitless carry, and a ban on critical race theory are among the newly passed legislation. Reporters at NPR’s Texas Newsroom partner stations break down some of the key items.

The bill passed 79-37 on second reading late Thursday night, bringing it one vote away from final approval in the Texas House. The measure includes bans on 24-hour voting and drive-through voting.

While lawmakers in Austin continue to spar over an omnibus voting bill that would tighten voter restrictions, other voting laws are set to take effect Sept. 1.

With quorum restored, the GOP marches toward restricting counties' ability to provide 24 hour voting and curbside voting, among other changes.

Debate on the contentious Senate Bill 1 resumes after enough Democratic lawmakers returned to the state last week.