U.S. News By WILL WEISSERT April 30,2017
Was the "sanctuary cities" debate in the Texas House a defeat for Speaker Joe Straus.
The passage of the bill requiring local police to help enforce federal immigration policy was a slam dunk for Republicans like Straus. But, in committee, the House had moved to soften a stricter measure approved previously by the state Senate that mandated that police only inquire about someone's immigration status after an arrest rather than after being just detained, which can include routine interactions like traffic stops.
During 16 tense, sometimes tearful hours of floor debate last week, though, a key modification was approved moving the House version closer to what came out of the Senate. Authored by Rep. Matt Schaefer of Tyler, a leading conservative voice, the change was approved despite the bill's sponsor, Rep. Charlie Geren, and another top Straus lieutenant, Rep. Byron Cook, urging fellow Republicans to reject it.
"Speaker Straus has always believed it is up to each member to decide how to vote in the best interest of his or her district," said Straus spokesman Jason Embry.
Backing what opponents call the "show your papers" provision may say more about GOP lawmaker fears of appearing soft on immigration and facing 2018 Republican primary challenges than rebuking Straus. But it was his second setback of sorts in as many weeks.
The other came when tea party House Republicans attached language to a bill on statewide regulation of ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft that could supersede local ordinances in Austin and elsewhere.
More:
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/texas/articles/2017-04-30/what-to-watch-was-sanctuary-cities-vote-a-straus-rebuke
