Hot List Day 122

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Day 122 of the 82nd Texas Legislature

LINE OF THE DAY
“This is the wild, wild West right now. We’re just asking for a few fences.”
Rep. Vicki Truitt, R-Keller, on her bill to regulate payday lenders.

OBSERVED
According to an analysis obtained by the Observer, the drastic proposed cuts to family planning programs will lead to more 280,000 women would be denied birth control and essential reproductive healthcare services. That means over 20,000 more births in Texas and will cost the state almost $100 million.

BEST OF THE REST
In Texas, schools are still allowed to hit students in the classroom. And yesterday, the Texas House voted down a bill that would have required schools to get parental consent before using corporal punishment. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, opponents of the bill believe schools should make their own policies and regulations when it comes to hitting kids. 

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
It’s a big day, folks. The House has until midnight to pass major House bills. Expect some chaos on the floor as members try to push their bills through—and even with those efforts, expect a lot of bills to die.