Holly Hansen

Houston

Contributing Writer at The Texan

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Articles

Ripples: The Politics of Public Safety

2 weeks ago | thetexan.news | Holly Hansen

Greetings and Happy Sine Die,Texas’ 89th Legislative Session concluded last week with lawmakers touting a slew of new measures with the potential to impact the lives of everyday Texans, including in the arena of public safety — an issue that has ranked as a top concern among voters and helped Republicans gain inroads into traditionally Democratic constituencies over the past few years. kA 5:ClQ=ECQmp=E9@F89 q6E@ ~’#@FC<6 =@DE 9:D 3:5 7@C &]$] $6?2E6 :?
Thomas Schoenbein Elected Mayor of Pasadena

2 weeks ago | thetexan.news | Holly Hansen

Former City Council Member Thomas Schoenbein will become the new mayor of Pasadena after winning a runoff election with 57 percent of the vote over city communications director Rex Lindberg. While municipal elections are non-partisan, Schoenbein touted endorsements from Texas Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston) and state Reps.
Bill Addressing Harris County Toll Road’s Massive Surplus Dies

2 weeks ago | thetexan.news | Holly Hansen

When the Texas legislative session came to its constitutionally mandated close earlier this week, a controversial measure to address Harris County’s use of surplus toll road revenues was among the many bills that failed to pass. Introduced by Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) and Rep.
State Rep. Jolanda Jones to Seek Houston Congressional Seat

3 weeks ago | thetexan.news | Holly Hansen

State Rep. Jolanda Jones (D-Houston) formally announced her candidacy for Houston’s Congressional District (CD) 18 seat Thursday, joining a growing crowd of candidates seeking to replace the late Rep. Sylvester Turner. Over the past few months, Jones had demurred on the question of her possible candidacy, but with the Texas legislative session wrapped up as of this week, she released a statement on social media launching her congressional campaign.
Gov. Abbott Signs Laws Targeting Bail for Violent Repeat Offenders

3 weeks ago | thetexan.news | Holly Hansen

Sitting behind more than a dozen photos of murder victims at Crime Stoppers of Houston, Gov. Greg Abbott joined victims’ families, members of law enforcement, and a slew of elected officials to sign new criminal justice and bail reform bills Tuesday. “Hundreds of Texans have been murdered by violent criminals who had previously been arrested and released on easy bail,” said Abbott. “Judges have had far too much discretion to set easy bail policies for violent criminals.”kA 5:ClQ=ECQmx?
Texas Lawmakers Approve Eviction Reforms, Crack Down on Squatters

4 weeks ago | thetexan.news | Holly Hansen

Both chambers of the Texas Legislature have approved eviction reforms prioritized by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick that will make it easier to remove “squatters” who unlawfully occupy a property without the owner’s consent. Under the reforms now headed to the governor’s desk, owners may file an affidavit to prove their ownership and that occupants are trespassing, and courts must act within 10 to 21 days to address an eviction request.
Lawsuit Filed Over Dismissal of Felony Charges Against Harris County Public Health Director

1 month ago | thetexan.news | Holly Hansen

An investigative journalist has filed a lawsuit seeking to preserve records related to a former Harris County official whose pending felony charges were dismissed by the county’s new district attorney earlier this month.
‘Jocelyn’s Law’ Denying Felony Bail to Illegal immigrants Fails in Texas House

1 month ago | thetexan.news | Holly Hansen

The Texas House rejected a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would have mandated the detention of illegal immigrants charged with certain felony crimes, as most Democrats voted against the measure over its potential effect on minority communities. Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 1 by Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston) was labeled “Jocelyn’s Law” in honor of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was sexually assaulted, bound, and strangled in Houston last summer.
Automatic Denial of Bail for Certain Violent Crimes Narrowly Fails in Texas House

1 month ago | thetexan.news | Holly Hansen

A proposed amendment to the Texas Constitution that would have mandated the detention of suspects charged with certain violent crimes failed to garner the two-thirds majority vote in the House on Tuesday, leaving the measure dead for the 89th Regular Legislative Session. “I personally believe it’s unconstitutional, because this says if you’re a second-time offender it’s an automatic denial of bail,” said Rep. Ann Johnson (D-Houston) in opposition to the proposal.
State Lawmakers Approve Judicial Pay Raise, New Transparency and Accountability Standards

1 month ago | thetexan.news | Holly Hansen

The Texas House gave bipartisan approval to legislation already approved in the Senate that will increase pay for judges for the first time in a decade, while adding new transparency, efficiency, and accountability requirements and changing the composition of a state judicial oversight board. “Members, this is a big bill, and it’s one that your judges deserved and worked hard for and waited too long for,” said Rep.