Jun
24
Written by:
Andy Hogue
6/24/2011 3:11 PM
On a day when few legislators showed up for floor in both chambers (resulting in the delay of some critcial legislation), and many conference committee reports have yet to be turned in, a frustrated House Speaker urged all of his colleagues to come in on Monday and kick out remaining business of the 82nd Special Session.
"As I stated on Wednesday, I'd like to encourage each of you to be here for these very important issues," Straus said, hoping to finish remaining legislation before the mid-week deadline.
The Speaker said the House would take up all items for consideration on Monday. This includes, Straus said, "any legislation on the House calendar, then SB 1, SB 2, SB 6, SB 7, SB 8, and HB 3. "
House Calendars Chairman Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi) said the House is eligible to take up HB 41, the delayed anti-TSA-groping bill, on Monday, as well.
"The TSA bill basically ... flows into Monday again on the calendar. Then you have items eligible," he said.
Straus said he believes all the House's work will be completed by Wednesday. Though he earlier asked members to keep their weekend schedules clear, the House is scheduled to come in 10 a.m. Monday.
During this morning's brief floor session, 17 excuses for illness and important business were granted. Less than 80 House members were present, many sources have noted.
No more than five Senators were in the other chamber this afternoon for their scheduled floor session.