Political Experts Look Into The New Texas Laws That Go Into Effect Today

The State Capitol is seen in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, June 1, 2021. The Texas Legislature closed out its regular session Monday, but are expected to return for a special session after Texas Democrats blocked one of the nation's most restrictive new voting laws with a walkout. — Among the 666 news laws going into effect beginning today is the abortion ban after a heartbeat is detectable, usually at 6 weeks, and let’s private citizens sue anyone who "aids and abets" an abortion.

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More Than 650 Texas Laws are in effect starting today.

New voting laws, open carry, and a ban on critical race theory are among them.

They were passed by the Republican-led state legislature in the 2021 regular session.

Several are top conservative priorities passed in other red states this year as well, but Texas is the biggest with more than 29 million residents.

After leaving to protest a restrictive voting law, Texas Democrats did return to the state. The bill that bans 24-hour voting, drive-through voting, among other restrictions, passed yesterday.

Guests

Melanye Price:

Political Science Professor at Prairie View A&M University
Director of The Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice

Bob Stein

Professor of Political Science
Fellow in Urban Politics at Rice University’s Baker Institute

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