AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – Lawmakers have pre-filed more than 500 bills on the first day to propose legislation before the Texas Legislature reconvenes in January.
Among the frenzy of would-be laws submitted in both chambers on Monday were several high-profile abortion proposals.
One sure to spark heated debate would prohibit aborting fetuses with abnormalities after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Current Texas law suspends a post-20-week abortion ban when fetal abnormalities are detected, or if the mother’s life is threatened.
Other bills sought to offer pre-kindergarten for all Texas 4-year-olds, cut the franchise tax paid by businesses and exempt the state from daylight saving time.
During the last session in 2015, state legislators filed more than 6,200 bills and approved 1,300-plus new laws.
The next legislative session begins Jan. 10.
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