February 16, 2017      6:47 PM

Convention of States debate starts in the Senate with a conservative senator demanding changes

Sen. Hughes argues delegates to a COS must be limited; Birdwell open to a discussion on that

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story incorrectly attributed comments made by Sen. Nelson to another senator. The story is updated to reflect that it was Sen. Nelson who laid out Sen. Estes’ bill on his behalf – SB

The Texas Senate State Affairs Committee approved three proposals Thursday related to a Convention for States, one of Gov. Greg Abbott’s emergency items.

The committee laid out two pieces of legislation by Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury. His resolution, Senate Joint Resolution 2, calls for a convention of states and his bill, Senate Bill 21, outlines “qualifications, duties and limitations of Texas delegates.”

Both items passed out with of the committee 6-1, with only Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, voting against them, though Sen. Jane Nelson said she still has concerns about the legislation.

By Eleanor Dearman

Copyright February 16, 2017, Harvey Kronberg, www.quorumreport.com, All rights are reserved