On the evening of Friday, May 5, the Texas House passed HB 25, by 85-59, on second reading. This is the bill that repeals the straight-ticket device. UPDATE: it passed on third reading on Saturday, May 6, by 88-57.
The vote was almost entirely party-line, with Republicans supporting it and Democrats opposing it. Democrats are threatening to sue, to overturn the ban. Thanks to Jim Riley for this news.
That was second reading.
Third reading will likely be tomorrow. Third reading is the official approval. Two amendments were withdrawn, with the promise that they would be offered on third reading.
No. It passed. It’s pending verification of the vote before it gets listed on the website as passed though.
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Actions.aspx?LegSess=85R&Bill=HB25#vote196
I think Jim means it passed 2nd reading, which certainly shows that it has enough support to pass. But there must be a third reading, on Saturday.
The vote on 2nd reading is kind of misleading since it is listed as “passed to engrossment” which means that it in its final form. Typically most substantive debate is on 2nd reading. There does not have to be a record vote on 2nd reading, but it is easy to get one.
The Constitution requires a record vote on passage.
The final vote on 3rd Reading was 88:57. 7 Republicans voted against the bill, and one Democrat voted for it.