Early voting underway across state

Early voting began Monday for May 1 elections in county, city and school district elections.

Secretary of State Ruth R. Hughs encourages all eligible voters to take advantage of the early voting period, which runs through Tuesday, April 27. Texas voters can contact their respective county elections office to view a sample ballot, locate their appropriate polling place, and plan their trip to the polls. Additional information is available at VoteTexas.gov.

New PUC commissioner confirmed 

Will McAdams, nominated by Gov. Greg Abbott to a slot on the Public Utilities Commission, was unanimously confirmed by the Texas Senate last week.

McAdams formerly served as president of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Texas and worked for legislators for more than a decade in various senior staff positions.

Abbott has also nominated Peter Lake to be the new chair of the PUC, which regulates the state’s power grid operations.  Lake now serves as chair of the Texas Water Development Board. 

All three previous PUC members resigned after February’s winter storm led to massive power outages across the state.

House passes bill to allow handgun carry without a license

The Texas House voted 87-58 last week to allow handguns to be carried without a permit. Under current law, a permit is required to carry handguns either concealed or openly. If the bill becomes law, any Texas resident not already prohibited by state or federal law from owning a gun could legally carry a handgun. 

According to the Texas Tribune, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Texas Senate, previously expressed qualms about easing handgun laws. Numerous law enforcement officials and concealed handgun license instructors opposed the measure, citing