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John Cornyn failed in his bid to be the next majority leader of the U.S. Senate, but the Texas Republican announced he was seeking a fourth six-year term to the chamber in 2026. In today's One Click Survey, we want your thoughts on his candidacy.

This is the Texas Minute for Monday, Nov. 18, 2024.

– Michael Quinn Sullivan 

Texas Supreme Court Rules House Violated Constitutional Seperation of Powers

• In a ruling issued on Friday, the Supreme Court of Texas found that a maneuver by some members of the Texas House to delay the execution of a convicted child murderer last month was a violation of the separation of powers. Brandon Waltens has the story.
     
• The case in question concerns Robert Roberson, who was convicted of killing his two-year-old daughter Nikki in 2002. With all his appeals exhausted, Roberson was set to be executed last month.
       
• Moments before his scheduled execution, the Texas Supreme Court issued a temporary stay after members of the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, chaired by Democrat State Rep. Joe Moody, issued a subpoena for Roberson to appear before it. That scheme was challenged by many Republicans, including Gov. Greg Abbott, who said the committee “stepped out of line” in issuing the subpoena at the eleventh hour.
        
• While the latest ruling from the Supreme Court of Texas acknowledges legislative committees’ power to issue subpoenas even to inmates, that power does not extend to delaying executions.
       
• A trial court will determine Roberson’s new execution date, which cannot occur sooner than 90 days.

Lawsuits Against 𝕏 Must Be Filed in Tarrant County Courts

• Starting on Friday, social media platform 𝕏 will require all lawsuits against it to be filed in Texas under its terms of service. Emily Medeiros has the details.
     
• Once based in California, the company was moved to Texas by billionaire Elon Musk after he purchased it.
      
• Now, those using the service must agree that all disputes related to the company must be brought exclusively in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas or any state court located in Tarrant County.
     
• “Tarrant County is becoming the stronghold for conservative values and common sense. Elon knows if he wants a fair trial, he has to have Republican judges,” said Tarrant County GOP Chairman Bo French. “This is another massive vote of confidence in what we are doing here in Tarrant County.”

Legislation Would Require DNA Testing of Illegal Aliens

• Will Biagini reports on a new measure to require rapid DNA testing of illegal aliens by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
     
• The measure's author, State Rep. Terri Leo Wilson (R–Galveston), wants DPS to work with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to target groups of foreign nationals suspected of lying about familial status.
     
• After visiting the border last year, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz strongly expressed the need for DNA testing to prevent child trafficking.
       
• Without providing concrete reasons for doing so, the Biden administration quietly ended a rapid DNA testing program in 2023 that had been put in place by the Trump administration.

Lawmaker Proposes Constitutional Right to Vaccine Choice

• Andy Hopper, an incoming Texas Republican state representative, is proposing an amendment to the state constitution establishing a right to refuse vaccinations. As Luca Cacciatore explains, constitutional amendments require two-thirds support in both the House and the Senate before being sent to the public for ratification.
      
• Hopper said Texans deserve "comprehensive protection" from being forced to undergo a medical procedure they may not want.
     

• Michelle Evans, the political director of Texans for Vaccine Choice, said that Hopper’s amendment would “put to rest any and all vaccine mandates in Texas.”
     

• Hopper’s proposal comes roughly one year after Gov. Greg Abbott signed a measure into law banning COVID-19 vaccine mandates by private employers.

Texas Tech College of Education Teaches ‘Equity’ Course

• Texas Tech’s College of Education offers a graduate “equity” course. As Robert Montoya and Luca Cacciatore report, the course is taught by a professor who was previously suspended for posting antisemitic comments on social media.

Today In History

At noon on Nov. 18, 1883, railroads in the United States and Canada began using four time zones. This allowed more efficient scheduling during a period when time-keeping was determined locally. Congress eventually codified the time zones into law in 1918.

Quote-Unquote

"For all its enormous range of space, climate, and physical appearance, and for all the internal squabbles, contentions, and strivings, Texas has a tight cohesiveness perhaps stronger than any other section of America."

– John Steinbeck​

One Click Survey

After losing his bid to be the next U.S. Senate majority leader, John Cornyn has announced his intention to seek reelection in 2026. If the Texas GOP primary were held this week, would you support John Cornyn?

Once you’ve clicked an answer, reply to this email with any thoughts you’d like to share!