The Brief: June 16, 2015

The Big Conversation

The legislative debate over campus carry is over, but just beginning is a months-long discussion over how campuses will go about implementing the new law.

The law, which Gov. Greg Abbott signed over the weekend, gives some flexibility to campuses, allowing them to establish gun-free zones.

Yet the law doesn't specify much about what those zones should be like, so both sides of the debate are now focused on what possible restrictions may result, reports the Tribune's Matthew Watkins:

Imposing too many restrictions would risk pushback from pro-gun groups and lawmakers, and legislators might be tempted to repeal the campus’ autonomy in 2017 if that happens. And gun rights activists say they’ll be closely watching to make sure the schools don’t go too far.

“We know that is a possibility and we are prepared to take the necessary measures to protect students, faculty and staff,” said Michael Newbern, communications director for Students for Concealed Carry.

Newbern said his nationwide group has sued universities in the past for restricting students’ gun rights. Those schools include the University of Colorado Boulder and Ohio State University.

Similar challenges are likely in Texas, said University of Houston law professor Michael Olivas, an opponent of campus carry. But the threat of litigation shouldn’t deter the schools, he said. Universities are already allowed to set up areas where students can protest or electioneer, even thought that’s protected speech, he said. Rules prohibiting guns wouldn’t be much different, he said.

Disclosure: The University of Houston is a corporate sponsor of The Texas Tribune. A complete list of Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed here.

Trib Must-Reads

5 Ways Jeb Bush's 2016 Campaign Runs Through Texas, by Patrick Svitek — Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush enters the 2016 presidential race with perhaps more ties to Texas than any other candidates in the field besides the two who live here: former Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.

Analysis: When Political Power Doesn't Win Elections, by Ross Ramsey — Power in elected office doesn't always translate into success in elections. Just ask Leticia Van de Putte. Or Trey Martinez Fischer. Or John Carona. Or David Dewhurst.

Abortion Sonogram Foes Considering Legal Options, by Alexa Ura — Attorneys who represented Texas doctors in a lawsuit against the state’s 2011 abortion sonogram law are considering their legal options following the U.S. Supreme Court’s Monday decision not to revive a similar North Carolina law.

Abbott Predicts "New Era of Job Growth" With Tax Cuts, by Aman Batheja — Declaring “a new era of job growth in the state of Texas,” Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday signed a $2.56 billion bill cutting the franchise tax rate paid by businesses by 25 percent.

A&M Hosts SpaceX Competition, Track Headed to California, by Liz Crampton — Though the test track for a futuristic high-speed transportation system is headed to California, not Texas, the private space company SpaceX announced Monday that it's hosting a Hyperloop design-build competition at Texas A&M University.

Elsewhere

The Abbott Interview, Texas Monthly

Ivy Taylor dominated key voting precincts, San Antonio Express-News

Lobbyist sues Capitol videotapers over financial documents, Houston Chronicle

Jeb Bush makes it official: 'I will run to win', Politico

Even after CNN anchor’s apology, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick demands ‘immediate resignation’, The Dallas Morning News

Retirements could offer tea party increased sway in Texas Senate, Houston Chronicle

Eltife on life after the Texas Senate: "Who knows what will happen?", KYTX-TV

What to expect as very large Tropical Storm Bill forms, aims at Texas, Houston Chronicle

'Brown ocean' effect may bedevil soggy Texas as storm nears, The Associated Press

UT President: Independent review to look into UT academic allegations, Austin American-Statesman

Texas biker says civil rights suit is about accountability, Austin American-Statesman

Quote to Note

"It’s going to be so easy to sell Texas."

— Gov. Greg Abbott on his upcoming visits across the country to try to get businesses to move to Texas, highlighting a tax package he signed into law yesterday

Today in TribTalk

Don't let Texas' excess water go to waste, by Bridget Scanlon — With more heavy rains on the way, it's time for Texas to start thinking about how to keep as much of that water as possible to prepare for the next drought.

With trafficking law signed, now the real work begins, by John Cornyn and Ted Poe — The horrific human trafficking industry has been hidden for years in plain sight, but the good news is that efforts to fight it are growing across the nation, and Texas is on the front lines.

News From Home

Take a look at the environmental issues we kept an eye on during the 84th legislative session. You can also use our Texas Legislative Guide to see everything else we covered during the session.

Trib Events for the Calendar

•    A Conversation About Texas Monthly's Best and Worst Legislators 2015 on June 18 at The Austin Club

•    A Conversation About Health Care and the 84th Legislature on June 24 at UT Health Science Center San Antonio

•    A Conversation About Houston and the 84th Legislature on June 29 at George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston

•    The Texas Tribune Festival on Oct. 16-18 at the University of Texas at Austin