The Brief: Bill banning wrongful birth lawsuits heads to Senate committee

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What you need to know

The Senate Committee on State Affairs is meeting at 9 this morning and will consider legislation to protect doctors from wrongful birth lawsuits. Follow Texas Tribune reporter Marissa Evans for updates. 

• The bill would prohibit parents from suing doctors after their baby is born with defects or developmental or intellectual disabilities. The bill has been earmarked by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick as a legislative priority this session. 
• Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, is dubbing his bill pro-life. "It is unacceptable that doctors can be penalized for embracing the sanctity of life," Creighton said in a press release upon the filing of SB 25. "Every child is precious and deserving of our protection." 
• A broader battle over abortion is shaping up at the Capitol. Some Republicans want to require burial of fetal remains and the filing of fetal death certificates after abortion procedures, while some Democrats are backing legislation that would reverse the 24-hour waiting period for abortions. 

What we're reading

(Links below lead to outside websites; paywall content noted with $) 

Brady is a no-show at town hall meeting in Conroe, The Huntsville Item

School district report cards raise questions, Killeen Daily Herald 

Galveston police to introduce body-worn cameras in coming months, The Daily News

Henry Energy, Moriah Energy partner on Midland Basin acquisitions, Midland Reporter-Telegram

Officials question if flurry of political visits really matter, The Monitor 

Trump to ask for sharp increases in military spending, officials say, The New York Times ($)

For your calendar

Join us online for a conversation with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner this morning. 

Photo of the day

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, spoke to thousands gathered at the Texas Capitol Saturday for a rally against President Donald Trump's border wall and travel ban. Photo by Bob Daemmrich. See more photos on our Instagram account. 

Quote to note

"When we turn our backs on refugees — in this present case, the Syrians who have suffered all the plagues of Job and more in the last few years — we commit an unpardonable act of inhumanity."

— Patricia Bernstein on the current state of immigration in the United States via TribTalk

The Brief is written and compiled by your morning news baristas, Bobby Blanchard and Cassi Pollock. If you have feedback or questions, please email thebrief@texastribune.org. We're a nonprofit newsroom, and count on readers like you to help power newsletters like this. Did you like what you read today? Show your appreciation by becoming a member or making a donation today.