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To see what we’re following in other categories, go <a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/">here</a>.</p> </header> <div class="share-page"> <ul> <a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#69561a1c0b030c0a1d543d010c4c5b593d0c11081a4c5b593d1b000b1c070c4c5b5e1a4c5b593d0c11081a4c5b59250c0e001a05081d001f0c4c5b592e1c000d0c4cX3A%20Law%20%26%20Order&body=I%20read%20about%20a%20topic%20that%20you%20might%20be%20interested%20in%20at%20The%20Texas%20Tribune%3A%20Law%20%26%20Order%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/"> <li class="email"><i class="fa fa-envelope"></i></li> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Check%20out%20%40TexasTribune%E2%80%99s%20list%20of%20the%20top%20law%20%26%20order%20issues%20for%20the%2084th%20%23txlege%20http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org%2Ftopics%2Flaw-and-order%2F" title="share on Twitter" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <li class="twitter"><i class="fa fa-twitter"></i></li> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=154122474650943&display=popup&href=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org%2Ftopics%2Flaw-and-order%2F&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org%2Ftopics%2Flaw-and-order%2F" title="share on Facebook" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <li class="facebook"><i class="fa fa-facebook"></i></li> </a> </ul> </div> </section> <div class="ad-container banner-ad top" id="div-gpt-ad-1406570316312-0"> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1406570316312-0'); }); </script> </div> <section> <article class="top-issues"> <header> <h2 class="sub-section-header">Top issues</h2> </header> <ul class="serif"> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/#enhancing-gun-rights">Enhancing gun rights</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/#the-fight-over-local-control">The fight over local control</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/#efforts-to-change-voter-id">Efforts to change voter ID</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/#reducing-penalties-for-marijuana-possession">Reducing penalties for marijuana possession</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/#changing-the-age-of-adulthood-for-criminal-charges">Changing the age of adulthood for criminal charges</a></li> </ul> </article> <article class="curator-list"> <header> <h5 class="sub-section-header">Curated by</h5> </header> <div class="curated-by"> <img clas="headshot" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/profiles/PS-Headshot_jpg_131x197_crop_q100.jpg"> <p class="emphasis">Patrick Svitek</p> <p class="sub-text"></p> </div> <div class="curated-by"> <img clas="headshot" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/profiles/terri-langford_jpg_131x197_crop_q100.jpg"> <p class="emphasis">Terri Langford</p> <p class="sub-text"></p> </div> </article> </section> <section class="issue-box"> <section class="issue-prose"> <header id="enhancing-gun-rights"> <h3 class="issue-card-title"> <a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/enhancing-gun-rights/">Enhancing gun rights</a> </h3> </header> <p>Between two armed rallies, countless emails and phone calls, and at least one social media thrashing of the lieutenant governor, gun rights activists have made their presence felt in the Capitol since the opening day of the Legislature.</p><p>Lawmakers are set to consider bills that would let permit holders carry holstered handguns openly ("open carry"). Since 1995, Texans have been able to carry concealed handguns if they take training and obtain a license. But the state is one of six that specifically prohibit the unconcealed display of handguns.</p><p>They will also consider measures allowing concealed handguns to be carried on university campuses ("campus carry").</p><p>Some proposed measures this session call for lifting licensing requirements altogether — "constitutional carry" — though those bills are less likely to get a hearing. </p> <p class="update-time">Updated: April 14, 2015</p> <section class="related-legislation"> <header> <h5 class="sub-section-header">Relevant legislation</h5> </header> <ul class="sans"> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB106/">HB 106</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB164/">HB 164</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB195/">HB 195</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB278/">HB 278</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB291/">HB 291</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB415/">HB 415</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB910/">HB 910</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/SB11/">SB 11</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/SB17/">SB 17</a></li> </ul> </section> </section> <section class="related-content"> <header> <h5 class="sub-section-header">Story timeline</h5> </header> <ul class="story-timeline"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/14/open-carry-bill-poised-clear-texas-house/">Open Carry Bill Derailed on House Floor</a> <p class="pub-date">April 14, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/03/houston-dallas-would-become-largest-cities-allow-o/">Houston, Dallas Would Be Largest Cities To Allow Open Carry</a> <p class="pub-date">April 3, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/17/house-committee-takes-open-campus-carry-bills/">House Committee Takes Up Open Carry, Campus Carry Bills</a> <p class="pub-date">March 17, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/16/texas-senate-considers-key-gun-bill/">Texas Senate Approves Open Carry of Handguns</a> <p class="pub-date">March 16, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/18/abbott-changes-tune-gun-laws/">Abbott's Tune Has Changed On Gun Laws</a> <p class="pub-date">Feb. 18, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/12/texas-gun-bills-set-first-capitol-hearing/">Texas Gun Bills Get Their First Capitol Hearing</a> <p class="pub-date">Feb. 12, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/12/gun-hearing/">University Leaders Disagree on Allowing Guns on Campus</a> <p class="pub-date">Feb. 12, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/12/texas-gun-bills-set-first-capitol-hearing/">Texas Gun Bills to Get Their First Capitol Hearing</a> <p class="pub-date">Feb. 11, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/11/pro-gun-control-group-gets-security-capitol-hearin/">Gun Control Group Hires Security for Capitol Hearing</a> <p class="pub-date">Feb. 11, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/11/straus-texas-house-members-arent-going-be-bullied/">Straus Says Texas House Will Stand Up To Bullies</a> <p class="pub-date">Feb. 11, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/05/abbott-open-carry-will-probably-pass/">Abbott: Open Carry Will Probably Pass</a> <p class="pub-date">Feb. 5, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/28/texas-open-carry-legislation-not-quite-dead/">Texas Open Carry Survives Despite Its Supporters</a> <p class="pub-date">Jan. 28, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/28/reps-wear-im-poncho-stickers-safety-solidarity/">Reps Wear "I'm Poncho Stickers" For Safety, Solidarity</a> <p class="pub-date">Jan. 28, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/27/lt-gov-patrick-open-carry-votes-arent-there/">Lt. Gov. Patrick On Open Carry: Votes Aren't There</a> <p class="pub-date">Jan. 27, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/15/gun-rights-groups-line-back-constitutional-carry/">Activists Line Up To Support Open Carry</a> <p class="pub-date">Jan. 15, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/13/gun-advocates-take-and-make-arms-texas-capitol/">Gun Advocates Take Up — And Make— Arms At Capitol</a> <p class="pub-date">Jan. 13, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/13/gun-rights-activists-cause-stir-texas-capitol/">Gun Rights Activists Cause Stir At Capitol</a> <p class="pub-date">Jan. 13, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/12/08/parade-open-carry-bills-exposes-divide-ranks/">Parade of Open Carry Bills Exposes Divide In Ranks</a> <p class="pub-date">Dec. 8, 2014</p> </li> </ul> </section> </section> <section class="share-box"> <p class="sub-text">Share this issue: <a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bc83cfc9ded6d9dfc881e8d4d9998e8ce8d9c4ddcf998e8ce8ced5dec9d2d9998e8cd3d2998e8cc8d4d9998e8c8488c8d4998e8cf0d9dbd986998e8cf9d2d4ddd2dfXing%20gun%20rights&body=I%20read%20about%20an%20issue%20that%20you%20might%20be%20interested%20in%20at%20The%20Texas%20Tribune:%20Enhancing%20gun%20rights%20%0D%0Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/enhancing-gun-rights/"> <i class="fa fa-envelope"></i> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Issues%20of%20the%2084th%20%23txlege%3A%20Enhancing%20gun%20rights%20http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/enhancing-gun-rights/&via=texastribune" title="share on Twitter" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <i class="fa fa-twitter"></i> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=154122474650943&display=popup&href=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/enhancing-gun-rights/&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org" title="share on Facebook" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <i class="fa fa-facebook"></i> </a> </p> </section> <section class="issue-box"> <section class="issue-prose"> <header id="the-fight-over-local-control"> <h3 class="issue-card-title"> <a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/the-fight-over-local-control/">The fight over local control</a> </h3> </header> <p>With the new governor's nod of approval, the Legislature has seen an influx of bills that seek to keep cities in check as they pass ordinances that some lawmakers see as out of step with Texas values. </p><p>The bills take aim at everything from plastic bag bans to distracted driving ordinances. State Sen. Don Huffines' Senate Bill 343 is arguably the most sweeping of the bunch, prohibiting cities from implementing any laws that are "more stringent" than state statute. </p><p>Shortly before he took office, Gov. Greg Abbott gave the cause a boost, criticizing the "patchwork quilt" of local rules and regulations that could turn Texas into California.</p><p>The lawmakers behind the proposals say they are simply looking to enforce certainty and conformity. Their critics, however, are crying hypocrisy, pointing out many Republicans have campaigned on reducing the influence of Austin in citizens' lives, not increasing it. </p> <p class="update-time">Updated: March 17, 2015</p> <section class="related-legislation"> <header> <h5 class="sub-section-header">Relevant legislation</h5> </header> <ul class="sans"> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB539/">HB 539</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB540/">HB 540</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB738/">HB 738</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB1442/">HB 1442</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB1472/">HB 1472</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB1556/">HB 1556</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB1736/">HB 1736</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB1748/">HB 1748</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB1911/">HB 1911</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB1939/">HB 1939</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/SB267/">SB 267</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/SB343/">SB 343</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/SB360/">SB 360</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/SB440/">SB 440</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/SB484/">SB 484</a></li> </ul> </section> </section> <section class="related-content"> <header> <h5 class="sub-section-header">Story timeline</h5> </header> <ul class="story-timeline"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/10/housing-bill-brings-local-control-debate-focus/">Housing Bill Brings Local Control Debate Into Focus</a> <p class="pub-date">March 10, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/06/texas-bill-would-allow-statewide-permits-uber-lyft/">Paddie's Lyft-for-Hire Bill Runs Uber Cities</a> <p class="pub-date">March 6, 2015</p> </li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/25/lawmaker-files-bill-could-stop-proposed-bullet-tra/">Lawmaker's Bill a Silver Bullet to Stop Train</a> <p class="pub-date">Feb. 25, 2015</p> </li> </ul> </section> </section> <section class="share-box"> <p class="sub-text">Share this issue: <a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#18276b6d7a727d7b6c254c707d3d2a284c7d60796b3d2a284c6a717a6d767d3d2a2877763d2a286c707d3d2a28202c6c703d2a28547d7f7d223d2a284c707d3d2a28Xfight%20over%20local%20control&body=I%20read%20about%20an%20issue%20that%20you%20might%20be%20interested%20in%20at%20The%20Texas%20Tribune:%20The%20fight%20over%20local%20control%20%0D%0Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/the-fight-over-local-control/"> <i class="fa fa-envelope"></i> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Issues%20of%20the%2084th%20%23txlege%3A%20The%20fight%20over%20local%20control%20http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/the-fight-over-local-control/&via=texastribune" title="share on Twitter" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <i class="fa fa-twitter"></i> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=154122474650943&display=popup&href=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/the-fight-over-local-control/&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org" title="share on Facebook" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <i class="fa fa-facebook"></i> </a> </p> </section> <section class="issue-box"> <section class="issue-prose"> <header id="efforts-to-change-voter-id"> <h3 class="issue-card-title"> <a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/efforts-to-change-voter-id/">Efforts to change voter ID</a> </h3> </header> <p>Since 2012, Texans have been required to show one of a handful of allowable photo identification cards to vote. Acceptable forms include a Texas driver’s license or recent state ID card, a concealed handgun license, a U.S. passport, a military ID card or a U.S. citizenship certificate with a photo. One bill filed so far would expand that list to include college identification cards. Another calls for the state Department of Public Safety to share individual driver’s license photos with the Secretary of State’s office so they can be printed on voter registration cards.</p> <p class="update-time">Updated: March 17, 2015</p> <section class="related-legislation"> <header> <h5 class="sub-section-header">Relevant legislation</h5> </header> <ul class="sans"> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB295/">HB 295</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB303/">HB 303</a></li> </ul> </section> </section> </section> <section class="share-box"> <p class="sub-text">Share this issue: <a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7b44080e19111e180f462f131e5e494b2f1e031a085e494b2f0912190e151e5e494b14155e494b0f131e5e494b434f0f135e494b371e1c1e415e494b3e1d1d14090fXs%20to%20change%20voter%20ID&body=I%20read%20about%20an%20issue%20that%20you%20might%20be%20interested%20in%20at%20The%20Texas%20Tribune:%20Efforts%20to%20change%20voter%20ID%20%0D%0Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/efforts-to-change-voter-id/"> <i class="fa fa-envelope"></i> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Issues%20of%20the%2084th%20%23txlege%3A%20Efforts%20to%20change%20voter%20ID%20http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/efforts-to-change-voter-id/&via=texastribune" title="share on Twitter" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <i class="fa fa-twitter"></i> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=154122474650943&display=popup&href=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/efforts-to-change-voter-id/&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org" title="share on Facebook" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <i class="fa fa-facebook"></i> </a> </p> </section> <section class="issue-box"> <section class="issue-prose"> <header id="reducing-penalties-for-marijuana-possession"> <h3 class="issue-card-title"> <a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/reducing-penalties-for-marijuana-possession/">Reducing penalties for marijuana possession</a> </h3> </header> <p>Most people arrested for marijuana possession are holding less than two grams. That small amount can mean up to six months in jail for the offender, along with a $2,000 fine. But minor marijuana possession cases tie up prosecutors and the state’s misdemeanor courtrooms every day in Texas, some lawmakers say. Two bills filed so far would lower the penalties, while a third proposes that marijuana possession be decriminalized and replaced with a $100 civil fine. </p> <p class="update-time">Updated: April 1, 2015</p> <section class="related-legislation"> <header> <h5 class="sub-section-header">Relevant legislation</h5> </header> <ul class="sans"> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB325/">HB 325</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB414/">HB 414</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB507/">HB 507</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB2165/">HB 2165</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB3326/">HB 3326</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/SB1417/">SB 1417</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/SB1686/">SB 1686</a></li> </ul> </section> </section> </section> <section class="share-box"> <p class="sub-text">Share this issue: <a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#66591513040c0305125b320e0343545632031e071543545632140f041308034354560908435456120e034354565e52120e4354562a0301035c43545634030213050fXng%20penalties%20for%20marijuana%20possession&body=I%20read%20about%20an%20issue%20that%20you%20might%20be%20interested%20in%20at%20The%20Texas%20Tribune:%20Reducing%20penalties%20for%20marijuana%20possession%20%0D%0Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/reducing-penalties-for-marijuana-possession/"> <i class="fa fa-envelope"></i> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Issues%20of%20the%2084th%20%23txlege%3A%20Reducing%20penalties%20for%20marijuana%20possession%20http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/reducing-penalties-for-marijuana-possession/&via=texastribune" title="share on Twitter" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <i class="fa fa-twitter"></i> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=154122474650943&display=popup&href=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/reducing-penalties-for-marijuana-possession/&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org" title="share on Facebook" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <i class="fa fa-facebook"></i> </a> </p> </section> <section class="issue-box"> <section class="issue-prose"> <header id="changing-the-age-of-adulthood-for-criminal-charges"> <h3 class="issue-card-title"> <a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/changing-the-age-of-adulthood-for-criminal-charges/">Changing the age of adulthood for criminal charges</a> </h3> </header> <p>Under Texas law, 17-year-olds who commit a crime can be charged and prosecuted as adults. But recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings conflict with that 1918 law, forcing Texas and eight other states to raise the age of adulthood to 18.</p> <p class="update-time">Updated: April 1, 2015</p> <section class="related-legislation"> <header> <h5 class="sub-section-header">Relevant legislation</h5> </header> <ul class="sans"> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB53/">HB 53</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB330/">HB 330</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB1205/">HB 1205</a></li> </ul> </section> </section> <section class="related-content"> <header> <h5 class="sub-section-header">Story timeline</h5> </header> <ul class="story-timeline"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/04/texas-among-states-facing-raise-age-debate/">Texas Among States Facing "Raise the Age" Debate</a> <p class="pub-date">March 4, 2015</p> </li> </ul> </section> </section> <section class="share-box"> <p class="sub-text">Share this issue: <a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#16296563747c7375622b427e7333242642736e776533242642647f746378733324267978332426627e733324262e22627e3324265a7371732c332426557e7778717fXng%20the%20age%20of%20adulthood%20for%20criminal%20charges&body=I%20read%20about%20an%20issue%20that%20you%20might%20be%20interested%20in%20at%20The%20Texas%20Tribune:%20Changing%20the%20age%20of%20adulthood%20for%20criminal%20charges%20%0D%0Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/changing-the-age-of-adulthood-for-criminal-charges/"> <i class="fa fa-envelope"></i> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Issues%20of%20the%2084th%20%23txlege%3A%20Changing%20the%20age%20of%20adulthood%20for%20criminal%20charges%20http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/changing-the-age-of-adulthood-for-criminal-charges/&via=texastribune" title="share on Twitter" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <i class="fa fa-twitter"></i> </a> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=154122474650943&display=popup&href=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org/topics/law-and-order/changing-the-age-of-adulthood-for-criminal-charges/&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Ftxlege.texastribune.org" title="share on Facebook" class="social-share" target="_blank"> <i class="fa fa-facebook"></i> </a> </p> </section> <section class="newsletter-signup"> <header> <h4 class="sub-section-header">Sign up for our weekly digest of law and order coverage.</h4> </header> <div id="mc_embed_signup"> <form action="//web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://texastribune.us3.list-manage2.com/subscribe/post?u=3d0ce87edeeb6df90043897db&id=d6b05db599" method="post" id="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" name="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" class="validate" target="_blank" novalidate> <div id="mc_embed_signup_scroll"> <div class="mc-field-group"> <label class="hidden" for="mce-EMAIL"></label> <input class="required input_neue" type="email" name="EMAIL" value="" placeholder="username@email.com"/> <input class="button" type="submit" name="subscribe" value="Subscribe"/> </div> <div id="mce-responses" class="clear"> <div class="response" id="mce-error-response" style="display:none"></div> <div class="response" id="mce-success-response" style="display:none"></div> </div> <div style="position: absolute; left: -5000px;"> <input type="text" name="b_3d0ce87edeeb6df90043897db_7476115edd" tabindex="-1" value=""></div> </div> </form> </div> </section> <div class="ad-container banner-ad bottom" id="div-gpt-ad-1406570316312-2"> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1406570316312-2'); }); </script> </div> <article class="issue-box"> <header> <h3 class="sub-section-header">Questions, suggestions or concerns? <a href="/web/20150417082812/http://txlege.texastribune.org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4a23243b3f2338232f390a3e2f322b393e3823283f242f6425382d66242f3d392b3a3a390a3e2f322b393e3823283f242f6425382d75393f28202f293e771e2f322bXs%20Legislative%20Guide%20%E2%80%93%20Inquiry">Let us know</a>.</h3> </header> <p>The Texas Legislative Guide was designed and developed by Becca Aaronson, Emily Albracht, Daniel Craigmile, Annie Daniel, Ben Hasson and Ryan Murphy for <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150417082812/http://www.texastribune.org/">The Texas Tribune</a>. 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