I'm just in Dane with a brief look at the latest news in Texas politics
and policy from the Texas Tribune. Suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is trying
to avoid testifying during his September impeachment trial. Prosecutors are opposing the move and
want to retain the option of forcing him to testify under oath. Prosecutors are
opposing the move and want to retain the option of forcing him to testify under
oath. Paxton's legal team has asked Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who will preside
over the trial in the Texas Senate, to prevent the House impeachment team from
issuing a subpoena for Paxixston's testimony. They argue that Paxton's right to not testify
should be upheld, as impeachment is legally considered a criminal proceeding. However,
House impeachment managers say that trial rules give them the authority to subpoena Paxton as
a witness. They contend that no rule excludes Paxton from being called to testify,
and if he chooses to assert his fifth men right against self incrimination,
he must do so from the witness stand. Paxton is facing impeachment on charges
of abusing his office to assist Austin real estate investor Nate Paul, who was
also facing federal chargers related to his financial dealings. The decision on whether Paxton
can be compelled to testify is expected to be made during the trial's opening phase.
The outcome of that decision could impact his ongoing legal battles outside the impeachment
proceedings, potentially effecting his defense strategy and perceptions of guilt. During the state's
severe heat wave of this summer, at least forty one people have died in
prisons from heat related causes or unknown reasons, according to a Texas Tribune analysis.
Prison rights advocates and families of those who died believe that some of these
deaths were caused by the extreme heat. Despite the heat related deaths, the
Texas Department of Criminal Justice maintains no prisoner has died from heat related causes in
their facilities since twenty twelve. The dire conditions in many Texas prisons, where
over two thirds lack air conditioning in most living areas, have drawn the attention
of Democrats on the U S House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. They are
calling for an investigation into the conditions prisoners are enduring during the sweltering temperatures.
While the t d c J has implemented some mitigation strategies, such as providing
fans and cold water, many prisoners and their families argue that these policies are
not consistently followed and that the heat is taking a toll on both inmates and
staff. Despite the evident heat related challenges, the Texas legislature has not allocated
funds for air conditioning in prisons, prompting criticism from advocates and lawmakers alike.
Starting on September first, a new Texas law will enable local Texas Department of
Transportation engineers to adjust speed limits for sections of roads or highways without eating approval
from statewide transportation commissioners. The variable speed limits will be used during conditions such
as construction, maintenance, heavy fog, ice, or rain. The modified
speed limit will only be in effect when indicated on signs and cannot be lower
than ten miles below the regular speed limit. State Representative Kerry Canalis and Edinburgh
Democrat, who authored the bill, believes that this measure could have prevented catastrophic
accidents. Like the massive pile up on Interstate thirty five West in Fort Worth
in February of twenty twenty one, where slippery conditions led to a one hundred
and thirty three car pile up resulting in six deaths. The law aims to
enhance safety by allowing engineers to adjust speed limits to match current conditions. A
pilot program in twenty fourteen tested the effectiveness of variable speed limits in Texas,
which showed safety benefits and contributed to the development of this statewide program. The
bipartisan bill is aimed at prioritizing public safety while addressing concerns about potential misuse for
speed traps. Check for updates to any of these stories at Texas Tribune dot
org, and follow the Brief podcast for daily news updates wherever you get your
podcasts. I'm just In Dane for the Texas Tribune. You've been briefed.
Today's brief is brought you by Episcopal Health Foundation. A large majority of Texans
support Medicaid expansion and say it's very important for candidates to address issues that make
healthcare more affordable. Those are just some of the results of a new statewide
Episcopal Health Foundation health policy poll on healthcare access and affordability in Texas. Read
more at Episcopal health dot org