Anti-abortion, business measures proposed in Texas

It was one of dozens of measures unveiled on the first day to file bills before Texas lawmakers meet in regular session early next year. Lawmakers proposed a range of ideas, including a moratorium on college tuition increases and sanctions on employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants.

Before the Legislature finishes its work next May, lawmakers will consider broad reforms on transportation policy, taxes, insurance, energy and election law. Abortion restrictions and a crackdown on illegal immigrants are just one way Republican lawmakers will try to leave their conservative stamp on the session.

State Rep. Frank Corte, R-San Antonio, filed the bill seeking the new "informed consent" requirements for women who seek an abortion. Corte's policy director, Kathi Seay, said the legislation "is not to encourage or discourage anything, it's just to make sure they have all the information they need." Abortion rights advocates called the legislation "politically divisive" and vowed to mount a vigorous effort to defeat it.

"It's something that we will absolutely be fighting," said Sara Cleveland, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Texas. Cleveland predicted that conservatives would have a tougher time this year passing abortion curbs because Democrats, generally more liberal on reproductive rights, increased their numbers in the state House and Senate.

Democratic lawmakers taking advantage of the first day of filing were promoting measures designed to encourage the use of solar energy, increase aid for uninsured children and boost retirement income for Texas teachers. The 81st session of the Texas Legislature begins at noon on Jan. 13 and must end by midnight on June 1.

If the past is any guide, most of the legislation lawmakers file will never make it into law. Of the 6,362 bills and resolutions filed in 2007, 1,498 were passed.

Among the measures proposed Monday were:

_ A two-year moratorium on state college tuition increases. The bill would also limit the amount university tuition could increase in the future.

_ Abolition of the Trans-Texas Corridor superhighway, a top initiative of Republican Gov. Rick Perry. Rural Texans have raised vociferous objection to the proposed stretch of toll roads, rail lines, pipelines and utility lines that could cost up to $200 billion and require almost 600,000 acres of land.