The Texas Senate passed the first bill of the Session late last week. They debated long hours and worked like it was March or April of the 140 day governance session.

The Senate passed the Voter ID bill – a recommended law that will mandate that citizens, between the ages of 18 – 70, present a photo identification when they vote in person.

Here’s the facts – this bill has long been supporter by Republicans. They have tried to pass it for a very long time. It is viewed as a prevention to voter fraud.

Democratic legislators claim that there is no wide spread voter fraud and the bill is really designed to limit some people from voting. Who might this effect? Not everyone has a photo identification. If you are a transit rider and do not travel, you might not need one.

In any case, the bill will pass this year as the Republicans support it. People keep asking – “why so early”, “why aren’t they working on the budget?”.

There are a couple of simple answers. The budget will take all Session to resolve. The drafts have been presented but there will be much give and take to bring the budget to a final stage.

Meanwhile, the leadership in the Legislature thought it might be a good idea to put the most contentious issues up for debate early in the Session. This way, the Democrats cannot use rules and threats of killing other legislation to delay the votes.

The Republicans come out the winner on this first bill passed by the Senate. It is important to note that the House has not yet begun to consider bills and is not moving at the same speed as the Senate.

As I always say, hang on folks, the Legislature is in Session.