AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - State officials say they're ending a "stupid" policy that required lawmakers to submit to background checks each time they entered the Texas governor's mansion.
The change announced Tuesday comes after lawmakers last week angrily complained of having to wait for state troopers to screen them before entering the newly renovated mansion, which was nearly destroyed by a fire in 2008.
The mansion reopened in July. Steve McCraw, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, told a House committee that the background-check policy was deemed "stupid" after being re-evaluated last week.
McCraw said current elected state lawmakers and congressional members are now exempt. Everyone else must still submit to background checks.
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Posted: 11:40 AM - (Idabel, Okla.) – For anyone interested in learning more about building preservation, Idabel Main Street will host “Historic Building Maintenance,” a workshop on the care and maintenance of the historic district, June 25th, from 5:30pm – 7:00pm, at the Idabel Public Library. Read More
Posted: 05/08/13 - The Sherman Public Library is very excited about our upcoming Summer Reading Club for children and teens. Children ages birth-11 can Dig into Reading and join the Youth Summer Reading Club. The theme for the Teen Summer Reading Club this year is Beneath the Surface and it is open to teens ages 12-18. Read More
Posted: 05/07/13 - DURANT, Okla. – Regent Terry Matlock will deliver remarks at Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Spring Commencement, scheduled for Saturday, May 11, at Paul Laird Field. The ceremony (for all schools) will begin at 10 a.m. A reception will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the Visual & Performing Arts Center. Read More
