This VHS tape captures scenes from the Texas 77th Legislature in the year 2001. The segment focuses on the consideration of House Bill 2639, introduced by State Representative Harold V. Dutton of Harris County. The bill relates to the inclusion of an incarcerated person in the population data used for redistricting, according to the person’s last residence before incarceration. HB 2639 leads to a debate between Dutton and Republican Warren Chisum, chair of the Environmental Regulation Committee. Chisum argues that a prison and its corresponding district counts as an inmate’s residence. However, Dutton maintains that a prison sentence is temporary. He argues that most inmates return to their original place of residence one their sentence expires. Although this bill is specific to redistricting, the various arguments highlight important issues and concerns regarding the prison system today. The clip not only illustrates the legislative process, but also provides a glimpse into the culture of Texas politics, where humor, sarcasm, and gravity combine into one unique concoction.

Travis County Austin

TFC VHS 2000 2000s’ 2000’s Ron Clark Clark, Ron Joanna Clark Clark, Joanna Cooke County Grayson County Sherman State Representative State Representative Ron Clark Texas House of Representatives Legislature of the State of Texas state representative state legislator Texas Legislature politics legislation government local government state government court district court State Representative Ron Clark District 62 Grayson County Cooke County elected state officials Republican Party Legislature 77th last judge appeal lawyer Constitution bill Harold V. Dutton Jr. Dutton, Harold V. Jr.

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