Texas governor signs new GOP voting restrictions into law

TYLER (AP/Staff) – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed into law an overhaul of the state’s election rules following months of protests by Democrats. The sweeping bill signed Tuesday by the two-term Republican governor further tightens Texas’ strict voting laws. Texas joins more than a dozen states that have passed Republican-backed voting changes since the 2020 election. The new laws have been driven in part by former President Donald Trump’s claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Opponents of the changes in Texas have already begun filing lawsuits in federal court. The legislation was initiated by state Senator Bryan Hughes of Mineola, who was among those on hand for the signing ceremony. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was also on hand.