(Austin, Texas)—Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) today released the following statement regarding the latest legal maneuvers in the Michael Morton wrongful conviction case. Continue Reading »
Issues: Criminal Justice
Ellis Statement on Execution of Lawrence Brewer
(Austin, Texas) – Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) today released the following statement on the execution of Lawrence Brewer, convicted of the 1998 hate murder of James Byrd, Jr. in Jasper, Texas. Continue Reading »
Ellis Praises U.S. Supreme Court Intervention in Duane Buck Case
(Austin, Texas)//Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) today praised the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to stay the execution of Duane Buck. Continue Reading »
Ellis Statement on AG Opinion on Scope of Forensic Science Commission Authority
Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) released the following statement regarding the Attorney General Opinion on the scope of investigatory powers of the Forensic Science Commission: Continue Reading »
Ellis Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Leal Execution
Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) released the following statement regarding the US Supreme Court’s decision to allow the state of Texas to proceed with the execution of Humberto Leal Garcia: Continue Reading »
Ellis Statement on Anthony Graves Compensation
Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) released the following statement regarding Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Susan Combs announcement that exonoree Anthony Graves has received compensation from the state. Continue Reading »
Statement: Ellis on Senate Passage of Sanctuary Cities Bill
Senator Ellis releases the following statement upon the Senate’s passage of SB 9, the sanctuary cities bill, 19-12, along party lines following hours of debate Continue Reading »
Legislation to Expand Access to Post-Conviction DNA Sent to the Governor
(Austin, Texas)—The Texas House today approved SB 122, legislation by Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) to strengthen Texas’ post-conviction DNA testing law, another pivotal reform recommended by the Tim Cole Advisory Panel. The bill now goes to the governor for signature. Continue Reading »
Senate Passes Comprehensive Exoneree Reform Plan
(Austin, Texas)—The Senate today approved HB 417, legislation by Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) and Representative Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas) which will enact comprehensive exoneree reforms, including health care to the wrongfully convicted, standards for attorneys fees, and clears bureaucratic hurdles in order to receive the compensation he deserves. Continue Reading »
Senate Passes Texas Citizen Participation Act
(Austin, Texas)—The Texas Senate State voted unanimously today to approve HB 2973, the Texas Citizen Participation Act, legislation by Representative Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi) and Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) which protects Texans’ right to petition the government or speak out about matters of public concern. Continue Reading »