Texas Lawmakers Are Back, And So Is Abortion Fight

WILL WEISSERT,Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Round two of a fierce ideological battle over abortion limits is set to begin at the Texas Capitol. Republicans who control the Legislature are promising that this time it'll be quick and easy, even as opponents plan more protests.

On Tuesday, the last day of the first special session, lawmakers were poised to approve wide-reaching abortion limits.

But Democratic Sen. Wendy Davis staged a filibuster, and protesters made sure the clock ran out before the bill was passed.

Gov. Rick Perry has urged lawmakers to work faster this time. He wants abortion bills debated and approved long before the deadline so a filibuster won't work.

The legislative process now starts over, with lawmakers filing bills, committees holding public hearings on each, then passing them to both full chambers to consider.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.