#TXLEGE: House leadership caves three times today....

"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;"
Romans 5:3

[Note: Today's floor session can be viewed here; Hunter's remarks are at the 43 minute mark.]

• Cave #1 - Hunter pulls the property tax gag rule.
  
  As we discussed yesterday, the Calendars committee had posted a rule for Saturday's floor debate on property tax reform that would have barred any amendments on the bill.  The freedom caucus and the grassroots justifiably went BONKERS.  This morning, Hunter pulled the rule.
  
  "As chair of calendars, there will be no motion for that calendar rule."
  
  They didn't have 76 votes; we've heard conflicting reports about why that was the case, but multiple sources have suggested that the Democrats recognized that for the minority party to assent to this precedent was a move that could come back to bite them in future sessions.

• Cave #2 - Tan Parker sets GOP caucus meeting.
  
  
  
  Even if certain (predictable) members are trying to weasel out of attending, there's week to make sure they show up.
  
  
  
  
• Cave #3 - DNR bill now moving.
  
  Confession: We thought this was dead, buuut....
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• After TMA tried to weasel out of the deal, Abbott's staff got involved.
• Bill passed Byron's Cook's committee this afternoon.
• Floor debate could come as early as Saturday.
• Note: We're guessing sunday; there's no way they put this on the same calendar as the property tax reform bill.

Bottom Line: Deadlines are a wonderful thing.