After Perry, lawmakers hope for another chance for legislation

Take a look at some bills that have been reintroduced this session. less For the first time in fourteen years, former Gov. Rick Perry will no longer have veto power over legislation. Many lawmakers have taken this opportunity to file legislation almost identical to bills Perry vetoed during his tenure. For the first time in fourteen years, former Gov. Rick Perry will no longer have veto power over legislation. Many lawmakers have taken this opportunity to file legislation almost identical to bills Perry ... more Photo: Charlie Neibergall, STF Photo: Charlie Neibergall, STF Image 1 of / 15 Caption Close After Perry, lawmakers hope for another chance for legislation 1 / 15 Back to Gallery

For the first time in fourteen years, former Gov. Rick Perry will no longer have veto power over legislation. Many lawmakers in the Texas legislature have taken this opportunity to file new legislation this session almost identical to bills Perry vetoed during his tenure.

As governor, Perry vetoed a grand total of 301 pieces of legislation, including line-item vetoes. The most vetoes came during his first session as governor in 2001, where he axed a total of 83 bills. Since then, he has vetoed approximately 20 to 50 bills each year.

Responses to Perry's political maneuvers have varied greatly, some sparking petitions and public outcry.

In 2009, Perry vetoed a bill that would have established a safe passing distance for motor vehicles passing a cyclist or runner on the side of the road. Perry vetoed the bill because it would establish a new class of entitled "vulnerable road users." Despite his reasoning for vetoing the bill, he received harsh criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike. A group of cyclists started a petition to alert Perry of their displeasure.

Perry also received criticism after vetoing a bill that would have established a precedent for equal pay, as it would make discriminatory compensation illegal. The bill, which has been filed again this session, mirrored the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, a federal statute. Perry reportedly received letters from various retailers calling for him to veto the legislation, including Kroger Food Stores, Macy's and the Texas Association of Business.

And of course, one of Perry's vetoes landed him in legal trouble. Perry was indicted in 2014 on two felony counts alleging he abused his authority by threatening to veto funding for the public corruption unit unless Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg, who oversees the unit, resigned following a drunk driving arrest.

Perry vetoed the funding, saying, "I cannot in good conscience support continued state funding for an office with statewide jurisdiction at a time when the person charged with ultimate responsibility of that unit has lost the public's confidence."

For some lawmakers, fresh faced Gov. Greg Abbott represents a new opportunity for their vetoed legislation.

Take a look at some bills that have been reintroduced this session and have new hope now that there is a new face in the governor's mansion.