Good observation. There is absolutely no question that THE problem in the Texas House is RINO Joe Straus. You correctly state how he gained power. Basically, his support base in the House is Democrats.
One standard by which to measure how weak Texas is with respect to enacting laws that truly further liberty: Texas still does not permit open carry (of hand guns, that is), and — as far as I know — it still does not allow CHL holders to carry on college campuses.
For that matter, why do we require a CHL, with all its red-tape and nonsense: It is a closed door for many without the money to both register and attend a class which forces firearms instructors to teach phoney psychology lessons as part of the regimen. How about “Constitutional Carry,” as Vermont, Alaska, and some other states have.
Joe Straus is, unfortunately, a McCain-type Republican, and a very wiley political tactician to boot..
Universities may have concealed carry if they so choose now.
Hours required in concealed carry classes were cut back this legislative session.