Texas Legislature passes sweeping election bill and sends to Governor Greg Abbott for signature

The Texas Legislature sent a sweeping Republican-backed election bill to Governor Greg Abbott's desk on Tuesday, ending a months-long standoff with Democrats, who tried to defeat the effort in two separate walkouts. 

The Texas House passed the bill, SB 1, 80-41 last week and on Tuesday, the Texas Senate passed it 18-13. The votes were nearly along party lines. Abbott has said that he looks forward to signing the bill. "Senate Bill 1 will solidify trust and confidence in the outcome of our elections by making it easier to vote and harder to cheat. I look forward to signing Senate Bill 1 into law, ensuring election integrity in Texas," Abbott said in a statement.