ON THE LEGE. At the Texas Capitol, we are more than halfway through the 79th Texas Legislature. Our erstwhile senators and representatives are holding public hearings on bills. Bills are making their way out of committee to the floor of the House and Senate for debate. Nothing big has passed, but conference committees are working on some.

The biggest issue is, of course, school finance, since the courts have again held the system unconstitutional. This time, however, the court did not say how to fix it. Probably because the last fix did not work.

There are also bills pending about taxation, homeowner's insurance and workers' compensation.

Judge Steve King has a sign in his office that reads "No man's life or lands are safe while the Texas Legislature is in session." Truer words were never spoken.

There is gridlock this session also. This time it is between the House and Senate. Look for at least one special session this summer. Also look for hysteria the last week or so of the regular session. That is when they scramble to pass bills, often not reading them, and using the emergency clause to avoid the time requirements. During that time, almost anything could get passed. Gridlock might be preferable.

May God protect us.