The Texas Senate has passed House Bill 4 with a 23-8 vote, citing Houston ISD's academic improvements under Superintendent Mike Miles as an example of effective accountability.

House Bill 4 would make the test shorter and base scores on how students’ performance compares to national averages.

The bill would require the state to reduce the test’s length, prioritize post-secondary preparation and launch a revamped version by 2026.

The governor, lieutenant governor and House speaker generally agree on building more border barriers and making illegal border crossings a state crime. But disagreements over strategy and personal animosity mean those measures face long odds this special legislative session.