WEATHER ALERT
Lubbock’s public health director fights to stop measles and build public trust
Read full article: Lubbock’s public health director fights to stop measles and build public trustKatherine Wells was celebrated early during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then public health became a political litmus test.
Officer previously accused of excessive force confirmed for state board by Texas Senate
Read full article: Officer previously accused of excessive force confirmed for state board by Texas SenateOne Senate Democrat joined Republicans, providing the margin needed to approve Justin Berry to the state law-enforcement board.
From desalination to water treatment: Bill that prioritizes creating new water supplies get Texas Senate OK
Read full article: From desalination to water treatment: Bill that prioritizes creating new water supplies get Texas Senate OKSenate Bill 7, which won unanimous approval, is among legislation that seeks to avert a looming water crisis as the state’s population booms.
How couriers changed the playing field of the Texas Lottery
Read full article: How couriers changed the playing field of the Texas LotteryLottery couriers have gained newfound scrutiny in Texas after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick raised questions about the use of a courier to sell an $83.5 million jackpot ticket.
Legislation creating statewide emergency communication system advances in Texas House
Read full article: Legislation creating statewide emergency communication system advances in Texas HouseThe legislation was written after the state’s largest wildfire scorched more than 1 million acres in the Panhandle last year.
House committee considering a cap on school voucher spending, increases to public school funding
Read full article: House committee considering a cap on school voucher spending, increases to public school fundingThe House Public Education Committee released new proposals for creating education savings accounts and determining how much state funds public districts get.
Ken Paxton wants Dallas school officials under oath on transgender athlete policy
Read full article: Ken Paxton wants Dallas school officials under oath on transgender athlete policyPaxton’s office launched an investigation into the district’s policy after an administrator was caught on tape discussing a possible loophole in the state’s ban.
Lawyers for Houston-area midwife accused of illegal abortions condemn state’s investigation
Read full article: Lawyers for Houston-area midwife accused of illegal abortions condemn state’s investigationMaria Rojas’ attorneys got their first chance to address the claims against her Thursday. She was released on bond but a judge ordered the clinics to remain closed.
Abortion opponents laud bill that would clamp down on pill providers and out-of-state abortions
Read full article: Abortion opponents laud bill that would clamp down on pill providers and out-of-state abortionsSome health care providers in support of Senate Bill 2880 said people who are mailed abortion pills aren’t given instructions and do not receive follow-up care.
Amid support from doctors group, bill to clarify Texas’ abortion ban does little to save lives, critics say
Read full article: Amid support from doctors group, bill to clarify Texas’ abortion ban does little to save lives, critics saySenate Bill 31 supporters say it would clarify when doctors should intervene to save a pregnant woman’s life, but critics say its vagueness and a measure to resurrect pre-Roe laws hamper it.
Texas AG investigating insurance company accused of spying on lawmakers, journalists, other Texans
Read full article: Texas AG investigating insurance company accused of spying on lawmakers, journalists, other TexansSuperior HealthPlan’s CEO, whom lawmakers grilled about the company’s alleged hiring of private investigators, was reportedly fired after the inquiry was announced.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he’ll push for special session if THC ban, bail changes fail
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he’ll push for special session if THC ban, bail changes failOnly Gov. Greg Abbott can call for a special session. But in his role presiding over the Texas Senate, Patrick can block any bill from passing, giving him leverage to compel overtime sessions by killing must-pass legislation.
Jewish Texans disagree on how to combat antisemitism in schools during hearing on Senate bill
Read full article: Jewish Texans disagree on how to combat antisemitism in schools during hearing on Senate billLawmakers propose addressing antisemitism by requiring schools to use a set definition. Critics say the measure will stifle speech.
Billions more for tax relief and border security under budget approved by Texas Senate
Read full article: Billions more for tax relief and border security under budget approved by Texas SenateNext step will be action in the state House, where budget writers have different plans for distributing property tax help.
West Texas lawmakers push bills to divert some oil and gas taxes to help oil-producing counties with roads, other needs
Read full article: West Texas lawmakers push bills to divert some oil and gas taxes to help oil-producing counties with roads, other needsReps. Tom Craddick and Brooks Landgraf want to divert 10% of taxes collected on oil and gas production to help budget-strapped counties keep up with growth.
Lawmakers push to spend billions of dollars for water projects and debate which ones to prioritize
Read full article: Lawmakers push to spend billions of dollars for water projects and debate which ones to prioritizeGov. Greg Abbott has made water a priority for this legislative session. Lawmakers will debate whether to invest more into new water supplies or repairing old, leaking pipes around Texas.
Texas’ DEI debate centers on a disagreement about whether programs perpetuate or prevent discrimination
Read full article: Texas’ DEI debate centers on a disagreement about whether programs perpetuate or prevent discriminationSupporters say diversity initiatives close educational and income gaps born from a history of prejudice. Republican officials say they prioritize identity over merit.
Republican lawmakers revive effort to give attorney general more power to prosecute election crimes
Read full article: Republican lawmakers revive effort to give attorney general more power to prosecute election crimesCritics fear increased election prosecutions could intimidate voters and local election officials. Attorney General Ken Paxton has long sought more autonomy over election cases.
Texas Senate advances bill to allow smaller homes on smaller lots
Read full article: Texas Senate advances bill to allow smaller homes on smaller lotsLawmakers, who are preempting locals on lot sizes in new subdivisions, have been eyeing ways to allow more homes to be built as the state faces a shortage.
Jackpot withheld, $83 million winner “caught in crossfire” amid lottery courier investigations
Read full article: Jackpot withheld, $83 million winner “caught in crossfire” amid lottery courier investigationsThe winning ticket, purchased online through the courier Jackpocket, is being scrutinized by lawmakers concerned about the legality of third-party services.
Trump administration drops challenge to Texas law targeting people who illegally cross the border
Read full article: Trump administration drops challenge to Texas law targeting people who illegally cross the borderSenate Bill 4, the Texas law that makes illegally crossing the border a state crime, will continue to be challenged by two immigrant rights groups and El Paso County.
Bills seek to improve state’s response to wildfires a year after devastation in Panhandle
Read full article: Bills seek to improve state’s response to wildfires a year after devastation in PanhandleA proposal to create a statewide system connecting emergency personnel and agencies is among several bills that target problems exposed in 2024.
Lawmakers weigh moving bingo operations out of Texas Lottery’s purview amid agency’s uncertain future
Read full article: Lawmakers weigh moving bingo operations out of Texas Lottery’s purview amid agency’s uncertain futureA possible reassignment of the charitable games comes as 15 bills in the Legislature seek to either alter or abolish the troubled agency.
These are the proposals lawmakers hope will save Texas’ water supply. Track them here.
Read full article: These are the proposals lawmakers hope will save Texas’ water supply. Track them here.Most lawmakers — as well as Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick — want to invest big in water. Here are the proposals that would do it.
Texas Republicans seek to clarify when doctors can intervene under abortion bans
Read full article: Texas Republicans seek to clarify when doctors can intervene under abortion bansA Senate bill filed Friday does not expand abortion access, but aims to give doctors clarity while operating under laws that come with up to life in prison.
Paxton says trans Texans can’t use court orders to change sex on driver’s licenses, birth certificates
Read full article: Paxton says trans Texans can’t use court orders to change sex on driver’s licenses, birth certificatesPer the attorney general’s nonbinding opinion, state agencies should change gender markers on government documents back to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Texas lawmakers are pushing harsher criminal penalties while prison and jail populations soar
Read full article: Texas lawmakers are pushing harsher criminal penalties while prison and jail populations soarProposed legislation includes increased penalties for retail theft, car burglaries and forgery, among others.
Texas lawmakers will debate saving the state’s water supply after key legislation is introduced
Read full article: Texas lawmakers will debate saving the state’s water supply after key legislation is introducedThe state House and Senate have similar proposals to solve the state's water crisis, but there are stark differences on how to invest billions of dollars to resolve.
DOJ drops fight against Texas political maps as Trump administration retreats from voting rights cases
Read full article: DOJ drops fight against Texas political maps as Trump administration retreats from voting rights casesThe Biden administration had challenged a Republican-led redistricting plan that diluted the political power of minorities. Other legal challenges will continue.
Paxton investigates Dallas for alleged sanctuary city policies
Read full article: Paxton investigates Dallas for alleged sanctuary city policiesAttorney General Ken Paxton said a recent statement by Dallas’ interim police chief raised concerns that the city might be violating a state law against so-called sanctuary city policies.
Texas is running out of water. Here’s why and what state leaders plan to do about it.
Read full article: Texas is running out of water. Here’s why and what state leaders plan to do about it.The state’s water supply faces numerous threats. And by one estimate, the state’s municipal supply will not meet demand by 2030 if there’s a severe drought and no water solutions are implemented.
In Texas, private firms cash in on property tax late fees, piling debt onto struggling homeowners
Read full article: In Texas, private firms cash in on property tax late fees, piling debt onto struggling homeownersTexans who fall behind on their property taxes face one of the most punitive systems in the nation, where private collection companies can tack up to 20% onto their bill.
Texas Senate majority unveils bill requiring voters to prove their citizenship
Read full article: Texas Senate majority unveils bill requiring voters to prove their citizenshipAll 20 GOP senators signed on to Senate Bill 16, which would apply to currently registered voters, and restrict some to only congressional elections.
How state lawmakers are trying to crack down on illegal immigration
Read full article: How state lawmakers are trying to crack down on illegal immigrationFrom requiring law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal officials to forcing state contractors to use E-Verify to spot undocumented workers, here are the bills that could reshape the state’s immigration policies.
Will lawmakers let Texas’ maternal mortality committee review abortion deaths?
Read full article: Will lawmakers let Texas’ maternal mortality committee review abortion deaths?The Legislature is considering bills that would lift long-standing restrictions on how Texas’ panel can investigate maternal deaths and near-misses.
Federal appeals court reverses Texas death row inmate’s conviction
Read full article: Federal appeals court reverses Texas death row inmate’s convictionBrittany Marlowe Holberg was convicted in 1998 of robbing and murdering an 80-year-old man in his Amarillo home. The appeals court said critical evidence was withheld.
With crumbling public health infrastructure, rural Texas scrambles to respond to measles
Read full article: With crumbling public health infrastructure, rural Texas scrambles to respond to measlesThe measles outbreak in rural Texas has exposed how hospital buildings are ill-equipped. Meanwhile, long distances between providers makes testing people and transporting samples difficult.
Thrust into the spotlight by a school shooting, Uvalde’s former mayor finds his footing as a lawmaker
Read full article: Thrust into the spotlight by a school shooting, Uvalde’s former mayor finds his footing as a lawmakerDon McLaughlin isn’t shy about speaking his mind and has disagreed with victims’ families and fellow Republicans. Now he brings his direct style to the Capitol.
Christi Craddick, Don Huffines announce bids for Texas comptroller after Hegar tapped for A&M chancellor
Read full article: Christi Craddick, Don Huffines announce bids for Texas comptroller after Hegar tapped for A&M chancellorHegar’s impending departure from the comptroller’s seat creates a rare opening for one of Texas’ coveted statewide offices.
Transgender staffer navigates Texas Capitol with guarded care amid growing hostilities
Read full article: Transgender staffer navigates Texas Capitol with guarded care amid growing hostilitiesMo Jenkins is one of only a few openly transgender staffers working in the Capitol as lawmakers are making headway in restricting rights for LGBTQ+ Texans.
Texas’ DOGE committee takes inspiration from Elon Musk’s federal operation
Read full article: Texas’ DOGE committee takes inspiration from Elon Musk’s federal operationThe new legislative panel has been tasked to reduce the size and scope of government. But Democrats say they’re not interested in replicating Musk’s slash-and-burn approach.
Texas Senate advances bill to start a $3 billion dementia research fund
Read full article: Texas Senate advances bill to start a $3 billion dementia research fundThe legislation would require voters to approve the $3 billion start-up cost, and then the fund would be maintained at no more than $300 million annually.
Why a Rio Grande Valley hospital is helping to feed its patients
Read full article: Why a Rio Grande Valley hospital is helping to feed its patientsAs the Edinburg facility and others seek to assist people experiencing food insecurity, state lawmakers have more than a dozen bills that could tackle Texas’ food deserts.
With Texas facing soaring electricity demand, the politics of energy quietly shift at the Capitol
Read full article: With Texas facing soaring electricity demand, the politics of energy quietly shift at the CapitolThe Legislature has tried to clamp down on renewable energy resources in the past, but many lawmakers are recognizing the need to support all types of generation to meet record demand growth.
Texas House majority signs on to new bill restricting the use of bathrooms in public buildings by transgender people
Read full article: Texas House majority signs on to new bill restricting the use of bathrooms in public buildings by transgender peopleHouse Bill 239, which echoes a bathroom bill that failed in 2017, includes new provisions for shelters and prisons.
Following Trump’s lead, Gov. Abbott pushes state agencies to end telework
Read full article: Following Trump’s lead, Gov. Abbott pushes state agencies to end teleworkThe directive comes as some state agencies have downsized their office spaces after the pandemic forced many employees to work remotely.
Part of pro-Palestinian student art exhibit at UNT removed amid antisemitism complaints by state lawmakers
Read full article: Part of pro-Palestinian student art exhibit at UNT removed amid antisemitism complaints by state lawmakersFive GOP lawmakers who targeted the exhibit also called for the cancellation of the “Palestinian Children and the Politics of Genocide” lecture, which is still scheduled.
Former Uvalde mayor files Texas bill to improve law enforcement response to mass shootings
Read full article: Former Uvalde mayor files Texas bill to improve law enforcement response to mass shootingsThe bill would require school districts and law enforcement to meet once a year to plan their response to an active shooter situation. It would also mandate annual multi-agency exercise drills on how to respond to an active shooter.
Texas House and Senate lawmakers have laid out their property tax cut proposals. How do they compare?
Read full article: Texas House and Senate lawmakers have laid out their property tax cut proposals. How do they compare?House and Senate lawmakers plan to spend at least $6 billion on property tax cuts, but haven't yet agreed on how much relief should go to homeowners over businesses.
Texas leaders defend Black official after lawmaker’s public interrogation of DEI policies left her in tears
Read full article: Texas leaders defend Black official after lawmaker’s public interrogation of DEI policies left her in tearsThe topic was a budget request from a state agency. The exchange grew emotional when a lawmaker pressed for answers about a strategic plan that praises diversity.
A shortage of criminal defense attorneys threatens indigent right to counsel in rural Texas
Read full article: A shortage of criminal defense attorneys threatens indigent right to counsel in rural TexasTexas’ indigent defense commission wants lawmakers to spend $35 million on public defender offices in rural areas, but some say that isn’t nearly enough to ensure compliance with the U.S. Constitution.
Investigations into the Texas Lottery grow after courier controversy
Read full article: Investigations into the Texas Lottery grow after courier controversyAG Ken Paxton’s office joins two other investigations by state officials into the commission as one service suspends operations due to the agency’s ban.
Operaciones de ICE en Texas: Qué derechos tienen los inmigrantes
Read full article: Operaciones de ICE en Texas: Qué derechos tienen los inmigrantesAbogados y grupos de inmigración recomiendan a los inmigrantes informarse sobre las acciones de la administración del presidente Donald Trump, como la expansión del uso de expulsiones aceleradas.
New Texas Supreme Court chief justice calls for judicial raises, changes to bail laws
Read full article: New Texas Supreme Court chief justice calls for judicial raises, changes to bail lawsChief Justice Jimmy Blacklock embraced constitutional originalism, a judicial philosophy tied to conservatism, in addressing the Legislature.
Texas has the highest rate of uninsured children, and it’s getting worse
Read full article: Texas has the highest rate of uninsured children, and it’s getting worseIssues with Medicaid coverage, including long wait times, abrupt loss of coverage and lack of political will to expand it, have contributed to Texas’ high uninsured rate for children.
“We’re in competition”: An East Texas school district faces hard choices as education options grow
Read full article: “We’re in competition”: An East Texas school district faces hard choices as education options growThe Lufkin school district says it must do a better job of promoting itself amid growing competition from charter schools and homeschooling.
Feds target “criminals and illegal immigrants” in Houston-area development, Abbott says
Read full article: Feds target “criminals and illegal immigrants” in Houston-area development, Abbott saysThe Colony Ridge development has long been under scrutiny from conservative lawmakers, think tanks and influencers who cast it as a hotbed for undocumented immigrants and cartel crime.
Texas Senate approves bill banning DEI in K-12 public schools
Read full article: Texas Senate approves bill banning DEI in K-12 public schoolsThe bill would ban diversity, equity and inclusion policies related to hiring and programming, while creating ways for parents to complain about violations to the DEI ban.
Texas Lottery commissioner resigns as agency faces legislative scrutiny
Read full article: Texas Lottery commissioner resigns as agency faces legislative scrutinyClark Smith, one of five members of the commission, stepped down Friday as lawmakers have raised questions about the role of lottery couriers and agency governance.
Texas Lottery ticket sales to third-party services fuel controversy and questions about the agency’s future
Read full article: Texas Lottery ticket sales to third-party services fuel controversy and questions about the agency’s futureWhile the Lottery Commission says it can’t regulate sales to couriers, lawmakers want changes after two major jackpots were won using those services.
Under Texas House bill, value of education savings accounts would be tied to public school funding
Read full article: Under Texas House bill, value of education savings accounts would be tied to public school fundingThe proposal sets a few possible points of contention between the House and Senate, including how much money should families get through the program.
National leaders mount pressure campaign on Texas House GOP to pass voucher bill
Read full article: National leaders mount pressure campaign on Texas House GOP to pass voucher billSupporters of voucher-like education savings accounts are trying to press their advantage early and build a sense of inevitability.
Texas Teacher Retirement System leader says Senate voucher proposal would not harm retirement funds
Read full article: Texas Teacher Retirement System leader says Senate voucher proposal would not harm retirement fundsA recent budget analysis noted the Texas Senate’s voucher bill could affect the fund if it leads students and teachers to leave public schools.
Texas mental health licensing board gives initial OK to remove training requirement associated with DEI
Read full article: Texas mental health licensing board gives initial OK to remove training requirement associated with DEIOfficials say the motive for the change to the rule requiring mental health providers to receive cultural diversity or competency training for license renewals has been misunderstood.
Texas Senate votes in favor of proposals to deny bail to certain accused violent criminals
Read full article: Texas Senate votes in favor of proposals to deny bail to certain accused violent criminalsThe package was fast-tracked after Gov. Greg Abbott declared “bail reform” an emergency item. The bills now head to the House for consideration.
Texas measles cases rise to 422. Here is what you need to know.
Read full article: Texas measles cases rise to 422. Here is what you need to know.The measles outbreak has spread hundreds of miles from its West Texas epicenter to now include Brown and Erath counties, according to the state’s latest update.
Large earthquake strikes West Texas, among strongest ever in state
Read full article: Large earthquake strikes West Texas, among strongest ever in stateThe 5.0 magnitude earthquake is tied for the sixth strongest in state history. Scientists have warned for years that increased fracking in West Texas is causing higher earthquake activity.
Winners and losers: Who came out on top — and who didn’t — in the Texas House’s committee assignments
Read full article: Winners and losers: Who came out on top — and who didn’t — in the Texas House’s committee assignmentsThere were only so many chair positions to go around, with 30 committees for 88 Republicans, making it inevitable that some would miss out on plum appointments.
Texas is poised to become a film haven — but not without a fight
Read full article: Texas is poised to become a film haven — but not without a fightThe Texas Senate has proposed injecting a staggering half a billion dollars into film production, as economists and fiscal hawks question the return on investment.
Texas’ energy demand may exceed supply in 2026, but experts caution against panic
Read full article: Texas’ energy demand may exceed supply in 2026, but experts caution against panicSome experts are skeptical the grid would see as much demand growth as ERCOT predicts, and other ERCOT models showed things getting tight but not tipping into a deficit.