WEATHER ALERT
Gov. Greg Abbott sets Nov. 4 special election for open state Senate seat
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott sets Nov. 4 special election for open state Senate seatThe contest coincides with the state’s November uniform election, when voters across Texas will already be at the polls to decide local offices and ballot measures.
Gov. Greg Abbott, AG Ken Paxton do not have to release Uvalde or Jan. 6 emails, Texas Supreme Court rules
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott, AG Ken Paxton do not have to release Uvalde or Jan. 6 emails, Texas Supreme Court rulesThe decision, stemming from a 2022 lawsuit, narrows the public’s legal options to challenge Texas officials under the state’s open records law.
Texas can require porn websites to verify users’ ages, Supreme Court rules
Read full article: Texas can require porn websites to verify users’ ages, Supreme Court rulesThe case involves a 2023 state law requiring adult websites to verify users’ ages, but the ruling is expected to have broader implications for free speech law.
Is THC as dangerous as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick makes it out to be?
Read full article: Is THC as dangerous as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick makes it out to be?Although Patrick and hemp industry leaders have quarreled over the risks and benefits of THC, cannabis researchers say it can be addictive but doesn’t usually cause widespread psychosis or brain damage.
Top Paxton deputy accused of witness tampering during impeachment trial
Read full article: Top Paxton deputy accused of witness tampering during impeachment trialIn dueling lawsuits, current and former employees of the attorney general’s office sling allegations that threaten to intrude on Paxton’s U.S. Senate bid.
Gov. Greg Abbott orders preemptive strike on screwworm in Texas
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott orders preemptive strike on screwworm in TexasAbbott ordered two Texas agencies to begin working together and with residents and business leaders to stop the spread of the invasive fly before it even starts.
Texas Lottery Commission to be disbanded as state game gets new restrictions
Read full article: Texas Lottery Commission to be disbanded as state game gets new restrictionsGov. Greg Abbott on Sunday signed Senate Bill 3070, which will also criminalize the online sale of lottery tickets through couriers.
Texas to create its own psychology licensing test amid pushback on national exam
Read full article: Texas to create its own psychology licensing test amid pushback on national examTexas and other states have criticized a decision by the national psychologist licensing board to add another expensive test in order for psychologists to become certified.
State Rep. Nate Schatzline drops Texas Senate bid, endorses conservative activist Leigh Wambsganss
Read full article: State Rep. Nate Schatzline drops Texas Senate bid, endorses conservative activist Leigh WambsganssThe North Texas district opened up last week when Republican Kelly Hancock resigned from the upper chamber to take over as the state’s acting comptroller.
With prospects of a THC ban eroded, Texas hemp industry supports age restrictions, more regulation enforcement
Read full article: With prospects of a THC ban eroded, Texas hemp industry supports age restrictions, more regulation enforcementHemp industry leaders say they agree with regulations similar to how the state regulates alcohol.
Lt. Gov. Patrick rips Gov. Abbott for vetoing THC ban, digs in against calls for regulation
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Patrick rips Gov. Abbott for vetoing THC ban, digs in against calls for regulationThe clash marks a rare break between two of the most powerful Republicans in Texas after a legislative session that ushered in a series of conservative victories.
Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes funding for federal summer lunch program for low-income children
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes funding for federal summer lunch program for low-income childrenAbbott cited uncertainty over federal funding of the program as his reason for rejecting the state’s participation.
Rural Americans more likely to live with chronic pain than urban peers, UT-Arlington study finds
Read full article: Rural Americans more likely to live with chronic pain than urban peers, UT-Arlington study findsMore than 3 million people call rural Texas home, and many lack access to a primary care doctor.
Did Texas lawmakers do enough for children with disabilities? These child care advocates say no.
Read full article: Did Texas lawmakers do enough for children with disabilities? These child care advocates say no.Lawmakers added $100 million to a child care scholarship program but failed to expand access to free preschool for children with disabilities.
Gov. Greg Abbott orders special legislative session after vetoing 26 bills
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott orders special legislative session after vetoing 26 billsAbbott will call lawmakers back to Austin to tackle Senate Bill 3, a proposed ban on THC products that he vetoed, as well as five others from his veto list.
Texas is illegally keeping people with disabilities in nursing homes, federal judge rules
Read full article: Texas is illegally keeping people with disabilities in nursing homes, federal judge rulesA federal judge determined the state illegally institutionalized severely disabled people for decades, often in poorly run facilities.
Former Texas state Sen. Kelly Hancock to become acting comptroller, run for permanent job
Read full article: Former Texas state Sen. Kelly Hancock to become acting comptroller, run for permanent jobHancock, a North Richland Hills Republican, announced his candidacy shortly after being sworn in as chief clerk at the comptroller’s office.
Amid Trump immigration crackdown, Texas reins in border spending and shifts focus to deportations
Read full article: Amid Trump immigration crackdown, Texas reins in border spending and shifts focus to deportationsWith border crossings at record lows, state authorities are being sent to arrest people accused of committing crimes in Texas after entering the country illegally.
Texas again lowers restrictions on certain firearms, passes on regulations
Read full article: Texas again lowers restrictions on certain firearms, passes on regulationsLawmakers passed a handful of bills aimed at easing access to guns as a new pediatric study links state legislation to increased firearm deaths.
With only 8% built, Texas quietly defunds state border wall program
Read full article: With only 8% built, Texas quietly defunds state border wall programTexas officials suggested the federal government could pick up construction. However, during President Trump’s first term, his administration built about one-third of what the state was able to put up in the same amount of time.
Some Texans fear a looming THC ban could return them to opioids, illegal options
Read full article: Some Texans fear a looming THC ban could return them to opioids, illegal optionsTexas hemp users stockpile products and consider moving out of state as ban looms, saying the medical marijuana program is currently an untenable alternative.
South Padre Island officials worried about FEMA’s potential disaster spending cuts
Read full article: South Padre Island officials worried about FEMA’s potential disaster spending cutsThe Trump administration is proposing limits to the recreational facilities — including beaches — that are eligible for federal assistance.
After El Paso joined Abbott’s border crackdown, the number of dead migrants in the New Mexico desert surged
Read full article: After El Paso joined Abbott’s border crackdown, the number of dead migrants in the New Mexico desert surgedSince El Paso joined Operation Lone Star in 2022, migrant remains discovered in the desert west of the city have increased every year, even as they have declined in every other border sector.
As Trump celebrates military, Texans protest president’s aggressive immigration enforcement
Read full article: As Trump celebrates military, Texans protest president’s aggressive immigration enforcementDemonstrations in McAllen, Midland, Odessa, Austin and elsewhere in Texas have been largely peaceful, as some protests are expected to go well into the night.
Texas DPS makes arrest after warning state lawmakers of “credible threats” tied to Capitol protest
Read full article: Texas DPS makes arrest after warning state lawmakers of “credible threats” tied to Capitol protestThe agency said there was no additional active threat, as Austin demonstrators took aim at the Trump administration.
A $20 billion effort to avoid calamity: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did to save the state’s water supply
Read full article: A $20 billion effort to avoid calamity: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did to save the state’s water supplyAmong other changes is a new law that says homeowner associations can no longer fine Texans for not watering their grass during a drought.
Undocumented students ask judge to let them challenge sudden loss of in-state tuition
Read full article: Undocumented students ask judge to let them challenge sudden loss of in-state tuitionTheir filing says the lawsuit that struck down in-state tuition for undocumented students was “contrived” to keep their voices out.
With Rick Perry’s backing and $50 million from the state, Texas set to become a leader in psychedelics research
Read full article: With Rick Perry’s backing and $50 million from the state, Texas set to become a leader in psychedelics researchLawmakers have approved funding clinical trials for ibogaine as a treatment for addiction and brain trauma. It comes as Texas contemplates banning THC.
Amarillo breaks ground on psychiatric hospital, part of the state’s $1.5B investment in mental health
Read full article: Amarillo breaks ground on psychiatric hospital, part of the state’s $1.5B investment in mental healthThe facility will bring mental health resources closer to the largely rural region that’s home to nearly 436,000 people.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s push to ban THC in Texas draws rare backlash from the right
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s push to ban THC in Texas draws rare backlash from the rightIt’s an unusual situation for the lieutenant governor, long viewed by GOP activists as a stalwart conservative responsible for driving the Legislature rightward.
Texas foster care agency chief to step down this summer
Read full article: Texas foster care agency chief to step down this summerTwo years after Stephanie Muth became Department of Family and Protective Services commissioner, staff turnover is down and the number of children without a placement has dropped.
Staff vacancies hit Texas weather offices as they brace for a busy hurricane season
Read full article: Staff vacancies hit Texas weather offices as they brace for a busy hurricane seasonHouston’s National Weather Service office has lost its head meteorologist amid a federal requirement to cut 10% of NOAA’s staff.
Texas’ swift surrender to DOJ on undocumented student tuition raises questions about state-federal collusion
Read full article: Texas’ swift surrender to DOJ on undocumented student tuition raises questions about state-federal collusionExperts say Wednesday’s action to eliminate the long-standing policy could be a “collusive lawsuit,” where the state and feds worked the courts to get a desired outcome.
Texas will begin a summer lunch program in 2027, but only if feds don’t raise costs
Read full article: Texas will begin a summer lunch program in 2027, but only if feds don’t raise costsThe program would give low income families an extra $120 per child for summer lunches, but federal debate about food benefits could endanger the program.
Speaker Dustin Burrows, once tagged as “liberal,” kept skeptics at bay by leaning into a conservative agenda
Read full article: Speaker Dustin Burrows, once tagged as “liberal,” kept skeptics at bay by leaning into a conservative agendaAt the same time, some Democrats acknowledged the Lubbock Republican let them leave their mark on some of the GOP bills they disagreed with.
Texas reined in recreational THC for more medical marijuana this legislative session
Read full article: Texas reined in recreational THC for more medical marijuana this legislative sessionTexas passed sweeping changes to cannabis policy, including expanding the medical marijuana program and banning hemp products, while also boosting psychedelics research.
Texas bill creating more weekend early voting could boost turnout, but delay election results
Read full article: Texas bill creating more weekend early voting could boost turnout, but delay election resultsA bill headed for Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk may not go into effect until 2027. Election administrators say the changes could create staffing challenges.
Texas secretary of state refers 33 potential noncitizen voters for criminal investigation
Read full article: Texas secretary of state refers 33 potential noncitizen voters for criminal investigationThe 33 potential voting violations are a tiny fraction of the roughly 11 million who cast ballots in the November 2024 election.
Texas Rep. Jolanda Jones announces bid to succeed Sylvester Turner in Congress
Read full article: Texas Rep. Jolanda Jones announces bid to succeed Sylvester Turner in CongressJones, a Democrat elected to the Texas House in 2022 and previously served on the Houston City Council, joins a slate of candidates running to fill the solidly blue seat.
As lawmakers tried to name an official steak, Texas students learned how to find the best beef
Read full article: As lawmakers tried to name an official steak, Texas students learned how to find the best beefFar from the Capitol, students at Texas Tech spend time examining the quality of beef for meat judging competitions.
Voters will have final say on billions of tax cuts for Texas homeowners, businesses
Read full article: Voters will have final say on billions of tax cuts for Texas homeowners, businessesTexas is slated to spend $51 billion on property tax cuts over the next two years. Some worry that’s unsustainable.
Texas lawmakers voted to ban consumable THC products. Will Gov. Greg Abbott sign — or veto — the bill?
Read full article: Texas lawmakers voted to ban consumable THC products. Will Gov. Greg Abbott sign — or veto — the bill?Abbott faces pressure from both sides of the aisle. The prohibition was a priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, but some hemp farmers and veterans want it killed.
In final act, Texas Legislature boosts judges’ pay and lawmaker pensions
Read full article: In final act, Texas Legislature boosts judges’ pay and lawmaker pensionsHouse and Senate members agreed that judges needed a pay raise. But they spent the final hours of the legislative session debating whether Texas lawmakers should also benefit from the boost.
School vouchers, THC ban, property tax cuts: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did in the 2025 regular session
Read full article: School vouchers, THC ban, property tax cuts: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did in the 2025 regular sessionThe Legislature wrapped up without the same drama that defined the end of the last two sessions, with state GOP leaders checking off nearly everything on their to-do lists.
How RFK Jr., Democrats and Republicans found common ground over food labels in Texas
Read full article: How RFK Jr., Democrats and Republicans found common ground over food labels in TexasTexas is poised to lead the country in an initiative to inform denizens of what’s in their food. Food industry experts say it’s going too far.
Bills aimed at studying, restricting “forever chemicals” in Texas fail
Read full article: Bills aimed at studying, restricting “forever chemicals” in Texas failTexas lawmakers bypassed bills that would have restricted “forever chemicals” in sewage sludge, studied health impacts and banned some uses of PFAS-laced firefighting foams.
Texas Legislature gives new city of Starbase authority to shut down local beach for SpaceX launches
Read full article: Texas Legislature gives new city of Starbase authority to shut down local beach for SpaceX launchesLocal organizations strongly opposed the measure, hosting phone banking events to urge lawmakers to vote against the bill.
Long-awaited raise for Texas judges in limbo over legislative pension clash
Read full article: Long-awaited raise for Texas judges in limbo over legislative pension clashA bill to increase judicial salaries from $140,000 to $175,000 a year stalled amid a disagreement over lawmakers’ own retirement benefits.
Democrats lash out as Legislature bans school clubs that support gay teens
Read full article: Democrats lash out as Legislature bans school clubs that support gay teensTensions flared and the debate turned personal as Republicans said their bill empowered parents and denied predictions that the ban will endanger children.
Texas Legislature approves $338 billion two-year spending plan with a focus on property tax relief
Read full article: Texas Legislature approves $338 billion two-year spending plan with a focus on property tax reliefA boost in public school spending, school vouchers, and money for water systems are other highlights of the state budget, which was bolstered by a $24 billion surplus.
Texas moves close to ban on some land sales to foreigners
Read full article: Texas moves close to ban on some land sales to foreignersThe Legislature has approved a conference committee report that lists sales to certain people from China, North Korea, Russia and Iran as threats to national security.
Automatic denial of bail for some migrants fails to pass Texas House
Read full article: Automatic denial of bail for some migrants fails to pass Texas HouseSupporters said the proposal, which sought to amend the state constitution, would improve safety. Critics said it would violate due process and unfairly target minority groups.
Top deputies to Attorney General Ken Paxton pushed out over sexual harassment allegations, lawsuit says
Read full article: Top deputies to Attorney General Ken Paxton pushed out over sexual harassment allegations, lawsuit saysThe harassment allegedly took place while the two were on leave from the agency working on Paxton’s impeachment defense.
Oil companies win protections from Texas Legislature ahead of selling fracking water
Read full article: Oil companies win protections from Texas Legislature ahead of selling fracking waterAt least four companies say they are prepared to treat the water well enough to be released into rivers in West Texas. Environmental groups say the state is moving too fast.
Once again, Texas Legislature unlikely to pass ethics legislation this year
Read full article: Once again, Texas Legislature unlikely to pass ethics legislation this yearLawmakers filed dozens of bills that would increase transparency around spending in elections and strengthen penalties for campaign and lobbying violations. None are poised to pass.
Texas will require state documents to reflect sex assigned at birth
Read full article: Texas will require state documents to reflect sex assigned at birthMany trans Texans have changed the sex listed on their birth certificate, driver’s licenses and other documents. They say their identities will be invalidated under bill headed to governor's desk.
Texas bill penalizing cities and counties for progressive policies misses House deadline
Read full article: Texas bill penalizing cities and counties for progressive policies misses House deadlineSenate Bill 2858 would have expanded a sweeping state law intended to erode the authority of the state’s major urban areas.
Lawmakers approve bill limiting protests at public universities
Read full article: Lawmakers approve bill limiting protests at public universitiesThe proposal is largely in response to massive pro-Palestinian demonstrations last year. Critics say it would walk back free speech protections that conservatives advocated for in previous legislative sessions.
Texas lawmakers expand medical marijuana program eligibility amid looming hemp ban
Read full article: Texas lawmakers expand medical marijuana program eligibility amid looming hemp banHouse Bill 46, which awaits Gov. Greg Abbott’s approval, would include more patients with chronic pain and allow for prescribed vaporized and aerosol products, such as vapes.
“Anti-Red Flag Act” that would limit when guns can be taken from people advances in Texas House
Read full article: “Anti-Red Flag Act” that would limit when guns can be taken from people advances in Texas HouseSenate Bill 1362 would prevent officials from taking someone’s firearms if they haven’t been charged with a crime or aren’t subject to a protective order under the Texas Family Code.
Texas bill allowing smaller homes on smaller lots amid housing affordability crunch advances in House
Read full article: Texas bill allowing smaller homes on smaller lots amid housing affordability crunch advances in HouseSenate Bill 15, a top priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, is part of a broad push by lawmakers to put a dent in the state’s high home prices.
Lawmakers near deal to spend $20 billion over two decades on water crisis
Read full article: Lawmakers near deal to spend $20 billion over two decades on water crisisThe deal allocates $1 billion a year to water projects for 20 years, which some groups estimate is a fraction of what Texas needs to save its water supply.
Texas lawmaker abruptly spiked his bill to punish cities that don’t deal with homeless encampments
Read full article: Texas lawmaker abruptly spiked his bill to punish cities that don’t deal with homeless encampmentsThe bill would have withheld some tax dollars from cities that did not comply with state law.
New limits for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits may become a reality in Texas
Read full article: New limits for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits may become a reality in TexasThe House made changes to the proposal that leave open ways for victims to be compensated beyond medical bills.
Bill that gives Texas increased oversight of largest energy users wins Legislature’s approval
Read full article: Bill that gives Texas increased oversight of largest energy users wins Legislature’s approvalSenate Bill 6, which now heads to the governor’s desk, gives the state’s electricity managers the ability to shut power to large consumers during emergencies.
Proposal to automatically deny bail to some previously accused of felonies falls in Texas House
Read full article: Proposal to automatically deny bail to some previously accused of felonies falls in Texas HouseDemocrats declined to support Senate Joint Resolution 87, which sprinted through the Senate and needed 100 votes to clear the lower chamber.
Ban on THC products in Texas heads to Gov. Abbott’s desk after Senate agrees to House changes
Read full article: Ban on THC products in Texas heads to Gov. Abbott’s desk after Senate agrees to House changesThe governor has not addressed whether he supports the ban, as hemp industry leaders have urged him to veto Senate Bill 3.
Legislature clears the way for Texas Lottery to continue under a different state agency
Read full article: Legislature clears the way for Texas Lottery to continue under a different state agencySB 3070, which awaits Gov. Greg Abbott’s signature, would move the lottery game to Texas’ Department of Licensing and Regulation and includes new restrictions on ticket purchases.
Texas Legislature approves making vaccine exemption process easier
Read full article: Texas Legislature approves making vaccine exemption process easierInstead of waiting for the state to send them one, parents would be able to print out vaccine exemption forms at home if they want to skip school-required shots. Critics believe the bill would increase infections.
Bill to allow smaller homes on smaller lots resurrected in Texas House
Read full article: Bill to allow smaller homes on smaller lots resurrected in Texas HouseA top priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the legislation would make it easier to construct homes on smaller lots. A House Democrat briefly killed the bill.
After years of tension, Texas House emerges as cooperative partner for Dan Patrick and his conservative agenda
Read full article: After years of tension, Texas House emerges as cooperative partner for Dan Patrick and his conservative agendaA 2024 war among Republicans tilted the House to the right. Now more closely aligned with the Senate, Speaker Dustin Burrows has accelerated action on bail, school vouchers and social issues.
Texas will require public school classrooms to display Ten Commandments under bill signed by governor
Read full article: Texas will require public school classrooms to display Ten Commandments under bill signed by governorGov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 10, even though a similar Louisiana law was deemed unconstitutional. Supporters say Christianity is core to U.S. history.