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Texas Lottery Transferred to TDLR After Legislative Battle Over Couriers, Alleged ‘Criminal Conspiracy’
As of September 1, the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) is now under the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The agency has undergone a tumultuous saga involving state lawmakers, investigations, and accusations about its alleged scandalous operations. Back in 1991, Texas voters approved the creation of a state lottery, and in
New Texas Laws from 89th Session Face Legal Challenges
Lawsuits are being lobbed at a handful of the 835 laws that went into effect in Texas on Monday as well as their potential counterparts, in order to prevent them from being implemented. Issues that were broached during the 89th regular session spanned school choice, a ban on taxpayer-funded abortion travel, required age verification on
Texas House and Senate Again at Loggerheads Over Property Tax Reform
Just when it seemed the Texas Legislature’s latest property tax reform proposal was over the finish line, it was pulled back toward the brink. The Texas House rejected the conference committee report for Senate Bill (SB) 10 on Thursday by a 60 to 71 vote, in which Democrats and the right flank of the Republican
Texas School Districts Craft Policies on Library Book Approval, Children’s Access Under New Law
A new Texas law shifts book approval for public school libraries from librarians to school boards and establishes that “parents are the primary decision makers regarding a student’s access to library material.” Senate Bill (SB) 13 was passed during the 89th Legislative Session and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott on June 20. × This page
TPWD Hosting Suicide Awareness Ruck Hikes
Throughout September, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will host Veteran Suicide Awareness Ruck Hikes at Texas State Parks and State Natural Areas, and all military, veterans, family and friends are invited to participate. “This will be our third consecutive year hosting these events, and it’s been growing,” said Nicole Mechler, TPWD military and
CCA Texas Makes Major Donation To Support Oyster License Buyback
Marking a major step toward reducing pressure in an overcapitalized oyster fishery, Coastal Conservation Association Texas (CCA Texas) was instrumental in facilitating the most consequential oyster license buyback round in the state’s history that will reduce harvest pressure and help restore balance to the resource. From March to May 2025, the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Wardens Want Teal Hunters To “Clean, Drain & Dry”
As Texans get ready for the opening of teal hunting season on Sept. 20, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) urges boaters, paddlers and waterfowl hunters to do their part to protect Texas lakes from aquatic invasive species. “While we want everyone to have a great time, we also want to avoid giving invasive
Trinity River Gar Tag Drawing Open
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will open its annual Alligator Gar Harvest Authorization drawing application process Sept. 1. The random drawing authorizes anglers to harvest one alligator gar over 48 inches from a section of the Trinity River. From Sept. 1 — 30, anglers holding a valid license-year or year-from-purchase fishing license can
GOP Candidates for North Texas Senate District Spar Over DEI, Casino Gambling
The two Republican candidates vying to fill the vacant seat for Texas Senate District (SD) 9, vacated by Kelly Hancock who is now serving as the Acting Comptroller of Public Accounts, sparred over several issues, including over events dating back to 2020 at a recent forum. Leigh Wambsganss and John Huffman, both residents of Southlake,
Here’s the Top Bills That Become Texas Law on September 1
The Texas Legislature was busy during the 89th Legislative Session, with more than 830 bills set to go into effect on September 1, many of which were priority issues for both the upper and lower chambers. While members are just days away from wrapping up the second special session of the 89th Session, addressing issues
Texas House Approves Bill Allowing Civil Enforcement of Chemical Abortion Pill Ban
Legislation establishing civil penalties for the production and distribution of chemical abortion pills is close to becoming state law after passing the Texas House on Thursday night. State Rep. Jeff Leach (R-Plano) successfully carried the Texas Woman and Child Protection Act, which curbs the production and distribution of chemical abortion pills in Texas through civil
Texas ‘Bathroom Bill’ Separating Private, Publicly-Funded Spaces by Biological Sex Close to Becoming Law
Legislation separating publicly-funded private spaces, such as bathrooms, by biological sex is close to becoming Texas law after unsuccessful runs in previous legislative sessions. The Texas House of Representatives took up the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, dubbed “bathroom bill” by opponents, on Thursday afternoon and debated for over four hours before passing it on second
