Featured 3394
Education Legislation Roundup: Bills Addressed During 89th Session
With the curtains falling on the 89th Regular Legislative Session, education stood out as a dominant theme, where debates over increasing funding and Gov. Greg Abbott’s flagship priority, school choice, took center stage. Abbott made implementing an education savings account (ESA) program his top legislative priority for the last several years, pursuing a full-out campaign
Here’s a Look at the Status of Dan Patrick’s Texas Senate Legislative Priorities
The Texas Senate succeeded in pushing a majority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s legislative priorities through both chambers during the regular legislative session. Patrick released a list of 40 pieces of priority legislation in the first three months of the year, covering a variety of issues. Here is the status of the Senate priority bills
Texas Legislature Finalizes $338 Billion 2026-2027 Biennial Budget
A final deal was struck in the closing days of the 89th Regular Session on a $338 billion biennial budget, the one constitutional requirement of the Texas Legislature each time it convenes for the first five months of every odd-numbered year. The budget is a 1.2 percent increase from what has been spent during the
I Saw My First Texas Free-Ranging Elk
While driving through Edwards County during a recent hunting trip in the southwestern Edwards Plateau, I was surprised to see a free-ranging bull elk standing outside a high fence. This unexpected (got a crappy long distance cell phone pic) sighting underscores the growing presence of elk in Texas, particularly in areas like the Hill Country,
In Pursuit of Gaspergou
Gaspergou, also known as freshwater drum, are a widespread and often overlooked fish found throughout Texas rivers, lakes, and even brackish coastal bays. Recognizable by their silver-gray bodies, rounded humps, and downturned mouths, gaspergou feed primarily on the bottom and are known for their distinctive “drumming” sound, which gives them their name. Though not as
Fishing The Piers of Coastal Texas
Fishing from piers along the Texas coast is a favorite pastime for anglers of all skill levels, offering easy access to productive waters without the need for a boat. From the bright lights that draw in speckled trout at night to the structure-loving tripletail and the brute strength of big redfish cruising the surf, these
Texas House and Senate Strike Last-Minute Deal on Judicial Pay Raises, Lawmaker Pension Increases
State judges will get their 25 percent pay raise after the Texas House and Senate resolved their differences in a standoff over elected official pension benefits tied to the base judicial salary. Under the deal, judicial base pay will rise to $175,000, and that number will also serve as the basis for lawmaker pensions. However,
Rep. Tony Tinderholt Announces Retirement After Six Terms in Texas House
As Texas’ 89th Legislative Session came to a close on Monday afternoon, state Rep. Tony Tinderholt (R-Arlington) announced his retirement from public office after having served for six terms — drawing bipartisan congratulations, support, and gratitude on the House floor. “Arguably, my 12 years here has been one of the more difficult combat zones I’ve
Texas Sheriff-Federal Official Immigration Enforcement Partnership Bill Sent to Governor
The conference committee report for Senate Bill (SB) 8 passed in the Texas House on Sunday, seeking to enhance cooperation between state and federal law enforcement agencies in order to enforce immigration law. The bill was co-authored in the upper chamber by Sens. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) and Joan Huffman (R-Houston) and was carried in the
Texas Medical Cannabis ‘Compassionate Use Program’ Expansion Bill Heads to Abbott’s Desk
A bill aimed at expanding the availability and accessibility of Texas’ medical cannabis program is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk, following revisions to earlier legislative efforts that had encountered various obstacles. The conference committee report for House Bill (HB) 46 underwent a number of changes and rewrites in the weeks leading up to its
The Best Artificial Baits for Bull Redfish
There’s nothing better than watching a big redfish hunt down a soft plastic or explode on a popper. While redfish aren’t particularly picky fish, there are still certain lures that will produce more bites and land more fish than others—especially if you know when to use them. Big bull drum are suckers for these lures.
2025 Texas Legislative Session Ends After Passing Education Funding, School Choice, THC Ban
The 89th Legislative Session will come to a close Monday after 140 days in Austin full of policy fights over education, the Texas Lottery, infrastructure, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products, and the state budget. This legislative session began on January 14 with an intense, brutal fight over the House speakership that left more questions than answers about
