Hill Country News 3160
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
Louisiana Concerned Over Fish Kills
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reminds the public that high-water temperatures, extended cloudy weather and storms may lead to inland (freshwater) and nearshore marine fish kills in waterways across the state. Fish kills should be reported to the Department by following the instructions on our fish kill webpage. Since warm water has a lower
“Jaws” 50th Anniversary and A Special Tribute
Fifty years ago, a 25-foot mechanical shark named Bruce forever changed the ocean. When Jaws hit theaters in June 1975, it became the first true summer blockbuster, grossing over $470 million worldwide—a staggering amount at the time—and turning beachgoers into reluctant swimmers overnight. More than just a thriller, Jaws left a complicated legacy: while it
Game Wardens Investigate PWC Hit and Run
May 27, 1:20 p.m. — Texas Game Wardens and the Grapevine Police Department have Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez, the suspect tied to the death of Ava Moore in custody. We are thankful for the help of fellow law enforcement officers from the Texas Attorney General’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Dallas Police
How to Read the Marsh
If you’ve never explored the backwaters of a winding marsh, you’re missing out on some of the best fishing Texas has to offer. While it may be a bit daunting looking at miles of maze-like marsh, just like a lake or river you can “read” it to figure out where the fish are likely to
Texas House, Senate Clash Over Judicial Pay Amendment Concerning Lawmaker Retirement Pensions
This legislative session had room for one more bit of fireworks before sine die, when the Texas Senate voted for a bill to raise judicial pay but stripped House language that untied their own pensions from the salary increase. The issue of a judicial pay raise — which judges haven’t been since 2013 — has
Bill Strengthening Human Trafficking Protections Against Massage Parlors Passes Texas Legislature
Legislation cracking down on human traffickers in massage parlors passed the Texas House of Representatives as the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) issued its 43rd closure of such a facility — thanks to legislation passed in the 88th Legislative Session. Senate Bill (SB) 2167 by state Sen. Angela Paxton (R-McKinney) requires massage therapists
Attorney General Paxton Makes Final Push for Legislature to Re-establish Prosecutorial Powers
Few issues in recent election cycles have energized Republican voters more than the fight against election fraud. And no one in Texas government has wielded that issue more effectively in political fashion than Attorney General Ken Paxton — using it to take down rivals, reshape the state’s highest criminal court, and now make a last-minute
Texas Lawmakers Approve Eviction Reforms, Crack Down on Squatters
Both chambers of the Texas Legislature have approved eviction reforms prioritized by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick that will make it easier to remove “squatters” who unlawfully occupy a property without the owner’s consent. Under the reforms now headed to the governor’s desk, owners may file an affidavit to prove their ownership and that occupants are
