State 945
Budgets, Emergency Items, Leadership Games: A Preview of the 89th Legislative Session
The 89th Legislative Session is less than a score of days away and this year’s is once again primed with intrigue. Here are six questions to watch for during the looming 140-day sprint, and all that may or may not come after. × This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able
Six Texas Laws Taking Effect on January 1
A handful of bills previously passed during Texas’ 88th Legislative Session will become effective on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2025 — touching on a range of topics related to vehicle inspections, data privacy, and property taxes. Here’s a look at the biggest state laws that take effect today. × This page requires Javascript. Javascript
Texas Political Stories to Watch for in 2025
From federal to state to local politics, Texas has a lot going on in 2025. Here are a few themes to watch out for in the new year. × This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. See the original
The Past and Future of School Choice in Texas
School choice legislation has faced significant challenges in Texas over the past two years. Despite being a key priority for Gov. Greg Abbott, a bill has yet to reach his desk. Now that Abbott’s best chance to pass meaningful school choice legislation appears to be in the upcoming 2025 session — with new pro-school choice
Border Security and Illegal Immigration: A 2024 Year in Review
Illegal immigration and the southern border are central to the American political conversation. A multitude of events, both in Texas and across the nation, have highlighted the complexity and urgency of addressing border security, the social impacts of immigration, and the challenges of crafting solutions to this deeply divisive issue. January marked the beginning of
‘Merry Christmas Bill’ Protects Holiday Celebrations at Texas Schools
The holiday season is filled with a variety of different traditions and celebrations, and back in 2013, Texas’ then-Gov. Rick Perry signed into law a bill ensuring that schools are able to display “scenes or symbols” associated with these holidays. House Bill (HB) 308, otherwise known as the “Merry Christmas bill,” enshrined into Texas law
Texas Tradition: Tamales at Christmastime
Native Texans know it is not Christmas without tamales. The tender meat-filled masa dough surrounded by a corn husk is a true Texas Christmas tradition. It is likely that the staple of Tex-Mex cuisine originated with the Aztecs, who are said to have served tamales to Spaniards when they came to Mexico in the mid-1500s.
The Texas House’s Festive Christmas Tree Ornament Tradition
Presents, ornaments, and a giant pine tree are not what one might expect to see on the floor of the Texas House, but it has become one of the most celebrated practices under the Pink Dome. Every December, the lower chamber of the Texas Legislature continues its long-honored tradition of adorning a Christmas tree on
Robert Roberson Does Not Appear at Texas House Committee Hearing
The Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee held a hearing with death row inmate Robert Roberson subpoenaed to appear, but just hours before the hearing was set to take place, the Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) cast doubt on his appearance. On the evening prior to the committee hearing, Attorney General Ken Paxton sent
Texas Lawmakers Target Misconduct from Public School Contractors After Recent Incidents
A bipartisan group of state lawmakers are seeking ways to crack down on the hiring of public school contract employees who may pose a danger to students following scandals involving inappropriate sexual behavior. Last year, police arrested Austin Independent School District (AISD) tutor Isaiah Xavier Smith for indecency with a child at Akins High School.
SpaceX’s ‘Starship’ Water Deluge System Faces Another Environmental Lawsuit
While billionaire Texan Elon Musk continues to launch rockets at his South Texas “Starbase,” new lawsuits from environmental groups are launching allegations against the space exploration company — and now a state regulator tasked with approving permitting for the operation. The South Texas Environmental Justice Network, in partnership with the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe of Texas, has
House Bill Seeks to Clarify Legality Surrounding Texas Abortion Law
State Rep. Ann Johnson (D-Houston) filed a bill to “ensure medically necessary exceptions” for Texas’ abortion laws by clarifying healthcare providers’ liability when performing abortions for various motivations — alleging that Gov. Greg Abbott banned abortions in Texas with no exceptions. “Texas women were robbed of their freedom. Some were even robbed of their lives.
