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Second Special Session of 2025 Closes as Texas House and Senate Adjourn Sine Die
The Texas Legislature has concluded the second called special session of the 89th Legislature, wrapping up a chaotic three weeks of hashing out hot-button issues in the dust of a Democratic quorum break. The second special session was called by Gov. Greg Abbott on August 15, immediately after the conclusion of the first one. It […]
THC Deal Between Governor, Legislature Falls Through Before Second Special Session Ends
Gov. Greg Abbott’s special session agenda item tasking the Texas Legislature with addressing hemp-derived THC in Texas will not be resolved before the end of the session. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made the announcement on social media that “after long discussions” with the other members of Texas’ “Big Three” — Abbott and House Speaker Dustin […]
Texas Lawmakers Struggle on Hemp-Derived THC Agreement Before Special Session Ends
With the Texas Legislature nearing its anticipated sine die for the second special session on Wednesday, questions over the future of hemp-derived THC remain unresolved, leaving many to wonder whether the issue is going to be reignited or go up in smoke. In the expected final hours of the second special session, Gov. Greg Abbott, […]
THC, Property Tax Reform in Limbo as Texas Legislature Scrambles for Agreement Before Sine Die
The Texas Legislature — its leadership, its membership, and its staff — is weary and frazzled as this second special session of 2025 winds to a close. But with the end in sight, the typical mad dash to pass everything possible runs up against significant existing disagreement over pending legislation on THC, property taxes, and […]
U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals Takes Up Kemah, Texas Property Rights ‘Takings’ Case
A panel of judges of the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments on Tuesday for a property rights lawsuit against the City of Kemah, questioning the parties about steps property owners must take before seeking relief from the federal courts when the government has rendered property unusable through regulation. In July 2021, […]
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 […]
