Banking lobbyist calls gold industry “predatory” at Senate hearing.
State
Texas GOP to Vote on Censuring House Speaker Dade Phelan
The State Republican Executive Committee will vote Saturday on the censure of Phelan.
A 2021 Court Ruling is Making Waves in 2024
Texans concerned about voter fraud have an outlet in the GOP primary.
Court Denies Biden Administration’s Effort to Dismiss Texas Lawsuit Against Asylum Rule
A federal judge said Texas has grounds to sue due to the state’s increased costs for border security and related services.
University of Houston Report: Texas’ Abortion Ban Saved Nearly 8K Babies in 2022
A new study found the state saw a noticeable jump in its birth rate one year after the Texas Heartbeat Act took effect.
MOST RECENT
Sexually Explicit ‘A Drag Queen Christmas’ Implements Age Restriction
Last year, children were allowed to attend the event, which featured performances by drag queens wearing lingerie and fake breasts.
Abbott Signs Property Tax Compromise Into Law
While Abbott has traditionally held signing ceremonies for high-profile pieces of legislation, the “Big Three” have not met for one this session.
Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom Releases Legislative Report Card
On transportation-related issues, more than half of the Republicans in the Texas House received failing grades, while nearly all Republicans in the Texas Senate received at least an A.
Paxton Moves to Quash ‘Hopelessly Vague’ Articles of Impeachment
Paxton’s team says the impeachment articles are too vague to be considered.
State Rep. Brian Harrison Says ‘States Are Sovereign’ as Biden Border Crisis Continues
As the Biden administration sues the State of Texas for installing marine border barriers, state officials are challenging the federal government to act.
Book Vendors Sue Over New Law to Keep Smut Out of Texas Schools
“The far left will do anything to maintain their ability to sexualize our children,” said HB 900 author State Rep. Jared Patterson.
New Association Launched as Alternative to Controversial American Library Association
A slew of inappropriate actions by the ALA have led a “library watchdog” to launch an alternative.
Paxton’s Lawyers Request Clarity From House on ‘Vague’ Impeachment Charges
The 20 impeachment charges “raised far more questions than they answered,” his team says.
School District Lawyers Ridicule Parents During Texas Bar Conference
“It’s all about protecting the system,” says education attorney and parent advocate Janelle Davis.
State Rep. Frederick Frazier Seeks Re-election Despite Legal Troubles
The McKinney Republican is on leave from the Dallas Police Department while facing felony charges related to his last election.
ARCHIVE
On Ending Wind Energy Subsidies, Abbott Says Legislature ‘Will Consider’
From 2006 to 2019, wind and solar generators received about $19.4 billion in subsidies and benefits from Texas taxpayers and consumers.
School Districts’ Options After Historic Texas Freeze
Texas Education Agency published options for going back to school.
Abbott Blames ERCOT, but Also Takes Responsibility for Texas Freeze
Abbott said, “I’m taking responsibility for the current status of ERCOT,” even though he laid much of the blame at their feet just minutes before.
Can Students Make Up Lost Time for Statewide Assessment?
Study finds students are roughly three months behind in instruction.
How Does the Legislature Spend its Time?
An explanation of the normal timeline of the Texas legislative session.
Peacock: Renewable Energy Failed to Keep the Lights on for Texans
Most of the grid was probably about as prepared as could be expected for this record storm. However, one part of the grid was mostly unprepared: renewable energy generators.
5 ERCOT Board Members Live Outside of Texas
Board Chair Sally Talberg lives in Michigan.
Teachers Concerned About Salary, Insurance, Retirement
“I can’t afford to live near where I teach because I need to make at least $65,000 to live near Austin. But I only make $6,000 more than when I started teaching 15 years ago.”
Could Lawmakers Have Prevented Texas’ Blackouts?
Action by the Texas Legislature, combined with poor decisions by the body managing our state’s power grid, led to millions of Texans losing power during severe winter weather.
Analysis: 38 Days in, Legislature Has Only Met for Hours
Lawmakers have adopted a go-slow, do-little posture in response to the coronavirus pandemic.