Like casino special interests, sports gambling suffered setbacks in 2024.
Year in Review
More Texas Teachers Target Students for Sex Crimes
In 2024, nearly 100 educators statewide were accused of sexually exploiting children.
With Dade Phelan Out, Eyes Turn to Day One Speaker Vote
Just a day before the Republican caucus was set to meet to nominate a Speaker candidate, Phelan announced he would no longer be seeking the position.
Will Lawmakers Provide Property Tax Relief in 2025?
Fiscal responsibility advocates are urging the legislature to return surplus tax dollars to Texans and put Texas on a path to eliminate property taxes.
A Year of Controversy and Scrutiny for the Texas Lottery
The Texas Lottery Commission’s latest scandals include rigged jackpots, online ticket sales, and questionable foreign ties.
MOST RECENT
Texas on Track To Crack Down on Chinese Influence
Gov. Abbott has already been addressing foreign influence in the state, and lawmakers are expected to take additional action.
School Choice Plans Gain Energy in 2025
Lt. Gov Dan Patrick says the Republican-majority Legislature is poised to pass school choice in 2025.
Republican Incumbents Knocked Off in 2024 Primaries
In this year’s primary season, grassroots Republicans claimed victory over more moderate incumbents in the Texas House and Court of Criminal Appeals.
A Year of Turmoil for Texas’ Border
This past year has wrought continued carnage on the southern border; officials are looking to 2025 with hope for the Trump administration’s promised actions.
2024 Analysis: A Rough Year for Casino Gambling Interests in Texas
Pro-gambling efforts in Texas have faltered as key lawmakers lost primary elections.
Election Security Proponents Seek Improvements to Texas’ Laws
Following multiple instances of electioneering and other problems with election security in the state, Advancing Integrity is calling on lawmakers to strengthen the security of Texas elections in 2025.
Lawmakers Urged to Further Protect Texas Children
Although there are lengthy legal battles underway to protect children from sexually explicit material, Texas continues to face challenges with enforcement.
Texas Universities Need More Reform
As citizens protest indoctrination, where will boards of regents steer the state’s higher education institutions in 2025?
Advocates Press for a Ban on Taxpayer-funded Lobbying in 2025
Banning the practice is a priority of the Republican Party of Texas.
Houston: A Year of Challenges Ahead
Houston is facing significant challenges that will be up to the newly elected city government to handle.
ARCHIVE
Border Invasion Escalates in 2023
The ongoing crisis on Texas’ southern border continues to threaten citizens.
House-Led Paxton Impeachment Crumbled in the Senate
Attorney General Ken Paxton was acquitted on all impeachment charges in September.
Number of Texas Teachers Charged With Sex Crimes Continues to Grow
In 2023, at least 100 Texas educators faced arrest or conviction for sex with students, sexual assault of children, soliciting sex, and possessing child pornography.
Texas Appeals Ruling That Sexually Oriented Performances Targeting Kids Are Constitutionally Protected
A federal judge ruled that bans on sexually explicit performances in front of minors violates freedom of speech, but Texas is appealing the ruling.
Texas A&M Faced Intense Scrutiny Over Leftist Hires
Scandal broke over the summer regarding the leftist slant of a potential journalism professor, leading to turnover in the university leadership.
Push to Expand Gambling in Texas Grew in 2023
The past year has seen concerted efforts to expand gambling in Texas.
Election Security Remains a Chief Concern for Voters in 2024
The past year, though it was dominated by other policy concerns, did see movement on election reform and citizen engagement.
Democrat Chairs Continue to Plague Texas House
Although the Texas Senate will no longer have any Democrat committee chairs, the House has made no indication they will stop the practice.
Texans Want State Land Safeguarded From Hostile Foreign Governments
A measure to ban hostile foreign nations from buying Texas land was killed in the Texas House.
Parents Still Fighting Sexually Explicit Books as New Law Takes Effect
Texas lawmakers passed protections for kids in schools, but public libraries are not covered by the new law, which is being challenged in court.