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The Latest Texas News
Gov. Abbott Signs Anti-Squatting Legislation
Gov. Abbott said the new laws will provide homeowners “an efficient means of evicting squatters from their property.”
Prosecutors: Fort Bend County Judge Used Campaign Funds for Personal Bills
Prosecutors say Fort Bend County Judge KP George raided his campaign account for property taxes, a house down payment, and other personal costs—and then lied about it on official reports.
Special Session Ending, and Starting, Today
As a second special session begins, the Texas Senate is expected to quickly pass all the measures—again—within the first several days.
Impossible Foods Targets Small Texas Business in Lawsuit
The “meat-substitute” company has a history of litigating small businesses into submission.
The Archive
Harris County Commissioners Ask Texas Legislature To Create 5 New District Courts
The Harris County Commissioners Court voted 3-1 to request that state lawmakers create five additional district courts. Commissioner Rodney Ellis voted no and County Judge Lina Hidalgo abstained. The vote followed a tense discussion about the cost and process of...
State Lawmaker Files TLR-Backed Measure Limiting Texans’ Free Speech
State Rep. Jeff Leach has filed a measure targeting a state law that protects citizens from abusive lawsuits. Earlier this month, Leach (R-Allen) filed House Bill 2459. The measure would cut into the First Amendment protections first outlined in HB 2973 of 2011,...
State Senators to Freeze Funding Increases for Universities, Citing Noncompliance With DEI Ban
Two state senators have sent a letter to university boards of regents announcing the move to freeze state funding increases if they do not demonstrate compliance with state law. In their letter, State Sens. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe), chair of the Senate Education...
Barbers Hill ISD Teacher Re-Arrested for Sexual Assault of Student
A former teacher for Barbers Hill Independent School District was arrested for a second time in two weeks on new charges related to her alleged sexual intercourse with a student. Molly Colleen Spears, 35, was re-arrested Thursday and charged with two counts of sexual...
Senate Records Reveal Lawmakers’ Taxpayer-Funded News Sources
Newly obtained records from the Texas Senate show that state lawmakers have spent tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars on subscriptions to news outlets, raising questions about the necessity and transparency of such expenditures. The records, covering January 2024...
Lawmaker Confronts State Agency on DEI, Democrat Chair Melts Down
A routine budget hearing in the Texas House erupted into controversy when Republican State Rep. Brian Harrison was reprimanded by Democrat lawmakers for daring to question a state agency’s adherence to Gov. Greg Abbott’s directive against diversity, equity, and...
Could Fourth Time Be the Charm for Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Ban?
Advocates for ending taxpayer-funded lobbying showed up to the state capitol this week, as legislation to ban the practice was heard in a Senate committee. Senate Bill 19 seeks to put an end to taxpayer-funded lobbying by prohibiting political subdivisions from using...
State Vendor IGT Violated Its Contract With the Texas Lottery Commission
Although its contract bars IGT Solutions Corporation from donating in Texas, a review of campaign finance records shows that IGT has influenced policymakers directly and indirectly. IGT is the lottery operator for the Texas Lottery Commission and is responsible for...
Harris County Bonds Out Man Charged in Murder of Deputy Sheriff
Dremone Francis is facing capital murder and evidence tampering charges for his role in the murder of Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda. 248th District Court Judge Hilary Unger declined a no-bond request by the former district attorney and granted Francis a $1...