State

House Approves Bill Restricting Hostile Foreign Land Ownership, But Not Without Controversy
Early on, members adopted a controversial amendment by State Rep. Matt Shaheen (R–Plano), narrowing the scope of who is actually banned from purchasing land.

Analysis: The Texas Lottery’s 100% Track Record of Corruption
Executive directors of the Texas Lottery: 1992 to present.

House Lawmakers Pass Onerous Regulations for PAC Treasurers
The measure would prevent most campaign treasurers from concurrently overseeing both a candidate’s and a political action committee’s finances.

Texas House Lawmakers Take Aim at Red Flag Laws
Although Texas judges currently lack the framework to issue expansive “red flag” orders for firearms, a new measure would ensure it never develops.
State Archive
Texas House Set to Honor Former Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards
Despite Texas’ pro-life laws and Republican majorities, the Texas House is set to honor one of the most prominent figures in abortion-industry history: Cecile Richards. Richards, the former president of Planned Parenthood and daughter of former Democrat Gov. Ann...
Parents Back Plan To Restrict Kids’ Access to Sexual Content in Public Libraries
Texas lawmakers are considering a parent-backed plan requiring public libraries to keep sexually explicit materials away from kids or face fines and loss of funding. House Bill 3225 by State Rep. Daniel Alders (R–Tyler) would require municipal public libraries to move...
School Choice Showdown Set for Wednesday in Texas House
A major school choice proposal backed by Gov. Greg Abbott is set for debate on the floor of the Texas House this Wednesday, April 16. The legislation—Senate Bill 2—advanced out of the House Public Education Committee on a 9-6 vote earlier this month and is now...
Texas Senators Approve Increasing Public Participation in Judicial Oversight
Texas senators have passed a constitutional amendment that would increase public membership in the state agency tasked with investigating allegations of judicial misconduct. Senate Joint Resolution 27, filed by State Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston), was approved 27-4 by...
Officials Continue Investigations Into North Texas Islamic ‘City’
The East Plano Islamic Center’s planned development faces continued scrutiny from Texas officials. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn is calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate EPIC for potential religious discrimination. In a letter to U.S. Attorney General...
Coalition Urges Hearing on Retail Decency Act to Shield Children from Explicit Products
A coalition of more than 100 Texas leaders, organizations, and citizens is urging lawmakers to take action on legislation aimed at shielding children from sexually explicit products in public retail environments. In a letter sent to State Rep. Angie Chen Button...
How a Perennial Playoff Failure Is Profiting off the Texas Lottery
In 2014, a year before Gary Grief reportedly tried to legalize sports gambling in the state via the lottery, Jerry Jones came to Austin to hype his corporate partner. During that visit, Jones—whose Dallas Cowboys haven’t won a Super Bowl since 1996—said he’s...
Dallas ISD Agrees To Enforce Ban on Boys in Girls’ Sports
Dallas Independent School District has agreed to comply with Texas law banning biological boys from competing in girls’ sports. Back in February, Attorney General Ken Paxton pressured Dallas ISD to provide proof that it was not violating state laws protecting the...
Texas Senator’s Measure Creates State Watchdog for Foreign Land Purchases
Texas senators are considering a measure that would establish a committee to review certain foreign land purchases in the state. Senate Bill 2117, filed by State Sen. Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound), was taken up Thursday before the Senate Committee on State Affairs....