State news in Texas
Statewide Texas News
AG Paxton Sues PowerSchool Over Massive Data Breach Affecting Texas Students
The lawsuit signals a growing legal pushback against technology providers accused of failing to safeguard sensitive personal data.
Lawsuit Filed Against University of Texas Seeks to Neutralize ‘Campus Protection Act’
The case is the latest chapter following the 2024 pro-Palestinian riots on college campuses.
Texas Senate Cracks Down on Abortion-Inducing Drugs
The legislation targets the manufacture and provision of abortion-inducing drugs.
Legislature Reverses Course on Same-Day Voter Registration Changes
Gov. Greg Abbott has derided the change he says was “snuck into” a bill earlier this year.
State Archive
Higher Education Reform Measure Heads to Governor
Legislation that will change the internal governance of public universities and grant new oversight authority to boards of regents is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott. Proposed measure Senate Bill 37, by State Sen. Brandon Creighton (R–Conroe), abolishes the practice of...
Medical Liberty Legislation Awaits Gov. Abbott’s Approval
Six measures aimed at expanding medical freedom in Texas are on their way to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk to be signed. The two most notable vaccine freedom-related pieces of legislation passed by lawmakers and highlighted by Texans for Vaccine Choice are House Bill 1586...
Conflict of Interest? House Republicans Urge Abbott to Veto Appraisal Board Bill
A group of 42 Texas House members is urging Gov. Greg Abbott to veto a bill passed in the final days of the legislative session that would allow public school teachers to serve on local property appraisal review boards—a measure Abbott previously rejected. Senate Bill...
Legislature Adjourns—Now the Governor Has the Last Word
After 140 days and 1,200 bills, the Texas Legislature officially adjourned sine die on Monday, marking the end of the 89th Regular Legislative Session. The Latin term “sine die” means “without a day,” signaling that lawmakers are not scheduled to reconvene—at least...
Texas Supreme Court To Decide if State Judges Have Freedom of Religion
Both the Supreme Court of Texas and lower-level courts are considering whether Texas judges can refuse to officiate same-sex weddings. After she refused to officiate a same-sex wedding, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct issued McLennan County Justice of the...
Texas Lawmakers Vote To Increase Judicial Pay and Their Own Pensions in Last-Minute Deal
In a dramatic, last-minute deal to end the legislative session, Texas lawmakers approved a measure that will raise judicial salaries—and, in turn, increase their own taxpayer-funded pensions. Passed just before the legislature adjourned Sine Die, Senate Bill 293 sets...
Legislation Prohibiting Soda and Candy Purchases Using SNAP Benefits Heads to Governor’s Desk
A measure prohibiting the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for the purchase of soda and candy has been approved by both the House and the Senate. Senate Bill 379, initially passed in the House with a prohibition only on using SNAP benefits to...
‘I’m Coming Home’: Tinderholt Announces Retirement From Texas House
State Rep. Tony Tinderholt, a six-term member of the Texas House, announced Monday he will not seek re-election. “The 89th Legislative Session marks my 6th Legislative Session in this chamber representing House District 94,” Tinderholt told members in an emotional...
Immigration Enforcement Bill Heads to Abbott After House, Senate Approve Deal
A high-profile immigration enforcement measure is now headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk after both chambers approved a compromise hammered out in conference committee over the last week. Senate Bill 8, a top priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and the Republican Party of...