State news in Texas
Statewide Texas News
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.
House Votes To Prohibit Fundraising During A Quorum Break
The Texas Senate has advanced legislation that would go even further by banning campaign fundraising entirely during special sessions.
Paxton Encourages School Districts To Put Prayer in the Classroom
Attorney General Ken Paxton issued guidance on prayer to school districts after a new law took effect on September 1.
State Archive
Analysis: Does IGT Have Insiders at the Texas Lottery Commission?
Before she rose in the ranks to become an influential member of Gary Grief’s inner circle at the Texas Lottery, Nelda Trevino was a well-connected administrative assistant with a documented connection to the state’s lottery vendor lobbyist. In her elevated position,...
With Democrats Holding Out, Bail Reform Push Collapses in Texas House
Efforts to pass high-profile bail reform measures collapsed in the Texas House on Wednesday, as lawmakers failed to advance two proposed constitutional amendments before a key legislative deadline—despite reported last-minute pressure from Gov. Greg Abbott. Senate...
Patrick Says THC Ban Is a Fight To Save a Generation
Cookies. Cereal bites. Lollipops. These were just a few of the THC-laced edibles on display Wednesday as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick held what he billed as a “media briefing, along with end-of-session beverages and snacks.” But the “snacks” in question weren’t for...
NO MORE EXCUSES: Texas Set to End Schools’ ‘Sovereign Immunity’ in Sex Abuse Cases
In a big win for protecting Texas children from sexual predators in public schools, state senators unanimously approved a House measure to eliminate school districts’ “sovereign immunity” from civil liability in sex abuse cases. House Bill 4623 by freshman State Rep....
Legislation to Make Vaccine Manufacturers Liable Passes Senate
Legislation to hold manufacturers liable for advertising harmful vaccines passed out of the Senate on Tuesday with a 21-10 vote. House Bill 3441, authored by State Rep. Shelley Luther (R–Sherman), allows manufacturers to be held liable if they advertise their vaccines...
Texas House Lawmakers Approve Ban on Most Firearm Red Flag Laws
Lawmakers in the Texas House have approved a measure to preemptively prohibit the state from adopting most firearm-related red flag laws. Senate Bill 1362, filed by State Sen. Bryan Hughes (R–Mineola) in the Senate and carried by State Rep. Cole Hefner (R–Mount...
Legislation to Bar Funding for Libraries That Host Drag Shows Dies in House
House lawmakers failed to vote on a bill that would have barred libraries from receiving state funding if they hosted drag shows or drag queen story hours for minors. Senate Bill 18, authored by State Sen. Bryan Hughes (R–Mineola), was placed near the end of the House...
Illegally in U.S. And Released, Now Tied to Deadly Jet Ski Crash
Four individuals suspected to be involved in the tragic death of 18-year-old Ava Moore on Lake Grapevine over Memorial Day weekend were in the country illegally, having entered during the Biden administration, with most encountered and released by federal authorities....
Midnight Deadline Hits as Texas House Enters Final Stretch of Legislative Session
As the clock struck midnight, the Texas House reached one of the last major deadlines of the 2025 legislative session: the opportunity to give initial approval to Senate legislation. Any Senate bills that failed to receive second reading—the stage where members...