State news in Texas
State
Texas Lottery Operator Rebrands Amid Scandals
IGT, the embattled operator of the Texas Lottery, is rebranding to Brightstar Lottery.
A Special Session on Bail Reform?
Bail reform may be on the call for a future special session.
New Teacher Misconduct Reporting Law Closes ‘Pass the Trash’ Loopholes
The measure passed the Texas Legislature and awaits the governor’s signature.
Former US Soldier Sentenced for Smuggling Illegals Into Texas
Enrique Jauregui is one of three soldiers arrested and convicted of smuggling illegal aliens into Texas.
State Archive
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...
Libraries Could Lose Funding for Hosting Drag Queen Story Hours Under Senate Proposal
State taxpayer funds could soon be removed from libraries that host “drag queen story hours,” in which men dressed as women read books to young children. Senate Bill 18 by State Sen. Bryan Hughes (R–Mineola) would cut off state and local funding to libraries that...
Amid Concerns Surrounding Texas Lottery, Senators Approve Courier Ban
Days after Texas Lottery commissioners faced widespread criticism from state lawmakers, Texas senators have sent a measure banning lottery courier services to the House for approval. Senate Bill 28, filed by State Sen. Bob Hall (R-Edgewood), passed 31-0 in quick...
State Rep. Leach Refiles Mail Ballot Measure Gov. Abbott Vetoed in 2023
Republican State Rep. Jeff Leach of Allen has refiled a measure that Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed in 2023. Leach’s House Bill 3162 is purportedly aimed at expanding the voting rights of disabled Texans by allowing “certain voters” access to an electronic absentee ballot. ...
A&M Geography Course Teaches Gender Is “Social Construct”
A Texas A&M course in geography is promoting gender identity, intersectionality, and critical race theory. As such, it satisfies the university’s "international and cultural diversity" requirement. In a slideshow presentation for Intro to Human Geography, a module...
Texas Senators Consider MAHA Measures in Committee
Texas senators heard testimony in committee on two measures that aim to fulfill President Donald Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. Health and food industry professionals testified on Wednesday in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee about Senate...
Chief Justice Blacklock Calls for Judicial Reform, Accountability
In his State of the Judiciary address, Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock declared the Supreme Court of Texas’ commitment to the rule of law and reforms to improve the state courts. He also asked lawmakers to protect families, raise judges salaries, and reminded them of...
Texas Senators Pass Teacher Pay Raise, Send Measure to House
Texas senators have passed a measure to raise public teacher salaries based on tenure and expand a program to increase some bonuses based on performance. On Wednesday, senators voted unanimously to approve a committee substitute for Senate Bill 26 by State Sen....