State news in Texas
Statewide Texas News
House Passes Immigration Enforcement Bill Mandating Local ICE Cooperation
Lawmakers approved legislation requiring counties with jails to enter into immigration enforcement agreements with the federal government.
House Advances Legislation on Prayer and Ten Commandments in Schools
Two of the three measures considered were legislative priorities of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
Lawmakers Look to Slash School Superintendents’ Severance Pay
Senators heard a House-passed bill to limit the tax-funded payouts to six months’ salary and benefits.
House Members Push to Pass Abortion Pill Ban Before Time Runs Out
All Senate bills must be passed out of the House by Tuesday, May 27, at midnight.
State Archive
Texas Democrat Lawmakers Clash With Lt. Gov. Over Legalized Casino Gambling
A fight is brewing in the state Capitol to bring casinos to Texas, and the lieutenant governor says he’ll stop the effort before it even begins. As of Tuesday, Democrat state lawmakers have filed several proposed laws related to the controversial issue. State Sen....
How Likely Are Texas GOP Priorities to Pass Committees?
Every legislative session has critical moments that help determine policy priorities and set the tone for the remainder of the overall election cycle. One of those moments is when committees are assigned in both chambers. The partisan and ideological makeup of each...
Teacher Survey Shows Lack of Planning Time, Curriculum Concerns
A survey by Teachers for Texas shows educators are concerned with the quality of curriculum they’re teaching and whether they have enough time to prepare lessons according to state law requirements. Per Section 21.404 of the Texas Education Code, teachers are entitled...
Citizens: Nursing Home Rights Still Being Violated, Call for Legislative Action
A citizen organization says families are still encountering problems when attempting to visit their loved ones in nursing homes. They are now calling for the Texas Legislature to stop emergency rules dictating families’ ability to visit, set clear visitation policies...
Texas Might Be a Heartbeat Away From a ‘Heartbeat Bill’
As of this week, both chambers have assigned their committees for the 87th Legislature. As a result, the "heartbeat bill" might have revived legislative prospects. What is a "Heartbeat Bill"? Legislation that makes abortions illegal once a fetal heartbeat is detected....
Abbott’s Budget Recommendations Give Insight Into Priorities
Just a couple of weeks after the Texas House and Senate filed their base budgets, Gov. Greg Abbott has released his version—giving more clarity to his priorities for the session. Passing a balanced budget is one of the Legislature’s only constitutional obligations....
Phelan Names Democrat as Chairman of Public Education
On Thursday, committee appointments made by House Speaker Dade Phelan (R–Beaumont) revealed several new committee chairs, including Democrat State Rep. Harold Dutton Jr. (Houston) as the new chairman of the House Public Education Committee. Dutton has served on the...
New Chairman Gives Hope for Constitutional Carry
This article has been updated with a correction regarding State Rep. James White's 2017 bill, HB 1911. In light of new committee assignments announced this week, constitutional carry legislation may have renewed life. Last session, a bill to remove the permitting...
Republican Lawmaker Calls for Expanding Medicaid
In an op-ed this week, State Rep. Lyle Larson (R–San Antonio) advocated for the expansion of Medicaid in the Lone Star State. Writing in the San Antonio Express-News, Larson declared that “refusing to expand Medicaid is a bad business decision for Texas." "We have an...