State news in Texas
Statewide Texas News
Paxton Leads Coalition Backing Rule To Require Proof of Citizenship for Voter Registration
Fourteen Republican-led states are supporting America First Legal Foundation’s petition for rulemaking.
Dr. Mary Talley Bowden To Appeal Reprimand From Texas Medical Board
The case stems from Dr. Bowden’s attempted treatment of a Fort Worth man during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Head of Texas Racing Commission Steps Down
An audit from 2024 revealed financial mismanagement, and lawmakers are set to consider abolishing the agency in 2029.
Attorney General Investigates University of North Texas Over Left-Wing Extremism
Ken Paxton is unsatisfied with UNT President Keller’s actions after a student celebrated Charlie Kirk’s murder.
State Archive
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...
Effort to Restore AG’s Authority to Prosecute Election Fraud Killed as Deadline Passes
An effort to reinstate the Texas attorney general’s power to prosecute election crimes is officially dead for the legislative session after House and Senate negotiators failed to reach a compromise before the Saturday night deadline. House Bill 5138, which sought to...
Parental Rights Bill Banning DEI, Social Transitioning, and ‘Sex Clubs’ in Schools Heads to Governor
The Texas House has approved a sweeping education package known as the “Parental Bill of Rights,” aimed at affirming the authority of parents in public education. Senate Bill 12, authored by State Sen. Brandon Creighton (R–Conroe) and carried in the House by State...