State news in Texas
Statewide Texas News
Letter Highlights Challenges for Gambling Lobby Amid Lottery Scandal
Several House lawmakers are calling for the rejection of all gambling expansion attempts.
Dade Phelan Doubles Down on Meme Regulation Bill Despite First Amendment Concerns
Phelan stood firm on his view of the legislation’s necessity, at one point suggesting that its penalties should be even stricter.
School Choice Battle Intensifies as Texas House Committee Hears Testimony
The proposal is a key priority for Gov. Greg Abbott, who made school choice a central issue in last year’s Republican primaries.
Lobbyists Exploit Loophole To Get Reserved Capitol Parking
State Preservation Board is allowing lobbyists to cheaply reserve prime parking at the Capitol.
State Archive
Home School Students Score in Texas Senate
Home school students may soon be able to play football and other sports alongside public school students in the Lone Star State. On Monday, the Texas Senate advanced Senate Bill 2046, the “Tim Tebow bill.” Named after the homeschooled and Heisman winning Florida...
Straus’ Union Dues
[Updated 5/23.] Big business is very publicly wondering if Texas House Speaker Joe Straus will help them out, or side with big labor. As the Wall Street Journal put it on Saturday, “Straus will decide the fate of a bill on coerced dues payments.” Texans tend to forget...
RMAs: Recklessness Merits Auditing
Yesterday, the State Senate passed to engrossment SB 1184, authored by State Sen. Don Huffines (R-Dallas). Proving once again his commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility, Huffines’ legislation provides for the auditing of regional mobility authorities...
Preachers Call for Marriage Protections
On Monday, the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee heard testimony that would protect the religious freedom of clergy, pastors, and churches concerning marriages. If passed, Senate bill 2065 by State Sen. Craig Estes would preclude government intervention and...
Property Tax Hikes in the Texas House
Nobody may have campaigned on higher property taxes last election cycle, but legislators are poised to encourage them in the Texas House. On the calendar for Wednesday is legislation that would permit up to 20% increases of certain school district property tax...
Clock Ticking for Conservatives
With sine die and the end of the legislative session drawing near, the window is rapidly closing for Republican lawmakers to deliver on the campaign promises that propelled them to victory. Nobody campaigned on the status quo; rather they advocated for less...
Driving Texas Leftward
Illegal immigrants could soon receive permits from the state to drive legally on Texas roads if one lawmaker is successful. Many would expect such an initiative from Democrats and, unsurprisingly, many of them are in support. However, the representative trumpeting the...
Tribune Misses Fraser’s Biggest Conflict of Interest
Last week the Texas Tribune issued a report on State Sen. Troy Fraser (R–Horseshoe Bay), linking the senator’s financial interests with auto dealers to his opposition to legislation designed to allow Tesla Motors to sell directly to consumers in Texas. The Tribune...
Senate Approves Comprehensive Property Tax Relief
Keeping in step with their approach to property tax relief, the Texas Senate passed SB 1760 by Conroe Republican Brandon Creighton. The measure increases transparency and accountability for taxpayers. Specifically, SB1760: Eliminating the requirement that taxpayers...