With no deal on property taxes in sight, Abbott hints at multiple special sessions

Latest News

• Texas bill to increase transparency in public records law left in limbo despite passing Legislature

  by Vianna Davila, The Texas Tribune and ProPublica June 3, 2023

  The bill would close a long-standing loophole in state law that allows officials to withhold law enforcement records if no one was convicted in a case. The measure was the only bill sent to the Senate that did not get signed and sent to the governor. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott signs legislation barring trans youth from accessing transition-related care

  by Alex Nguyen and William Melhado Updated: June 3, 2023

  Texas joins 17 other states restricting transgender minors from accessing puberty blockers and hormone therapies. Opposing legal groups have vowed to sue to stop the new law from taking effect. Full Story 

• Texas lawmakers pursued dozens of bills affecting LGBTQ people this year. Here’s what passed and what failed.

  by William Melhado and Alex Nguyen Updated: June 2, 2023

  The Legislature banned puberty blockers and hormone therapy for trans kids, restricted the college sports teams trans athletes can join and expanded the definition of sexual conduct to include some drag shows. But a “Don’t Say Gay” provision for schools missed key deadlines. Full Story 

• The regular 2023 legislative session is over. Here’s how the most consequential bills fared.

  by Texas Tribune Staff Updated: June 2, 2023

  A look at which bills passed and which failed during the 2023 legislative session. Full Story 

• Abbott appointee resigns as chair of power grid regulator

  by Erin Douglas June 2, 2023

  Public Utility Commission chair Peter Lake had spearheaded a plan to help the state’s power grid withstand weather disasters, but the plan lacked support in the Texas Legislature. Full Story 

• TribCast: The conservative plan to eliminate school property taxes in Texas

  by Matthew Watkins and Justin Dehn June 2, 2023

  On this week’s episode, we speak to the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s James Quintero, who has been at the center of the debate over property taxes this week. Full Story 

• Ken Paxton impeachment moves to Texas Senate, where conflicts of interest, political intrigue await

  by Patrick Svitek June 2, 2023

  Senators have been publicly silent, citing their role as jurors with a weighty decision: whether to remove one of the state’s top Republicans from office. Full Story 

• Facing youth prison crisis, Texas lawmakers opt to build new facilities and funnel more kids to adult system

  by Jolie McCullough June 2, 2023

  For more than a decade, Texas has been trying to slim down its youth prison system, which has been plagued by years of abuse scandals. This Legislature is reversing that course. Full Story 

• Climate proposals withered at the Texas Capitol this year

  by Erin Douglas, Emily Foxhall and Alejandra Martinez June 2, 2023

  Proposals to improve energy efficiency failed. Bills that sought to limit greenhouse gas emissions in Texas were ignored, and legislation to block cities from taking action on climate change passed. Full Story 

• No teacher raises. A failed school voucher push. Armed guards. Here’s what changed for public education this legislative session.

  by Brian Lopez June 2, 2023

  Lawmakers sacrificed school funding to block school vouchers, but the issue could be debated again in a special session. Districts will get new funds for school safety, though Uvalde families were ultimately left disappointed with inaction on gun restrictions. Full Story 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigation finds multiple failings in the death of 8-year-old girl in federal custody

  by William Melhado June 1, 2023

  After discovering that contracted medical staff ignored the mother’s pleas to take the girl to the hospital as her condition declined, the federal agency said it is taking action to ensure an in-custody death “never happens again.” Full Story 

• Meet the Texas House impeachment managers who are taking aim at Ken Paxton

  by Robert Downen and Alejandro Serrano June 1, 2023

  Led by Andrew Murr, a West Texas rancher and lawyer, and Ann Johnson, a former prosecutor, the team of 12 includes 11 with law degrees. Full Story 

• Texas lawmakers move to close foster care hiring loopholes and expand rights of parents facing investigations

  by Sneha Dey Updated: June 1, 2023

  Bills that would give relative caregivers more money have missed key deadlines to make it in front of the full House. Full Story 

• House impeachment team taps 2 top Texas lawyers, Dick DeGuerin and Rusty Hardin, to lead Ken Paxton case

  by Robert Downen Updated: June 1, 2023

  The Houston-based attorneys are legends in their own right, having participated in numerous high-profile criminal and civil matters. Full Story 

• Texas Republicans are fighting over how to split $12.3 billion in property tax breaks between homeowners and businesses

  by Joshua Fechter and Karen Brooks Harper June 1, 2023

  Gov. Greg Abbott and House Speaker Dade Phelan back a plan that spreads property tax relief among all landowners, while Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s proposal would give homeowners a bigger boost than businesses. Full Story 

• Texas Education Agency picks Mike Miles for Houston ISD superintendent as state takeover begins

  by Alejandro Serrano and Brian Lopez Updated: June 1, 2023

  The former Dallas ISD superintendent and a state-appointed board of managers will replace Houston’s elected school board in response to years of poor academic outcomes at a single campus in the district. Full Story