Latest Contributions

• Transgender Texans and doctors say Republican lawmakers misconstrue what science says about puberty blockers and hormone therapy

  By William Melhado and Alex Nguyen Updated: March 28, 2023

  In 2021, a bill that would block transgender kids’ access to transition-related care passed the Senate but died in the Texas House. This year, a majority of House members back such a ban. Full Story 

• Texas Senate committee advances bills restricting certain drag shows

  By Alex Nguyen and William Melhado Updated: March 27, 2023

  Proposed legislation from Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, would criminalize explicit performances where children are present and strip libraries of state funding for hosting any event featuring performers in drag. Critics say the bill is discriminatory and unconstitutional. Full Story 

• LGBTQ groups criticize Texas bill’s broad restrictions on school lessons and activities about sexuality and gender identity

  By Alex Nguyen March 23, 2023

  Senate Bill 8 supporters say the legislation protects the rights of parents who don’t want their kids to learn about gender identity and sexual orientation. Critics say it could force schools to ignore the existence of LGBTQ people. Full Story 

• Texas Senate panel advances bill that would hinder transgender kids’ access to puberty blockers and hormone therapies

  By Alex Nguyen March 20, 2023

  Senate Bill 14 would ban doctors from providing kids with transition-related treatments that medical groups recommend for children with gender dysphoria. Full Story 

• Texas cities have adopted ordinances to benefit workers. Sweeping legislation could roll many back.

  By Alex Nguyen and Samantha Aguilar March 16, 2023

  Lawmakers say their bills are needed to provide small businesses with consistent regulations and that regulatory power should be returned to the state. Labor groups say the proposal could undo hard-fought measures to protect workers. Full Story 

• The Texas House has a record number of LGBTQ representatives as lawmakers face scores of bills focused on gender and sexuality

  By Alex Nguyen March 7, 2023

  The Texas Legislature has nine lawmakers who are openly LGBTQ, all Democrats. At the same time, some Republican lawmakers are pushing a slate of bills aimed at drag queens, transgender children and how sexuality is discussed in schools. Full Story 

• Texas lawmakers pursued dozens of bills affecting LGBTQ people in 2023. 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 

• Business and legislative leaders push to replace expired tax break with a new one

  By Elliott Woods, Capital & Main, and Alex Nguyen, The Texas Tribune March 1, 2023

  Business groups warned lawmakers that Texas could lose business to other states without something to replace the so-called Chapter 313 tax break, which gave some companies big breaks on school taxes. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott starts state task force on street takeovers

  By Alex Nguyen Feb. 23, 2023

  During a recent street racing incident, Austin residents faced long 911 wait times. City officials say they need to increase staffing for 911 call takers, but state license and background check requirements make it difficult to fill positions. Full Story 

• FBI announces investigations into deaths at Harris County Jail

  By Alex Nguyen Feb. 13, 2023

  Since Jacoby Pillow’s death last month, at least three others have died at Harris County Jail. And the year before, the jail hit a record high of 27 in-custody deaths. Full Story