Advocates say recent court rulings created loopholes in laws meant to make government transparent. Lawmakers sought to close those this year — but may have created a loophole for themselves.
Catherine Marfin
Catherine Marfin was a 2019 reporting fellow at The Texas Tribune. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in journalism and public relations. Before coming to the Tribune, she interned at the Houston Chronicle, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and the Austin American-Statesman. She previously served as managing editor for The Daily Texan, UT-Austin's student-run campus newspaper.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Senate moves to let breweries sell beer to go, make it easier to own several liquor stores
The upper chamber added those changes to a broader bill that must pass for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to continue functioning. The House has already signaled it would let breweries sell beer to go.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas prosecutors want to keep low-level criminals out of overcrowded jails. Top Republicans and police aren’t happy.
Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot ignited a firestorm of controversy when he announced he wouldn’t prosecute some low-level crimes, including certain theft offenses. But he’s among many prosecutors turning their focus away from nonviolent offenses.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Texas House passes Senate bill seeking to ensure free speech on college campuses
Senate Bill 18 would require universities to create disciplinary sanctions for students who interfere with free speech activities. It would still allow universities to put restrictions on the time, place and manner of such activities.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas Senate passes bill to end the shackling of pregnant women in prison
The bill addresses many of the conditions of the state’s incarcerated women. It would also require the department to offer up to 10 free feminine hygiene products to women each day.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Texas House passes bill defining fantasy sports as legal game of skill
While critics say fantasy sports sites are hubs for illegal online gambling, others contend the games are based on skill and are therefore legitimate.
Posted in
State Government
“Be aware, there’s rats”: Workers in a state office building describe a constant pest infestation
Workers in the William P. Hobby Building in downtown Austin have filed hundreds of reports of rats, roaches and other pests in recent years. Now, the state may sell the building.
Posted in
Guides
Closed on Sundays: A guide to some of Texas’ confusing alcohol regulations
You can’t use credit to buy beer from wholesalers, but you can own more liquor stores if you do business with family.
Posted in
Higher Education
Former UT tennis coach to plead guilty in admissions fraud case
Michael Center is accused of accepting a $100,000 bribe to help a student pose as a tennis recruit in order to get into school.
Posted in
Demographics
Texas grades school districts on an A-F scale. Explore your district’s grades here.
The changes to the new rating system — which gives districts a letter grade in three categories: student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps — were finalized during the 2017 legislative session.