The Legislature designated the funding for the Amarillo campus over objections of Texas A&M University, which currently runs the only veterinary medicine school in the state.
Shannon Najmabadi
Shannon Najmabadi was a reporter at the Tribune from 2017 to 2021, most recently covering women's health. Her stories — on higher education and other topics — have prompted lawmakers to change three state laws, including one involving a very narrow definition of the word “pickle.” She is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and Columbia University.
Posted in
Politics
Advocates say lawmakers largely exempted themselves from Texas’ public records law, prompting calls for a veto
Critics say a bill awaiting Gov. Greg Abbott’s signature would mark an expansion of lawmakers’ ability to wall off their records from public scrutiny.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill designed to limit property tax growth
A top priority of state leaders, the legislation requires voter approval before local governments increase their property tax revenue by more than 3.5%.
Posted in
Higher Education
Most Texas workers will no longer lose their occupational license if they default on student loans
A 2018 report from the Texas Tribune found more than 4,200 people in the state — including security guards, cosmetologists and pharmacists – were at risk of losing their license because of student loan default in 2017.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Abbott vetoes popular domestic violence bill because of an unrelated provision about radioactive waste fees
The bill would have required domestic violence survivors to be notified when offenders are released on bond. But the Republican governor nixed the legislation over a provision by Democratic state Rep. Poncho Nevárez that would have delayed a West Texas waste facility’s increase in state fees.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
The property tax reform package is heading to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk
The bill aims to slow rising property tax revenues and make it easier for Texans to understand how their tax bills are determined. The House and Senate both approved it Saturday, and it is expected to soon be sent to Abbott for his signature.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
An amendment about waste facility fees was added to a widely supported domestic violence bill. Will it stick?
Sen. Lois Kolkhorst’s office said Saturday that she “is still evaluating all options available to save SB 1804.”
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Here’s what we know about the Legislature’s final property tax reform bill
The final version of the bill is expected to require cities, counties and emergency service districts to hold an election before raising 3.5% more property tax revenue than the previous year. Community colleges and hospital districts would need to do so at 8%.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Texas picklers get a victory from the Legislature
A proposal on its way to Gov. Greg Abbott would make it easier for pickled beets, carrots and other produce to be sold at farmers markets alongside pickled cucumbers.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas A&M won’t renew President Michael Young’s contract — but says there’s no plan for him to leave
“We look forward to your continued service as our president,” A&M System Chancellor John Sharp wrote in a letter to Young.
