Texas ranks ninth in the nation in teen pregnancy. But lawmakers have neglected to pass a bill expanding CHIP to cover contraceptives.
Stories by Texas Tribune fellows
The Texas Tribune welcomes a group of student fellows into our newsroom each spring, summer and fall. Here is a sampling of their work. Learn more about the fellowship program here.
Posted in
Politics
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy reportedly considering bid to replace Liz Cheney in GOP leadership role
The Austin Republican has expressed skepticism about installing Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York as the new GOP conference chair, suggesting she’s not conservative enough.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Resuming in-person learning at Texas schools last fall accelerated spread of COVID-19, study says
The researchers said the additional cases they tracked after students began returning to schools represented 12% of the state’s total cases during the eight weeks after reopening and 17% of deaths.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Democrat revives Texas bill restricting transgender students’ sports participation in apparent act of retaliation against his party
The bill previously lacked the votes to advance out of House committee. After House Democrats spiked one of his bills, Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston, revived it.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Senate bill restricting transgender students’ sports participation stalls in House committee, casting doubts on its fate
The bill would prevent transgender Texas children from joining school sports teams that match their gender identity.
Posted in
Politics
Austin voters reinstate city’s ban on public homeless encampments in one of several local Texas elections
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg won a third term Saturday. In Fort Worth’s mayoral race, Mattie Parker and Deborah Peoples are headed to a runoff.
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Texas Legislature 2021
The criminal penalty for possessing small amounts of marijuana would be reduced under a bill passed by the Texas House
The measure likely faces an uphill climb in the Senate, where two years ago Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick opposed similar legislation.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Gender-affirming medical treatment for transgender kids would be considered child abuse under Texas Senate bill
The upper chamber Wednesday passed Senate Bill 1646, which is among several other bills that advocacy groups say erode the rights of transgender Texans. But it’s unclear what the legislation’s chances are in the House.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas lawmakers hope to exclude places of worship from emergency closures after COVID-19 pandemic shuttered doors
Even some religious groups are opposed to Texas legislation that would bar government officials from closing places of worship in any situation — even during a pandemic.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas lawmakers advance bills blocking access to gender-affirming health care despite opposition from LGBTQ Texans, medical associations
Equality Texas CEO Ricardo Martinez said Texas has filed more anti-LGBTQ bills this session than any other state legislature.