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.
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
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.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas officials and activists say murder conviction for George Floyd’s death “is only one step” in reforming policing
Before moving to Minneapolis, Floyd had been a longtime Houston resident. That city’s mayor on Tuesday said he and the Houston Police Department would be announcing police reforms next week.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Watch: Texas’ small-business owners balance service and safety after end of mask mandate
Three Austin business owners describe how the end of the state’s mask mandate affected them and how they have navigated the crossroads of service and safety.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Legislature considering bill to make it harder to get public information about government employees
Senate Bill 16, filed by State Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, would require an individual’s written consent for a state agency to share their personal information.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas House targets power grid flaw that cut electricity to natural gas facilities and worsened February blackouts
The lower chamber gave initial approval Monday to a series of bills responding to this year’s catastrophic power outages during a deadly winter storm.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas business leaders say Legislature’s anti-LGBTQ bills could hurt the state’s economy
Texas Competes, which is made up of more than 1,450 Texas employers, chambers of commerce, tourism bureaus and industry associations, is advocating the “economic case for equality.”
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Republicans are vowing to defy any new federal gun rules. Experts say it’s largely a symbolic gesture.
The push to steel Texas against new federal rules comes as gun violence nationwide — including a recent shooting in Bryan — has sparked Democrats to call for an assault weapons ban and stronger background checks, among other changes.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Ted Cruz among a small number of Republicans opposing bill to address hate crimes against Asian Americans
The junior senator was among only six Republicans who opposed advancing a bill that would expedite the processing of hate crimes against Asian Americans by the Justice Department.
