The Lubbock Republican has been working for years to develop a new statewide approach to managing water and hopes voters will devote $1 billion a year to the problem.
Texas Legislature 2025
Texas lawmakers are in Austin for the 89th Texas Legislature’s second, 30-day special session. They are redrawing the state’s congressional map, considering limits on consumable THC products and pushing flood preparedness measures. A first special session ended without successful legislation after House Democrats fled the state to block Republicans’ proposed congressional redistricting map. The regular session ran from January to June and resulted in a new school voucher program, a ban on DEI initiatives in public schools and proposals to increase the state’s water supply.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Texas now has more top-tier research universities than any other state, report finds
The designations come at a tumultuous time for universities as funding could be cut off and efforts to end tenure continue.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
How a multi-year legal battle by allies of a billionaire megadonor set off this year’s explosive House Speaker race
A pair of lawsuits filed by allies of West Texas megadonor Tim Dunn shut down laws that banned outside spending in the House leadership race, allowing for more political mudslinging and raising questions about ethics rules.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Certain criminal suspects would be denied bail under changes OK’d by Texas Senate panel
The package of bills would tighten the state’s bail laws to keep more people in jail — including undocumented immigrants — while their criminal cases are pending.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
In quest to infuse more religion into Texas schools, advocates say courts are now on their side
Past efforts to allow more religion in public schools have been hamstrung by legal challenges. But those on the religious right feel empowered by recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Burrows, Patrick and Abbott: Texas’ “Big Three” have big plans and a wary new dynamic
The aggressive Republican agenda’s success depends on how well the three leaders harmonize their tactics and goals for the legislative session.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
With vouchers fast-tracked, other Texas public education issues to watch this session
From teacher pay and preparation to special education and DEI, here are issues Texas lawmakers are prioritizing this legislative session.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Spring forward? Maybe not in Texas as lawmakers mull ending daylight saving time.
Lawmakers here and in Washington have long debated ending the practice of changing the clocks twice a year.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Every month, hundreds of Texas children are waitlisted for a mental health program billed as an alternative to foster care
Despite a long waitlist, the number of children served in the YES Waiver program has declined because of provider shortages.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Texas bill that lets families use tax dollars for private schools swiftly sails through Senate
Senate Bill 2 now heads to the House, where top officials say they have the support to create education savings accounts.