The Texas Senate on Thursday gave its blessing to a bill that would eliminate the state’s vehicle safety inspection requirement for most vehicles. It would still apply for commercial vehicles.
85th Legislative Session
Posted in
Guides
Hey, Texplainer: Do I still have to get my car inspected every year?
A bill to end annual vehicle inspections died during the regular legislative session — but might come back during next month’s special session.
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State Government
Why a Colorado case over “religious refusals” could matter to Texas
The Supreme Court’s decision to take up the case of whether a Colorado baker can legally refuse to make a wedding cake for a gay couple could have implications in Texas.
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Power Trips
We asked Texans who should regulate Uber and Lyft. Here’s what they said.
Here’s a look at the state-vs.-local fight over ride-hailing regulations, what the new state law means for drivers and customers, and how some Texans feel about the changes.
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State Government
Analysis: Talk of taking on Straus simmering, but nowhere near a full boil
Between a contentious regular session of the Texas Legislature and a special session that starts in less than four weeks, some lawmakers are talking about the people in leadership, starting with the speaker of the House.
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Public Education
House education leaders won’t budge on school finance, private school choice
Rep. Dan Huberty, chair of the House Public Education Committee, said he plans to file a bill during the special session to reform school finance — and to continue to reject “private school choice.”
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Guides
Hey, Texplainer: Why don’t local police departments pay for rape kit testing?
There’s no rule on who foots the bill for rape kit testing across the country — it depends on the state and city you live in.
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State Government
Abbott plots aggressive approach to special session
Gov. Greg Abbott is plotting an aggressive approach to the upcoming special session of the Legislature, diverting from his above-the-fray style to try to see through an ambitious 20-item agenda.
Posted inState Government
Citing religious refusal of adoption rule, California bans state travel to Texas
California state agencies, universities and commissions won’t be allowed to send their employees to Texas after the California attorney general declared a Texas law discriminatory.
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Demographics
Houston votes to join other Texas cities in lawsuit over new immigration law, Senate Bill 4
The Houston City Council voted 10–6 Wednesday morning to join a growing lawsuit against Senate Bill 4, an immigration enforcement law that allows peace officers to question the immigration status of people they legally detain.
