The Texas Legislature is going to be busy this week with issues that ordinarily belong to other governments, as it considers the wisdom of local ordinances on restrooms, ride-hailing, short-term rentals, sanctuary cities and plastic bags.
Texas Legislature
Posted in
Politics
With proposal to penalize men for masturbating, legislator aims to shake up health debate
State Rep. Jessica Farrar, a Houston Democrat, has filed House Bill 4260, which would fine men $100 for masturbating.
Posted in
Politics
At Dallas County GOP event, Donald Trump Jr. says Texas “came through for this country”
Donald Trump Jr, the Dallas County Republican Party’s Reagan Day Dinner keynote speaker, said Texans’ fundraising efforts were key in helping his father secure a victory in the 2016 presidential election.
Posted inState Government
Adler on Uber, sanctuary cities, Trump (video)
Full video of Evan Smith’s 3/9 conversation with Steve Adler, the mayor of Austin.
Posted in
Politics
Federal panel rules some of Texas’ congressional districts illegal
Some of the state’s 36 congressional districts violate either the U.S. Constitution or the federal Voting Rights Act, a panel of three federal judges ruled Friday.
Posted in
Economy
Tesla tries a new, ambitious approach at Texas Capitol
A pair of bills filed Friday would allow any vehicle manufacturer to sell directly to Texans — bypassing the middleman dealers — in the biggest challenge yet to a longstanding state ban on the practice.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: The party in power in Texas acts more like two parties at war
The leadership battles in the Texas Legislature are often attributed to personalities — or to traditional House-Senate rivalries. But there’s another factor: The Republicans in power are from different factions of their party.
Posted in
Higher Education
Lawmakers to take another look at cutting back free tuition program for veterans’ kids
The state is set for another debate about the cost of a program that provides free tuition to children of military veterans.
Posted in
Politics
Ted Cruz sends school choice letter to every Republican in Texas Legislature
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz sent a letter to state lawmakers Thursday urging them to make Texas the next state that gives parents taxpayer dollars to send their children to private or religious schools, or educate them at home.
Posted in
Higher Education
University of North Texas System chancellor retiring after 15 years
During Lee Jackson’s tenure, the UNT system expanded from two campuses to four, and as of last fall, more than 40,000 students were enrolled there.
