The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
Allen, known for her focus on public education issues, announced her retirement after 20 years in the House. She endorsed her son, Lawrence Allen Jr., to succeed her. Full Story
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Lawmakers passed a bill earlier this year allowing voters to update their address at the polls and immediately vote on elections tied to that new residence, as long as the move was within the county. This bill walks it back. Full Story
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The proposal would cap absent members’ daily fundraising at $221 — their current per diem payment — and entirely prohibit the use of political funds for travel expenses. Full Story
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Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, announced her passing Monday, calling her “one of the first and most effective fighters” for the anti-abortion movement. Full Story
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In this week’s episode, Matthew and Eleanor speak with Texas Tribune reporter Kate McGee about her recent investigative reporting in to Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and his staff. Full Story
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The law does not specifically ban the possession of THC vape pens, but those who sell them face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 penalty. Full Story
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Despite explosive growth turning Tarrant into a racially diverse swing county, two new political maps will leave it with whiter, more Republican representation. Full Story
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The Conroe Republican has authored some of Texas' major higher education legislation in recent years, including a DEI ban and a law expanding political appointees’ power in universities. Full Story
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Camp Waldemar, Vista Camps and Camp Stewart ask the lieutenant governor for an expert to determine where cabins are located, want financial aid if pending camp safety bills pass. Full Story
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High priority bills that propose banning THC have not moved through the Texas House, as the current overtime session could conclude in the coming days. Full Story
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Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath is considering the state’s second-largest district takeover due to failing accountability ratings. Full Story
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The governor was expected to sign off on the new district lines, which passed the Legislature last week and aim to flip five Democratic seats in the 2026 midterms. Full Story
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The suit alleges the new state law unconstitutionally silences the viewpoints of students and teachers. The law’s supporters say DEI programs use public funds to promote political agendas. Full Story
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After months of controversy, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation must tackle poor sales and legislative scrutiny as it takes over the games on Sept. 1. Full Story
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More than 75 Texas camps have met dozens of safety standards to become accredited by the American Camp Association, which can be a lengthy and costly process. Full Story
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Hours before debate, a Senate committee advanced a version of HB 15 that stripped changes the House added last week, including one that addressed the release of Uvalde shooting documents. Full Story
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Senate Bill 8 will restrict restrooms in government buildings, public schools and universities based on sex assigned at birth and apply $25,000 fines for violations. Full Story
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New laws range from school vouchers and water infrastructure funding to a ban on city and county-funded abortion travel funds. Full Story
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House Bill 26 advanced out of the Texas Legislature on Wednesday evening, two days after being added to the second special session’s agenda. Full Story
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Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. complimented Texas as Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law a prohibition on using state tax dollars on specific products with additives, among other measures. Full Story
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