The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
The ad speaks to President Donald Trump directly — linking his rhetoric toward immigrants and people of color to that of the shooter in El Paso who killed 22 and left more than two dozen wounded. Full Story
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Two new laws will free up alcohol access in Texas starting Sept. 1. Certain breweries will now be allowed to sell their suds to go, and more restaurants will be able to deliver beer and wine to customers. Full Story
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The appeals court overturned a 2018 decision from a federal district judge who ruled that the law, which gives adoption placement preference to Native American tribes, was unconstitutional. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton challenged the law in 2017. Full Story
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U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar has said that Trump’s divisive rhetoric is in part to blame for a mass shooting that officials have deemed an act of domestic terrorism. Full Story
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The city attempted to charge him $470,417.05 for services related to his February rally and tacked on late fees after he didn’t pay. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott has his third opportunity to appoint a judge to the state's highest civil court. His first two picks were white men. Full Story
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The lawmaker, a doctor by training, will oversee a network of six health institutions with four medical schools, two dental schools and three nursing schools. Full Story
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Three Texas cities have passed paid sick-leave ordinances, but implementation of the rules in San Antonio and Austin has stalled amid court challenges. Full Story
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The nod creates a vacancy on the state's highest civil court, giving Gov. Greg Abbott his third opportunity to make an appointment. Full Story
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Maya Rupert has never spearheaded a political campaign, let alone a presidential one. She’s working to keep Castro’s momentum going as he heads into the second Democratic primary debate. Full Story
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Implementation of similar policies in Austin and San Antonio have been put on hold due to lawsuits. Full Story
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday it was proposing a new requirement for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The rule, which limits states' flexibility to set eligibility standards, could cut off thousands of Texans. Full Story
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The ordinance was supposed to go into effect Aug. 1 but now will be delayed until Dec. 1. It requires businesses with more than 15 employees to allow workers to accrue 64 hours of paid sick leave per year. Full Story
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The panel ruled that such an action wasn't warranted, though it previously ruled that state lawmakers discriminated against voters of color when they first drew new maps in 2011. Full Story
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West joins a crowded and unsettled Democratic field of candidates looking to unseat U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. Full Story
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Attorneys in the securities case against Paxton brought back long-running fights this week with the potential to derail the 4-year-old case even further. Full Story
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Although policies restricting children’s presence in the workplace are common, the introduction of one at Stephen F. Austin State University has been met with monthslong resistance from some faculty members. Full Story
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A law legalizing hemp changed the definition of marijuana, causing district attorneys across the state to drop low-level possession cases and stop accepting new ones. Full Story
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The Legislature gave a $17.3 million funding boost to the two-year colleges, which are part of the Texas State University System. Full Story
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After an election that swept scores of Republican judges out of office, Gov. Greg Abbott is eyeing judicial selection reform. Advocates hope that the perennial issue may finally draw some attention. Full Story
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