Senate Bill 8 would further expand the state’s role in enforcing immigration laws, long the sole jurisdiction of the federal government.
State Government
Stay informed on Texas state government with The Texas Tribune’s in-depth coverage of the governor, Legislature, state agencies, and policies shaping the future of Texas.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Texas lawmakers to allow smaller homes on smaller lots
State legislators passed an array of bills this year aimed at reining in the state’s high home prices and rents.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Bill to scrap STAAR test dies in the Texas Legislature
The state standardized test has long been criticized for taking instructional time away from teachers and putting unnecessary pressure on students.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Texas Legislature gives new city of Starbase authority to shut down local beach for SpaceX launches
Local organizations strongly opposed the measure, hosting phone banking events to urge lawmakers to vote against the bill.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Long-awaited raise for Texas judges in limbo over legislative pension clash
A bill to increase judicial salaries from $140,000 to $175,000 a year stalled amid a disagreement over lawmakers’ own retirement benefits.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Texas attorney general won’t get new powers to prosecute election crimes after legislative deadlock
Ken Paxton sought more power for his office to take up election cases. But lawmakers haven’t agreed on a measure that would give it to him.
Posted inDemographics
Democrats lash out as Legislature bans school clubs that support gay teens
Tensions flared and the debate turned personal as Republicans said their bill empowered parents and denied predictions that the ban will endanger children.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Bill to give political appointees more oversight over Texas universities wins final passage
The latest version of the proposal eliminates language that would have required university curricula not to advocate that “any race, sex, ethnicity or religious belief is inherently superior to another.”
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Texas Legislature approves $338 billion two-year spending plan with a focus on property tax relief
A boost in public school spending, school vouchers, and money for water systems are other highlights of the state budget, which was bolstered by a $24 billion surplus.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Legislature clears the way for Texas Lottery to continue under a different state agency
SB 3070, which awaits Gov. Greg Abbott’s signature, would move the lottery game to Texas’ Department of Licensing and Regulation and includes new restrictions on ticket purchases.