Gov. Abbott vetoed article of the budget that funds the state legislature
Texas Governor Greg Abbott carried through with his threat to defund the state legislature.
Texans can carry handguns without a license or training starting Sept. 1
Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and other Republicans who were initially noncommittal about the bill were under immense political pressure this session from conservatives and gun rights advocates, who have long lobbied the Texas Legislature for permitless carry.
Texas Democrats meet with U.S. House Dems in D.C. after staged walkout over election legislation
Democrats from the Texas House are meeting with their federal counterparts in Washington, D.C. this week to discuss election legislation. The legislators walked out of the Texas Capitol late in the legislative session to prevent a new election bill from passing.
Lake Highlands H.S. valedictorian calls out Texas 'heartbeat bill' during commencement speech
Video of a Lake Highlands High School commencement speech is making the rounds on social media after Paxton Smith, LHHS' valedictorian, criticized the recently passed Texas "heartbeat bill."
Texas GOP to revive voting bill, Democrats plot next move
Texas Republicans pressed ahead with their push for tougher election laws Tuesday, vowing to ensure Democrats' weekend victory over one of the most restrictive voting measures in the country would only be temporary.
Voting rights organizations gather together against SB 7
Although SB 7 was shelved after members of the Texas Democratic party walked out of session before the deadline, it's not completely off the table.
Texas lawmakers are finished, but expected back for a special session
Texas state lawmakers now have to prepare to come back for at least one special session.
Gov. Abbott threatens to defund Texas Legislature after Dems stage walkout
Abbott has threatened to veto Article 10 of the two-year budget which funds the legislative branch. He added: "no pay for those who abandon their responsibilities. Stay tuned."
Texas lawmakers pass bills addressing power grid failure
The House and Senate passed some bills that will reform the state's main power grid, but Texans won't get any direct help with their electricity bills. Critics say the final versions of these bills do not go far enough to prevent further disasters and protect consumers.
Dems walk, stop Texas GOP's sweeping voting restrictions
Texas Democrats pulled off a dramatic, last-ditch walkout in the state House of Representatives on Sunday night to block passage of one of the most restrictive voting bills in the U.S., leaving Republicans with no choice but to abandon a midnight deadline and declare the legislative session essentially over.
Texas GOP’s strict voting bill on the verge of final vote
The Texas Legislature was on the verge Sunday of signing off on some of the most restrictive voting measures in the U.S., putting the GOP on the brink of a major victory in their nationwide effort to tighten voting access following the 2020 election.
Critical race theory bill could now be headed to Gov. Abbott's desk after Senate revives it
A controversial bill that would limit how teachers can discuss racism and current events in the classroom was just one step from the governor's desk, and then it looked like the bill wouldn't pass at all, but the Texas Senate amended its changes to try and get it back on track.
Abbott asserts himself, reminds Texas GOP leaders only he calls special sessions
“Not only am I the only one that gets to call a special session, I get to decide when and I get to decide what will be in that special session," Gov. Greg Abbott said on Thursday.
Bill aimed at ending street racing and stunting passes Texas Senate
It’s not an understatement to say street racing and stunt driving is a growing problem in North Texas. Now, those involved have something to lose if they are caught – their cars.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick calls for special legislative session to revive priority bills
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick blasted the House on the Senate floor for not passing three conservative-led bills, blaming the chamber for taking time off during the session.
Transgender sports bill among those that died in the Texas House at midnight
The lieutenant governor wants a special session after time ran out for some of his priority bills. One of them would limit how transgender students play school sports.
Minimal progress on police reform efforts as Texas Legislature nears end
As the final days tick away for the biannual Texas legislative session, progress is limited on police reform efforts proposed in the wake of George Floyd's death.
'Bo's Law' aimed at increasing police accountability heads to Gov. Abbott's desk
A bill named after the man murdered in his Dallas apartment by a former police officer is heading to the governor’s desk. Bo's Law increases police accountability but didn't make any changes to the Castle Doctrine.
Texas lawmakers push forward bills to limit ‘defunding’ police departments
Two bills are very close to getting Gov. Greg Abbott's signature that would take aim at the calls to defund police during last year’s protests.
Texas permitless carry bill headed to governor's desk to be signed into law
Texans over 21 will soon be able to legally carry a handgun without a license.