Politics

Critics have concerns about consumer costs and whether lawmakers are focusing on the right things.

Texas lawmakers have not prioritized establishing pre-K for all students this legislative session, but FOX 4 has learned about a provision in the school choice Bill that would make millions of tax dollars for private school pre-K funding available.

Texans who live along the southern border testified before the Senate Committee on Border Security to say illegal border crossings are out of control.

Any student could qualify to receive $8,000 for private or home school expenses, but two-thirds of the $500 million allotted under the bill would be prioritized for students at poor-performing campuses. The remainder would be available for any student.

House Bill 1942, written by Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, would permit regulated sports betting that is already legal in 29 states. House Bill 2843, by Rep. John Kuempel, R-Seguin, would permit casino gambling in Texas.

The proposals target the taxes homeowners pay and require school districts to lower their tax rates.

State senators heard testimony about a controversial "school choice" bill that could give families taxpayer money to pay for private school tuition.

Lawmakers in the Texas Senate discussed a bill Wednesday that would give teachers $2,000 raises across the board, and some teachers whose salaries are below the median would receive $4,000 raises.

Senate Bill 432 would make it a state jail felony for anyone who is found in possession of a stolen catalytic converter. So even if a thief isn't caught in the act, there would still be consequences. The bill does have protections for special circumstances.

Under current law it is only a technical violation, not a crime, to tamper with an ankle monitor.