Texas bill would allow permanent residents to serve as police officers
Police everywhere are fighting two battles: crime in communities and a shortage of qualified candidates. The chiefs of the biggest cities in North Texas say allowing this group the opportunity to become police could help with the shortage of jailers and officers.
Police everywhere are fighting two battles: crime in communities and a shortage of qualified candidates. The chiefs of the biggest cities in North Texas say allowing this group the opportunity to become police could help with the shortage of jailers and officers.
Donald Trump Indicted: Texas lawmakers react to indictment
The news of Donald Trump's indictment brought reactions from both Democrats and Republicans, including many from right here in Texas.
The news of Donald Trump's indictment brought reactions from both Democrats and Republicans, including many from right here in Texas.
Bill that would remove sales tax from baby, female hygiene products passes through Texas House
The bill aims to take some of the financial burden off new families by removing the sales tax for crucial baby items, like diapers and formula.
The bill aims to take some of the financial burden off new families by removing the sales tax for crucial baby items, like diapers and formula.
Texas bill would require body cameras for every prison guard in state
If passed the bill would make body cameras, like what law enforcement officers wear, mandatory for the state's 20,000 prison guards.
If passed the bill would make body cameras, like what law enforcement officers wear, mandatory for the state's 20,000 prison guards.
Bill eliminating tampon, diaper sales taxes OK’d by Texas House
The proposal removes sales tax on diapers, baby wipes and bottles; feminine hygiene products, including tampons, sanitary napkins and menstrual cups; maternity clothing; and products for pumping breast milk.
The proposal removes sales tax on diapers, baby wipes and bottles; feminine hygiene products, including tampons, sanitary napkins and menstrual cups; maternity clothing; and products for pumping breast milk.
Texas Senate committee passes bills that would restrict drag shows
If passed, the laws would go into effect in September 2023.
If passed, the laws would go into effect in September 2023.
Texas: The Issue Is – State Rep. Matt Schaefer on reorganizing Operation Lone Star
Operation Lone Star is entering its third year and people are wondering how this mission can continue as it is. State Rep. Matt Schaefer talks with FOX 7 Austin's Rudy Koski about HB 20 and how he hopes to reorganize the mission.
Operation Lone Star is entering its third year and people are wondering how this mission can continue as it is. State Rep. Matt Schaefer talks with FOX 7 Austin's Rudy Koski about HB 20 and how he hopes to reorganize the mission.
Proposed bills to make Texas power grid more reliable face criticism
Critics have concerns about consumer costs and whether lawmakers are focusing on the right things.
Critics have concerns about consumer costs and whether lawmakers are focusing on the right things.
Educators worried how proposed Texas 'school choice' bill will impact public school pre-Ks
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.
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 testify before Senate committee on frustrations over illegal border crossings
Texans who live along the southern border testified before the Senate Committee on Border Security to say illegal border crossings are out of control.
Texans who live along the southern border testified before the Senate Committee on Border Security to say illegal border crossings are out of control.
Performers, business owners and parents voice opposition to drag show restrictions at Texas Senate hearing
Proposed legislation from Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, would criminalize explicit performances where children are present and strip libraries of state funding for hosting any event featuring performers in drag. Critics say the bill is discriminatory and unconstitutional.
Proposed legislation from Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, would criminalize explicit performances where children are present and strip libraries of state funding for hosting any event featuring performers in drag. Critics say the bill is discriminatory and unconstitutional.
School Choice: Texas lawmakers proposing bringing taxpayer funding to private schools
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.
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.
Texas business interests and family values collide as lawmakers debate legalizing gambling
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.
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.
Bill discussed that would give Texas teachers $2K or $4K raises, short of what they are asking for
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.
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.
Two education rallies held outside State Capitol
It was an education centered day for the Texas legislature as two rallies were held outside the State Capitol.
It was an education centered day for the Texas legislature as two rallies were held outside the State Capitol.
Texas Senate bill aims to increase criminal penalties for catalytic converter thieves
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.
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.
Texas lawmakers debate bill to make damaging, disconnecting GPS monitor a crime
Under current law it is only a technical violation, not a crime, to tamper with an ankle monitor.
Under current law it is only a technical violation, not a crime, to tamper with an ankle monitor.
Conservative, liberal groups testify at State Capitol over controversial legislation
Texans on all sides of the political spectrum are making their voices heard when it comes to controversial legislation that has been filed this session.
Texans on all sides of the political spectrum are making their voices heard when it comes to controversial legislation that has been filed this session.
Texas: The Issue Is – Senator Ted Cruz talks debt ceiling, border crisis
As the national debt continues to grow, reaching the highest debt seen in history, conversations in Congress continue to circle around what should be done regarding the U.S. debt ceiling.
As the national debt continues to grow, reaching the highest debt seen in history, conversations in Congress continue to circle around what should be done regarding the U.S. debt ceiling.
Texas: The Issue Is - Work underway to make penalty tougher for criminals who cut off ankle monitors
There is a bipartisan effort to make the penalty tougher for criminals who cut off their ankle monitors.
There is a bipartisan effort to make the penalty tougher for criminals who cut off their ankle monitors.