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.

Could Beto be back? O'Rourke mulling bid for Texas governor

Three years after becoming Democrats’ breakout star out of Texas, and a year removed from crashing back to Earth in a short-lived presidential run, O’Rourke is again weighing another campaign — this time for governor.

Legal challenges likely ahead for strict new Texas abortion law

The new Texas abortion law is set to take effect in September, but federal courts have mostly blocked states from enforcing similar abortion restrictions.

Texas House bill would restrict teaching critical race theory in schools

Republicans support the bill, saying it keeps students from engaging in divisive topics. Democrats call it whitewashing and an attack on free speech.

Texas governor’s emergency powers during pandemics would be curbed under bill advanced in House

HB 3 as advanced would give lawmakers more oversight of the Texas governor’s emergency powers during a pandemic and specifically carves out future pandemics from how the state responds to other disasters, such as hurricanes.

Texas House passes controversial voting legislation after changes from Democrats

The party line vote happened after Republican lawmakers conceded to several Democratic proposed amendments that softened the language on criminal penalties.

Voter suppression or voter integrity: Texas lawmakers spar over election bill

Texas lawmakers are going late into the evening Thursday sparring over voting legislation. Republicans say it's about election integrity. Democrats call it voter suppression.

Texas bill hopes to give divorced parents equal custody of children

Texas fathers going through divorce often face an uphill battle to gain equal custody of their children. Advocates had hoped to change Texas law to make it easier, but a bill that would do that is stalled with time running out.

Faith leaders oppose ‘heartbeat bill’ measures at Texas Capitol

Those opposed to SB 8 say the legal liability is too broad. It’s claimed that under the law a rapist could sue the family members of his victim if they recommend an abortion should be done.

Major felony bond reform passes Texas House

On Tuesday, lawmakers in the Texas House responded with final passage of HB-20, a measure which will make it much more difficult for defendants with a criminal history of violence to gain bond.

Texas economist warns of consequences if strict voting access legislation becomes law

Texas lawmakers are considering new legislation which would tighten access to voting across the state. Voting rights activists and several large corporations and businesses have condemned the proposals.

Texas Senate committee holds hearing on proposed permitless carry bill

The Senate Special Committee on Constitutional Issues heard public comment on House Bill 1927, also referred to as permitless carry or constitutional carry.