INSIDER
Does a fetus count in the carpool lane? Texas’ abortion law creates new questions about legal personhood
Read full article: Does a fetus count in the carpool lane? Texas’ abortion law creates new questions about legal personhoodA pregnant Texas woman said her fetus should count as a person in an HOV lane. That legal question is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the thorny question of “personhood.”
Redistricting, challenges from the right test Texas House GOP incumbents coming off “most conservative session ever”
Read full article: Redistricting, challenges from the right test Texas House GOP incumbents coming off “most conservative session ever”The primaries are also the first major electoral test for House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, who took over the gavel more than a year ago.
Key Texas abortion opponent sees Supreme Court decision as validation to keep fighting
Read full article: Key Texas abortion opponent sees Supreme Court decision as validation to keep fightingMark Lee Dickson helped Texas towns ban abortion. On Friday, the Supreme Court declined to block a state law modeled on his ordinance. “We can go anywhere now,” he said.
Republican bill that limits how race, slavery and history are taught in Texas schools becomes law
Read full article: Republican bill that limits how race, slavery and history are taught in Texas schools becomes lawThe so-called “critical race theory” law prohibits teachers from discussing “a widely debated and currently controversial issue of public policy or social affairs.”
UT-Austin professors criticize university for halting antiracism study with preschoolers
Read full article: UT-Austin professors criticize university for halting antiracism study with preschoolersThe decision to halt the study comes after a University of Michigan-Flint professor filed an Office for Civil Rights complaint against the study, arguing it discriminates against children of color. But professors said pausing the study sets a negative precedent that could impact academic freedom.
More Texas voters unhappy than satisfied over power grid, abortion and property taxes, UT/TT Poll finds
Read full article: More Texas voters unhappy than satisfied over power grid, abortion and property taxes, UT/TT Poll findsMost voters approve of using state money to add border barriers between Texas and Mexico. But 57% disapprove of a new abortion law’s provision allowing lawsuits against people who help someone get the procedure.
Watch three Texas House Democrats discuss their year playing legislative defense against GOP priority legislation
Read full article: Watch three Texas House Democrats discuss their year playing legislative defense against GOP priority legislationState Reps. Gina Hinojosa, Donna Howard and Eddie Rodriguez talked about everything from redistricting to “critical race theory” with Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith.
Justice Department sues Texas over new voting law, targeting restrictions on mail-in ballots and voter assistance
Read full article: Justice Department sues Texas over new voting law, targeting restrictions on mail-in ballots and voter assistanceThe elderly, voters with disabilities and voters with limited English proficiency risk disenfranchisement under sweeping legislation Texas Republicans pushed through earlier this year, the justice department argues in its legal challenge to Senate Bill 1.
Texas’ new House map challenged in state court, expanding redistricting fight
Read full article: Texas’ new House map challenged in state court, expanding redistricting fightThe Mexican American Legislative Caucus is arguing that the new state House map violates the Texas Constitution. The lawsuit follows two legal challenges to the state’s new maps previously filed in federal court.
In fast-growing Central Texas, redistricting sparks political reshuffling in upcoming statehouse and congressional races
Read full article: In fast-growing Central Texas, redistricting sparks political reshuffling in upcoming statehouse and congressional racesThe fast-growing region likely will see a considerable number of new state and federal lawmakers after the 2022 election. And in many cases, they will be representing districts whose boundaries have significantly shifted.
Texas House approves bill targeting transgender student athletes after lawmakers' three previous attempts faltered
Read full article: Texas House approves bill targeting transgender student athletes after lawmakers' three previous attempts falteredUnder House Bill 25, K-12 student athletes would be prohibited from competing on school sports teams aligned with their gender identity. The bill will now head to the Senate, where it is expected to pass.
As Texas GOP wages war on COVID-19 mandates, lawmakers OK bill that would make companies requiring the shot vulnerable to lawsuits
Read full article: As Texas GOP wages war on COVID-19 mandates, lawmakers OK bill that would make companies requiring the shot vulnerable to lawsuitsSenate Bill 51 would make any entity, including hospitals, vulnerable to discrimination lawsuits if they mandate vaccinations for all employees.
Texas bill limiting transgender student athletes’ sports participation clears key hurdle on way to becoming law
Read full article: Texas bill limiting transgender student athletes’ sports participation clears key hurdle on way to becoming lawA House committee approved the bill despite emotional testimony from parents of transgender Texas children. This is the fourth legislative session this year in which lawmakers targeted LGBTQ kids.
John Wray fights for old Texas House seat against Brian Harrison in special election that has turned personal
Read full article: John Wray fights for old Texas House seat against Brian Harrison in special election that has turned personalThe two Republicans are fighting to replace former state Rep. Jake Ellzey, R-Waxahachie, who is now a congressman.
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas is lone Democrat to vote against federal bill protecting abortion rights
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas is lone Democrat to vote against federal bill protecting abortion rightsThe U.S. House is trying to override Texas’ near-total ban on abortions. But Democrats likely lack the support they need in the U.S. Senate.
Special election runoff between John Wray and Brian Harrison for state House district in North Texas set for Sept. 28
Read full article: Special election runoff between John Wray and Brian Harrison for state House district in North Texas set for Sept. 28The two Republicans are vying to replace former state Rep. Jake Ellzey, who is now in Congress.
U.S. Justice Department sues Texas over new abortion law that Attorney General Merrick Garland calls unconstitutional
Read full article: U.S. Justice Department sues Texas over new abortion law that Attorney General Merrick Garland calls unconstitutionalGarland called the law a "scheme to nullify the Constitution of the United States." It prohibits the procedure before many people know that they are pregnant.
Texas House passes new voting restrictions as Democratic hopes of killing the legislation wane
Read full article: Texas House passes new voting restrictions as Democratic hopes of killing the legislation waneDemocrats used every tool they had, fleeing the state en masse and forcing two special sessions, but a Republican bill to rewrite state election laws won final approval in the House on Friday. Once the House and Senate work out some differences, it appears headed to the governor’s desk.
Texas House committee again passes the voting restrictions bill that instigated Democratic quorum break
Read full article: Texas House committee again passes the voting restrictions bill that instigated Democratic quorum breakSenate Bill 1 would outlaw local efforts to make it easier to vote, ratchet up vote-by-mail rules and bolster protections for partisan poll watchers. The Senate already passed the legislation, but a House panel Monday replaced that with the lower chamber’s version of the bill.
Texas Supreme Court says House Democrats can be arrested and brought to the Capitol, siding with Republicans trying to secure a quorum
Read full article: Texas Supreme Court says House Democrats can be arrested and brought to the Capitol, siding with Republicans trying to secure a quorumIn a bid to block a voting restrictions bill, House Democrats for weeks have denied the lower chamber the number of present members needed to pass legislation. House Speaker Dade Phelan has already signed dozens of civil arrest warrants.
Texas cancer patients and people with PTSD will soon be able to join state’s expanded medical marijuana program
Read full article: Texas cancer patients and people with PTSD will soon be able to join state’s expanded medical marijuana programA new law going into effect Sept. 1 will also increase the cap of THC in medical marijuana to 1%.
“The clock is ticking”: Texans will navigate more hurdles under new law outlawing abortions before many know they're pregnant
Read full article: “The clock is ticking”: Texans will navigate more hurdles under new law outlawing abortions before many know they're pregnantThe state’s “fetal heartbeat” law going into effect Sept. 1 is considered one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the nation.
“I expect the worst”: A Texas parent worries about sending her children back to school in person
Read full article: “I expect the worst”: A Texas parent worries about sending her children back to school in personGov. Greg Abbott is standing firm on his ban against mask mandates in schools. Some parents are concerned for their children’s safety as in-person classes resume.
What is gender-affirming medical care for transgender children? Here’s what you need to know.
Read full article: What is gender-affirming medical care for transgender children? Here’s what you need to know.Gender-affirming care, which leading health care organizations in Texas say is the best way to provide care to transgender children, is emerging as a top target of state Republicans and lies at the heart of brewing political and legal battles.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s son says Texas Republicans are misrepresenting his father’s words in effort to whitewash history
Read full article: Martin Luther King Jr.’s son says Texas Republicans are misrepresenting his father’s words in effort to whitewash historyRepublican Texas lawmakers have justified their efforts to limit how racism and current events are taught in school by saying that critical race theory judges people by the color of their skin. Martin Luther King III and experts disagree.
Gov. Greg Abbott says he’ll soon unveil plan to restrict transition-related medical care for transgender children
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott says he’ll soon unveil plan to restrict transition-related medical care for transgender childrenThe move comes after bills to do so were unsuccessful during the regular legislative session — and after Abbott did not include them on his agenda for the ongoing special session.
Texas Senate advances bills limiting education about race, access to abortion-inducing medications. The House is still sidelined.
Read full article: Texas Senate advances bills limiting education about race, access to abortion-inducing medications. The House is still sidelined.It's largely symbolic, but the Texas Senate is nearing the end of its work on Republican priorities for the special legislative session after passing bills limiting "critical race theory" and abortion access Friday.
What it means to break quorum and what you need to know about the Texas House Democrats’ dramatic departure
Read full article: What it means to break quorum and what you need to know about the Texas House Democrats’ dramatic departureDemocrats are preventing the Texas House from having enough members to pass legislation. We explain what that means, what options Republicans have and what’s in the voting bills Democrats oppose.
After hours of impassioned testimony, Texas Senate panel advances bills limiting the school sports teams that transgender athletes can join
Read full article: After hours of impassioned testimony, Texas Senate panel advances bills limiting the school sports teams that transgender athletes can joinGov. Greg Abbott added the legislation to the special session agenda after similar bills failed to pass during the regular session earlier this year.
GOP voting bills advance in Texas House and Senate after overnight committee hearings
Read full article: GOP voting bills advance in Texas House and Senate after overnight committee hearingsAuthors of the legislation are moving to ban drive-thru and 24-hour voting options, enhance access for partisan poll watchers and prohibit local election officials from proactively distributing applications to request mail-in ballots. Both bills also include language to further restrict the state’s voting-by-mail rules, including new ID requirements for absentee voters.
Texas educators of color say law limiting how America’s history of racism is taught further silences marginalized voices
Read full article: Texas educators of color say law limiting how America’s history of racism is taught further silences marginalized voicesTexas teacher Juan Carmona says it’s important to talk about the experiences of marginalized groups with students of color because they should see themselves represented in history books.
Texas lawmakers are back for a special session. Here’s what you should know.
Read full article: Texas lawmakers are back for a special session. Here’s what you should know.We asked our readers for their questions about the special legislative session that starts Thursday in Texas. These are the answers.
Gov. Greg Abbott includes voting restrictions, critical race theory and rules for transgender student athletes on special legislative session agenda
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott includes voting restrictions, critical race theory and rules for transgender student athletes on special legislative session agendaAbbott also put border security and restoring funding to the Legislative branch — which he vetoed last month — on the special session agenda.
"Everything is on the table": Democrats mull options for special session, including another walkout
Read full article: "Everything is on the table": Democrats mull options for special session, including another walkoutAfter killing Republicans' priority voting bill during the regular legislative session, Democratic lawmakers are mulling how to try to stop it in the special session that starts July 8.
Some Texas students with disabilities thrived on remote learning, but have few options this fall
Read full article: Some Texas students with disabilities thrived on remote learning, but have few options this fallLegislation that would have funded remote learning at Texas schools failed to pass, leaving families of students who preferred distance learning with months to figure out their options before the fall semester.
Beto O’Rourke tours Texas again to rally Congress to take action on voting rights legislation
Read full article: Beto O’Rourke tours Texas again to rally Congress to take action on voting rights legislationO'Rourke has visited at least 19 cities this month and plans to hold a final rally Sunday at the Texas Capitol in Austin.
Gov. Greg Abbott wants lawmakers to target critical race theory in a special session, but is so far mum on details
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott wants lawmakers to target critical race theory in a special session, but is so far mum on detailsThe governor said Wednesday he would add the issue to the agenda for an anticipated special session.
Texas teachers and students, tell us how race and racism are taught in school
Read full article: Texas teachers and students, tell us how race and racism are taught in schoolHouse Bill 3979 restricts how teachers can talk about race and current events in public schools. We want to hear from teachers and students on how it could impact what students learn about America's history — and its present.
Gov. Greg Abbott said Texas lawmakers would prioritize workers in 2021. But advocates say the working class was largely left behind.
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott said Texas lawmakers would prioritize workers in 2021. But advocates say the working class was largely left behind.After Texas workers were praised during the pandemic, many thought lawmakers would increase protections or benefits. But advocacy groups say they spent a lot of time playing defense on bills that could hurt workers.
State Rep. James White, an East Texas Republican, won't seek another term in Texas House
Read full article: State Rep. James White, an East Texas Republican, won't seek another term in Texas HouseWhite, chairman of the House Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee, has served in the lower chamber since 2011.
An anti-abortion program will receive $100 million in the next Texas budget, but there’s little data on what’s being done with the money
Read full article: An anti-abortion program will receive $100 million in the next Texas budget, but there’s little data on what’s being done with the moneyCritics say the fast-growing Alternatives to Abortion program is secretive and a “waste” of money. But the program has strong supporters in the Republican-controlled Legislature who say it helps those who decide to “choose life in difficult circumstances.”
Texas House rallies behind Speaker Dade Phelan, even as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick blames him for GOP legislative failures
Read full article: Texas House rallies behind Speaker Dade Phelan, even as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick blames him for GOP legislative failuresPhelan has touted a list of conservative wins in his first session as House leader, such as passing legislation to let Texans carry handguns without a license and approving some of the strictest restrictions on abortion in the country.
Despite GOP majority, a number of conservative “bumper sticker” issues fell short
Read full article: Despite GOP majority, a number of conservative “bumper sticker” issues fell shortThe Tribune’s Ross Ramsey breaks down the big takeaways from the 2021 Legislature. Listen in the weekend edition of The Brief podcast.
Republican state Sen. Dawn Buckingham running for Texas land commissioner
Read full article: Republican state Sen. Dawn Buckingham running for Texas land commissionerThe news of her decision comes two days after the current land commissioner, George P. Bush, announced he was running for attorney general next year, challenging fellow Republican Ken Paxton.
Republicans say they won't pursue part of Texas elections bill in special session that would limit Sunday early voting hours
Read full article: Republicans say they won't pursue part of Texas elections bill in special session that would limit Sunday early voting hoursThe provision deals with the window for early voting on Sundays, and the current version raised concerns that it was targeting get-out-the-vote efforts by Black churches.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vows to defund state Legislature after voting restrictions bill fails, threatening salaries
Read full article: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vows to defund state Legislature after voting restrictions bill fails, threatening salaries"No pay for those who abandon their responsibilities," Abbott tweeted Monday.
Texas House set to consider GOP priority voting bill after sweeping changes made behind closed doors
Read full article: Texas House set to consider GOP priority voting bill after sweeping changes made behind closed doorsThe legislation, approved by the Senate Sunday morning after an all-night debate, touches all facets of voting in Texas.
Texas Legislature moves to give moms on Medicaid six months of health coverage after birth
Read full article: Texas Legislature moves to give moms on Medicaid six months of health coverage after birthThe bill would add an extra four months of health insurance for low-income women, who now get Medicaid coverage from pregnancy until two months after delivery. It now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott for signature.
Texas Senate didn’t pass critical bill needed to keep key state agency alive, potentially forcing a special session
Read full article: Texas Senate didn’t pass critical bill needed to keep key state agency alive, potentially forcing a special sessionBy neglecting to pass a bill that extends the life of state agencies, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick essentially signed a death warrant for the regulating agency for Texas law enforcement. On Wednesday, he said he wanted a special legislative session to revive failed Republican bills.
Some Texas schools would be required to hang “In God We Trust” signs due to measure nearing passage by lawmakers
Read full article: Some Texas schools would be required to hang “In God We Trust” signs due to measure nearing passage by lawmakersThe national motto would have to be hung in a "conspicuous place" in every building on the school's campus — if someone donates the sign.
Point of Order: Republican state Rep. Lyle Larson, party of one
Read full article: Point of Order: Republican state Rep. Lyle Larson, party of oneIn the latest episode of our podcast about the Texas Legislature, Evan Smith talks to state Rep. Lyle Larson about his quixotic efforts to move his fellow Republicans to the center on issues like Medicaid expansion, local control and election law — to put the public good ahead of politics and partisanship, he says.
Texas Legislature close to approving billions to pay for winter storm financial fallout
Read full article: Texas Legislature close to approving billions to pay for winter storm financial falloutSeveral billions of dollars in state-approved financing will be necessary to stabilize the state’s distressed energy market after the winter storm. Texas approves more in finance bailouts for its utilities than any other state.
Texas Senate advances bill that would outlaw abortions if Roe v. Wade is overturned
Read full article: Texas Senate advances bill that would outlaw abortions if Roe v. Wade is overturnedCalled a “trigger” law, House Bill 1280 would take effect 30 days after the Supreme Court overturned the Roe decision or after a court ruling or constitutional amendment gave states the authority to prohibit abortions.
Texas lawmakers split over how long to extend Medicaid health coverage for new mothers
Read full article: Texas lawmakers split over how long to extend Medicaid health coverage for new mothersMaternal health advocates said the bill — originally pitched as a one-year extension — could reduce the state’s maternal mortality rate and offer vital help to mothers grappling with conditions like postpartum depression or health complications in the months after giving birth.
Texas’ divisive bill limiting how students learn about current events and historic racism passed by Senate
Read full article: Texas’ divisive bill limiting how students learn about current events and historic racism passed by SenateThe bill aims to ban critical race theory in public and open-enrollment charter schools. Supporters say it merely ensures students aren't taught that one race or gender is superior to another. Critics say it limits how race in America is taught.
Texas House, Senate strike compromise on bill legalizing permitless carry of handguns
Read full article: Texas House, Senate strike compromise on bill legalizing permitless carry of handgunsThe agreement advances the legislation even closer to becoming law. Abbott has said he will sign such a proposal.
Gov. Greg Abbott signs into law one of nation’s strictest abortion measures, banning procedure as early as six weeks into a pregnancy
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott signs into law one of nation’s strictest abortion measures, banning procedure as early as six weeks into a pregnancyThe signing of the bill opens a new frontier in the battle over abortion restrictions as first-of-its-kind legal provisions intended to make the law harder to challenge are poised to be tested in the courts.
Lawsuit seeks to block Lubbock’s ordinance aimed at outlawing abortions
Read full article: Lawsuit seeks to block Lubbock’s ordinance aimed at outlawing abortionsThe American Civil Liberties Union of Texas and Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas are suing over the West Texas city's “sanctuary city for the unborn” ordinance.
Texas senator overhauls House bail bill to keep more people in jail if they can’t post cash bonds
Read full article: Texas senator overhauls House bail bill to keep more people in jail if they can’t post cash bondsLegislative attempts to reform bail in Texas is likely headed for a closed-door showdown over the different approaches the House and Senate each devised.
Texas Senate resumes push to ban transition-related medical care for transgender children, days after bill failed in House
Read full article: Texas Senate resumes push to ban transition-related medical care for transgender children, days after bill failed in HouseDays after the House failed to pass their own ban against gender confirmation medical care, the Senate pushed their own attempt forward.
Prospects for many Texas House bills dim if they’re not passed today. Here’s what you need to know.
Read full article: Prospects for many Texas House bills dim if they’re not passed today. Here’s what you need to know.Lots of legislation that originated in the Texas House this session faces a key deadline tonight: By midnight Friday, the lower chamber has to grant preliminary approval to such bills that don’t have near-unanimous support.
After Texas House rejects Senate changes, bill allowing permitless carrying of handguns will get hashed out behind closed doors
Read full article: After Texas House rejects Senate changes, bill allowing permitless carrying of handguns will get hashed out behind closed doorsSign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.