Lawmakers who ushered through the change say the new law will make roads safer during storms or construction.

Sweltering heat has killed inmates, driven away prison workers and cost taxpayers millions in lawsuits. The House budget would provide air conditioning for 46 prisons, but it’s unclear if the Senate will sign on.

Amanda Zurawski developed a life-threatening infection last year after her water broke when she was only 18 weeks pregnant. Citing the state’s abortion ban, her doctors refused to intervene to induce labor even though there was no way her baby would survive.

The bill initially approved by the House aims to cool all of Texas’ prisons before 2029. But even if it is signed into law, the lockups will only be air conditioned if lawmakers provide specific funds for installation.

There’s only 30 days left in this year’s session of the Texas Legislature, and some lawmakers and advocacy groups are hoping laws regarding new registration fees for electric vehicle can beat the clock.

The Texas Department of Transportation has already seen a $1.9 billion drop in revenue during this budget period, and that has some lawmakers looking for more ways to fund the state’s transportation needs. That’s the method used in 22 states and Washington, D.C., but Texas has not made a change. Fuel taxes here are the lowest among the 10 most populous states and haven’t been adjusted in almost 30 years. So Texas ostensibly subsidizes transportation for big rigs.”Legislation has also been filed to charge an additional registration fee on electric and hybrid vehicles, which are growing in usage. The state’s population is still projected to double by 2050, so leaders said transportation needs won’t be met by only building new roads.