INSIDER
In Texas, private firms cash in on property tax late fees, piling debt onto struggling homeowners
Read full article: In Texas, private firms cash in on property tax late fees, piling debt onto struggling homeownersTexans who fall behind on their property taxes face one of the most punitive systems in the nation, where private collection companies can tack up to 20% onto their bill.
Texas GOP leaders defend appointee after tense exchange over diversity hiring
Read full article: Texas GOP leaders defend appointee after tense exchange over diversity hiringSeveral of Texas’ top Republicans are defending Gov. Greg Abbott’s pick to head the state’s water agency following pointed questions from a GOP lawmaker over the agency’s diversity hiring policies.
New Texas Supreme Court chief justice calls for judicial raises, changes to bail laws
Read full article: New Texas Supreme Court chief justice calls for judicial raises, changes to bail lawsChief Justice Jimmy Blacklock embraced constitutional originalism, a judicial philosophy tied to conservatism, in addressing the Legislature.
National leaders mount pressure campaign on Texas House GOP to pass voucher bill
Read full article: National leaders mount pressure campaign on Texas House GOP to pass voucher billSupporters of voucher-like education savings accounts are trying to press their advantage early and build a sense of inevitability.
‘We will pass school choice’: Gov. Abbott advocates for school vouchers during San Antonio visit
Read full article: ‘We will pass school choice’: Gov. Abbott advocates for school vouchers during San Antonio visitGov. Greg Abbott and Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows assured private school parents on Monday that the Texas Legislature will pass school vouchers.
Winners and losers: Who came out on top — and who didn’t — in the Texas House’s committee assignments
Read full article: Winners and losers: Who came out on top — and who didn’t — in the Texas House’s committee assignmentsThere were only so many chair positions to go around, with 30 committees for 88 Republicans, making it inevitable that some would miss out on plum appointments.
How a multi-year legal battle by allies of a billionaire megadonor set off this year’s explosive House Speaker race
Read full article: How a multi-year legal battle by allies of a billionaire megadonor set off this year’s explosive House Speaker raceA pair of lawsuits filed by allies of West Texas megadonor Tim Dunn shut down laws that banned outside spending in the House leadership race, allowing for more political mudslinging and raising questions about ethics rules.
Burrows, Patrick and Abbott: Texas’ “Big Three” have big plans and a wary new dynamic
Read full article: Burrows, Patrick and Abbott: Texas’ “Big Three” have big plans and a wary new dynamicThe aggressive Republican agenda’s success depends on how well the three leaders harmonize their tactics and goals for the legislative session.
Texas Republicans want more property tax cuts. Here’s how they may do it.
Read full article: Texas Republicans want more property tax cuts. Here’s how they may do it.Gov. Greg Abbott said cutting taxes is a top priority, however, state lawmakers don’t have as much money to plug into tax cuts as they did two years ago.
Conservatives clinch longtime goal of booting Democrats from leadership ranks in Texas House
Read full article: Conservatives clinch longtime goal of booting Democrats from leadership ranks in Texas HouseConservative activists in the GOP caucus called any power sharing with the minority party a betrayal of Republican voters.
Texas Ethics Commission dismisses complaint against state GOP chair, lawmaker says
Read full article: Texas Ethics Commission dismisses complaint against state GOP chair, lawmaker saysRep. Cody Harris had accused Abraham George of improperly threatening to send mailers and censure lawmakers who backed Rep. Dustin Burrows as House speaker.
Texas Democrats hope to benefit after boosting Dustin Burrows to House speaker
Read full article: Texas Democrats hope to benefit after boosting Dustin Burrows to House speakerThe Democrats’ short list of possible benefits: A leader who learned to keep promises, a chance at chairing committees, and what they see as more chances for a fairer playing field.
The Texas Legislature is back. Here’s what we’re watching.
Read full article: The Texas Legislature is back. Here’s what we’re watching.From debating school vouchers and improving the state’s water supply to reining in property taxes, the GOP-led body will look to pass its conservative priorities amid fighting within the party.
Texas lawmaker accuses state GOP chair of ethics violation over threats in House speaker race
Read full article: Texas lawmaker accuses state GOP chair of ethics violation over threats in House speaker raceRep. Cody Harris filed a complaint against Texas GOP Chair Abraham George for sending mailers and censuring lawmakers who support Rep. Dustin Burrows as House speaker.
Ken Paxton kicks off tour to pressure Republicans to support David Cook for House speaker
Read full article: Ken Paxton kicks off tour to pressure Republicans to support David Cook for House speakerPaxton’s latest tour is the continuation of his efforts in the past year to get political revenge on House Republicans who supported his impeachment.
Texas GOP threatens House members who support Dustin Burrows in speaker race with attack mailers
Read full article: Texas GOP threatens House members who support Dustin Burrows in speaker race with attack mailersThis is the latest example of the Republican Party of Texas spending its resources attacking its own members.
A new Texas GOP rule could alter the House speaker’s race — and ban some Republicans from appearing in primaries
Read full article: A new Texas GOP rule could alter the House speaker’s race — and ban some Republicans from appearing in primariesRepublicans who vote against party leaders’ preferred candidate could be barred from running in primaries. Lawsuits could follow.
Dustin Burrows on bipartisanship, school vouchers and why he still thinks he’ll be Texas House speaker
Read full article: Dustin Burrows on bipartisanship, school vouchers and why he still thinks he’ll be Texas House speakerIn a Q&A, Burrows said he’s still confident he’ll win. But he says the leadership race is bigger than any one person and his supporters are trying to protect the integrity of the House.
Gov. Greg Abbott signals support for David Cook over Dustin Burrows in GOP fight for House speaker
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott signals support for David Cook over Dustin Burrows in GOP fight for House speakerDays after the Texas House GOP caucus backed Cook, Abbott made clear that he expects Republican representatives to do the same.
Legalized marijuana supporters hope voters in this Texas city will send a message to state lawmakers
Read full article: Legalized marijuana supporters hope voters in this Texas city will send a message to state lawmakersThere is no process in Texas for a voter-driven statewide referendum. So, supporters are going city by city to build statewide momentum.
Public blasts Texas agencies, regulators for poor communication and oversight at wildfire hearings
Read full article: Public blasts Texas agencies, regulators for poor communication and oversight at wildfire hearingsThursday’s hearing marked the end of the Legislature’s three-day marathon of public hearings.
Do Texans have the “right to farm?” Voters will decide with Proposition 1.
Read full article: Do Texans have the “right to farm?” Voters will decide with Proposition 1.Supporters of the amendment say it will protect farmers as the state’s largest cities continue to grow. Opponents suggest the amendment is too broad and ambiguous.
Houston sues state in attempt to block new law that erodes cities’ power
Read full article: Houston sues state in attempt to block new law that erodes cities’ powerHouse Bill 2127 — dubbed the “Death Star” law by opponents — prevents local governments from creating rules that go further than what’s allowed under broad areas of state law. Houston’s suit says the new law violates the state’s constitution.
Texas Republicans ended a patchwork of local rules they say hurt business. They also eroded powers of city councils.
Read full article: Texas Republicans ended a patchwork of local rules they say hurt business. They also eroded powers of city councils.Lawmakers delivered Gov. Greg Abbott a long-sought bill to stop local governments from enacting local laws that exceed state law on a number of fronts.
City Attorney: San Antonio won’t take ordinances off the books in face of sweeping preemption bill
Read full article: City Attorney: San Antonio won’t take ordinances off the books in face of sweeping preemption billA bill that would prevent cities from passing laws on evictions, labor issues, and numerous other areas, is on Gov. Greg Abbott's desk. With no clear answers on what is or isn't allowed, San Antonio's city attorney said the city will continue to enforce all its ordinances.
Texas Senate passes school safety bill that would require districts to bolster their active-shooter plans
Read full article: Texas Senate passes school safety bill that would require districts to bolster their active-shooter plansBoth chambers have said school safety is a priority this session after a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at a Uvalde elementary school last year.
Texas GOP’s broadest attempt yet to erode blue cities’ power gets one step closer to becoming law
Read full article: Texas GOP’s broadest attempt yet to erode blue cities’ power gets one step closer to becoming lawGov. Greg Abbott and other supporters of the bill have long sought legislation to push back against local regulations that they say hamper business owners and harm the state’s economy.
Texas House votes to require panic buttons in every classroom and armed guards in every school
Read full article: Texas House votes to require panic buttons in every classroom and armed guards in every schoolLawmakers have said school safety is a priority this session, but it is still unclear whether they’ll listen to Uvalde families who want to raise the minimum age to purchase semi-automatic guns from 18 to 21.
Texas House approves sweeping limits on local regulations in GOP’s latest jab at blue cities
Read full article: Texas House approves sweeping limits on local regulations in GOP’s latest jab at blue citiesCity officials say the full scope of the legislation advanced Tuesday is still unclear, but it would limit their ability to issue worker protections, water restrictions and more.
Texas Republicans quickly blast Donald Trump indictment, calling it “catastrophic” and politically motivated
Read full article: Texas Republicans quickly blast Donald Trump indictment, calling it “catastrophic” and politically motivatedTrump became the first former U.S. president to face criminal charges, in his case over alleged hush money payments made to an adult film star. Many of his fellow Republicans in Texas lambasted the legal development.
Texas cities have adopted ordinances to benefit workers. Sweeping legislation could roll many back.
Read full article: Texas cities have adopted ordinances to benefit workers. Sweeping legislation could roll many back.Lawmakers say their bills are needed to provide small businesses with consistent regulations and that regulatory power should be returned to the state. Labor groups say the proposal could undo hard-fought measures to protect workers.
Texas GOP launches radio attack ads against Republican state House speaker
Read full article: Texas GOP launches radio attack ads against Republican state House speakerThe radio ad, which criticizes Phelan for appointing Democratic committee chairs, prompted pushback from Republican colleagues in the House over why the state party would use resources to attack its own member.
Ahead of the 2023 session, Texas lawmakers previewed their objectives. Here are five things you need to know.
Read full article: Ahead of the 2023 session, Texas lawmakers previewed their objectives. Here are five things you need to know.Texas lawmakers on both sides of the aisle talked schools, abortion and guns in advance of next year’s session in a range of panels at The Texas Tribune Festival.
Uvalde parents’ anger and quest for answers persist after committee faults school and police in mass shooting
Read full article: Uvalde parents’ anger and quest for answers persist after committee faults school and police in mass shootingUvalde residents who lost loved ones at Robb Elementary say they want to know if officers will face repercussions.
Uvalde police lieutenant placed on leave after report faults several agencies’ school shooting response
Read full article: Uvalde police lieutenant placed on leave after report faults several agencies’ school shooting responseLt. Mariano Pargas was the acting city police chief the day of the shooting. Mayor Don McLaughlin said the city is investigating Pargas’ role in the delayed confrontation of the shooter.
VIDEO: Texas officials release 77 minutes of footage from inside Uvalde school during shooting
Read full article: VIDEO: Texas officials release 77 minutes of footage from inside Uvalde school during shootingNearly two months after the state’s deadliest school shooting, footage from inside Robb Elementary in Uvalde was released on Sunday to families and the public.
FULL REPORT: Read the Texas House report on Uvalde school shooting, failed police response
Read full article: FULL REPORT: Read the Texas House report on Uvalde school shooting, failed police responseNearly two months after the state’s deadliest school shooting, a comprehensive report on the failed police response and missed red flags was released to families of victims and the public.
Press conference in Uvalde following release of video, report to families of victims
Read full article: Press conference in Uvalde following release of video, report to families of victimsMembers of a special Texas House investigatory committee are holding a press conference in Uvalde on Sunday at 4 p.m.
Officials react on Twitter to leaked Uvalde school shooting video
Read full article: Officials react on Twitter to leaked Uvalde school shooting videoPoliticians and officials took to Twitter on Tuesday to react to the new surveillance video of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School obtained by the Austin American-Statesman.
Video inside Robb Elementary shows gunman enter school, police gathering in hallway for more than hour
Read full article: Video inside Robb Elementary shows gunman enter school, police gathering in hallway for more than hourHallway video from Robb Elementary School has been obtained by the Austin American-Statesman.
Leaked video shows Texas law enforcement’s long wait to confront Uvalde school shooter
Read full article: Leaked video shows Texas law enforcement’s long wait to confront Uvalde school shooterElected officials and law enforcement leaders criticized the leak of the video that was supposed to first be shown to victims’ families.
Hallway video from Uvalde massacre will be released to public, Texas official says
Read full article: Hallway video from Uvalde massacre will be released to public, Texas official saysSecurity camera footage of the hallway at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde is expected to be released, Texas officials announced Monday.
Uvalde County DA accused of blocking public release of Robb Elementary surveillance video despite push from Texas House committee
Read full article: Uvalde County DA accused of blocking public release of Robb Elementary surveillance video despite push from Texas House committeeA Texas House of Representatives committee investigating the shooting at Robb Elementary School held a hearing on Monday to interview more witnesses about the massacre that led to the deaths of 19 children and two teachers.
Texas House committee requests surveillance videos showing 77 minutes before officers entered Robb Elementary classroom
Read full article: Texas House committee requests surveillance videos showing 77 minutes before officers entered Robb Elementary classroomA Texas House committee requested surveillance video that shows the 77 minutes before officers breached the classroom at Robb Elementary in Uvalde on May 24.
‘I have nothing to hide’: Uvalde County sheriff will testify in school shooting investigation after receiving notice of deposition
Read full article: ‘I have nothing to hide’: Uvalde County sheriff will testify in school shooting investigation after receiving notice of depositionThe Uvalde County sheriff has agreed to testify in front of a Texas House committee in the Robb Elementary School shooting investigation after officials filed a notice of deposition Wednesday.
Chairman: Voluntary testimony from Uvalde police uncertain
Read full article: Chairman: Voluntary testimony from Uvalde police uncertainThe chairman of a special state House committee taking testimony on the Uvalde school shooting says it's uncertain whether city police officials would testify voluntarily to the committee.
Texas House kicks off inquiry into Uvalde shooting behind closed doors
Read full article: Texas House kicks off inquiry into Uvalde shooting behind closed doorsState Rep. Dustin Burrows, the chair of the investigating committee, said he couldn’t promise a timeline for the review and that witnesses will be questioned in private.
House Speaker Dade Phelan announces legislative committee to investigate Uvalde shooting
Read full article: House Speaker Dade Phelan announces legislative committee to investigate Uvalde shootingPhelan said it is an “outrage” that officials still do not have a clear picture of what happened during the shooting. The committee’s findings will inform the House’s legislative response.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/WCR35DFZYJELJJFJWTDIUHY5L4.jpg)
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.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ZFOF5IPYOBASRO5JTW2JEXEV3U.jpg)
Texas governor’s emergency powers during pandemics would be curbed under bill advanced in House
Read full article: Texas governor’s emergency powers during pandemics would be curbed under bill advanced in HouseThe Texas House on Monday gave preliminary approval to a sweeping bill that would reform the governor’s emergency powers during a pandemic and involve the Legislature during such instances.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/L2ZOAXE5NRASXLFKRDDJHJ6OWM.jpg)
Texas lawmakers, lobby firm react to allegations that a lobbyist gave date rape drug to Capitol aide
Read full article: Texas lawmakers, lobby firm react to allegations that a lobbyist gave date rape drug to Capitol aide:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/WX5SM7DRHVAMTLVCEALARH7OWI.jpg)
Debate ramps up at Texas Legislature over governor’s emergency powers during pandemic
Read full article: Debate ramps up at Texas Legislature over governor’s emergency powers during pandemicBut the more tricky territory could be reforming the parameters of a state pandemic response. The emergency powers debate will unfold in the aftermath of Abbott’s decisions to lift the statewide mask mandate and allow businesses to reopen at 100% capacity. Ad“A great, conservative victory”As filed, House Bill 3 would carve out future pandemics from how the state responds to other disasters, such as hurricanes. The “Pandemic Liability Protection Act,” to be filed as Senate Bill 6, is also on the list of Senate priorities. “I think that’s important to always include the Legislature as much as possible,” said Sen. José Menéndez, D-San Antonio, noting how large and diverse a state Texas is.
Top Texas House Republicans say they can no longer support Speaker Dennis Bonnen
Read full article: Top Texas House Republicans say they can no longer support Speaker Dennis BonnenIn the biggest blow yet to the House leader's political future, five fellow Republicans said they can't back him moving forward. Their statement comes days after the House GOP caucus condemned Bonnen.
“This is all confidential”: Key excerpts from secret recording of House Speaker Dennis Bonnen
Read full article: “This is all confidential”: Key excerpts from secret recording of House Speaker Dennis BonnenIn the hourlong conversation with Michael Quinn Sullivan, the leader of the Texas House is heard offering press credentials and asking for political support for challengers in the 2020 primaries.
Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen offered media access to Empower Texans, suggested it target certain Republicans, recording shows
Read full article: Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen offered media access to Empower Texans, suggested it target certain Republicans, recording showsBonnen also spoke disparagingly about multiple Democrats, calling one House member “vile” and suggesting that another’s “wife’s gonna be really pissed when she learns he’s gay.”