Texas Senate Bill 13 grants school boards and parents more control over school library book selections, shifting decision-making from librarians to local authorities.
The Texas Senate advances a bill to ban local gun buyback programs, ending initiatives where cities and counties buy firearms from civilians to reduce unwanted guns in homes.
Senate Joint Resolution 87, proposing automatic bail denial for repeat offenders, fails in the Texas House. Learn about ongoing bail reform efforts.
Williamson and Fort Bend counties filed a lawsuit against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, challenging new reporting rules they deem unconstitutional. The regulations, which took effect in April, require counties to submit detailed reports to the Attorney General’s office. The lawsuit accuses Paxton of overreaching his authority, imposing financial burdens, and infringing on privacy rights. This legal battle underscores a growing conflict over prosecutorial independence in Texas.
Texas Senate Bill 3, a proposal for a comprehensive ban on THC products, awaits Governor Greg Abbott’s decision. Industry leaders urge a veto, citing economic impacts. If signed, the ban takes effect September 1, affecting sales and possession of hemp-derived THC items.
The Texas House has approved a bill to inject up to $500 million into the state’s film industry, enhancing incentives for movies and TV shows filmed in Texas. The legislation aims to make Texas more attractive to filmmakers and boost the state’s economy through increased productions and job creation.
A building in Houston’s Third Ward, featuring a mural of George Floyd, was demolished on May 21, 2025, just days before the fifth anniversary of Floyd’s death. The mural, a cultural landmark, also included the names of Breonna Taylor and Sandra Bland. The demolition has stirred concerns about gentrification in the area.
A federal appeals court in Austin, Texas, ruled that patrons of Llano County libraries cannot challenge book removals, stating they lack a First Amendment right to information from a public library. This decision supports library officials’ discretion in content curation. Critics warn of limiting access to diverse views, while supporters commend alignment with community standards. The ruling is part of a larger national debate on book censorship in public institutions.
Texas Senate approves an $8.5 billion school funding bill to enhance public education, increase teacher salaries, and improve infrastructure. The legislation aims to address funding disparities and support educational progress across the state.
The Texas Legislature nears final approval of an $8.5 billion school funding package, focusing on teacher pay raises, school safety, and career training programs. The package proceeds to the Texas House of Representatives, where leaders are confident it will pass.