Texas Governor Abbott signs ‘Audrii’s Law,’ closing a loophole in sex offender registration. The law, inspired by the tragic case of Audrii Cunningham, strengthens protections for children and mandates registration for grooming offenses. Effective September 1, 2025.
Wilma Bennett celebrated her 102nd birthday in Henderson, Texas, attributing her longevity to Dr Pepper and Cheetos. The community gathers to honor her life and legacy.
Texas will replace paper license tags with permanent metal plates starting July 1, 2025, to curb fraud. House Bill 718 mandates dealerships issue metal plates at sale.
The Texas Senate approves a bill to eliminate the STAAR test, proposing shorter assessments. Negotiations with the House continue over A-F rating powers for districts.
Texas farmers express openness to using treated fracking water on crops amidst legislative discussions on liability protections for oil and gas firms. Lawmakers debate the bill’s implications for agriculture and the environment.
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.