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Texas AG seeks violations of new property tax law across 1,000 cities

LAWIN.newsDecember 10, 2025044 views

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened an investigation into the finances and property tax practices of nearly 1,000 Texas cities to enforce a new state law that ties local tax increases to strict transparency requirements. The probe seeks records on how cities set and disclosed property tax rates, whether they followed mandated notice and hearing procedures, and how they communicated tax decisions to residents. The review could affect some cities’ ability to raise property taxes if investigators find failures to comply with the law’s transparency standards.

DOJ closes probe, stops tracking illegal dumping issues in Houston

LAWIN.newsDecember 10, 2025061 views

The U.S. Department of Justice ended its monitoring of Houston’s response to illegal dumping after a civil rights investigation into conditions in a historically Black neighborhood. The agreement that followed the probe required the city to improve complaint tracking, cleanup response times, and surveillance in areas with chronic dumping. City officials report that they continue to use the enhanced procedures, while community advocates and residents say dumping has persisted and response times have slowed since federal oversight ended. The article details the investigation, the terms of the agreement, city actions, and advocates’ ongoing monitoring efforts.

Texas plans to open Turning Point USA chapters in all high schools

LAWIN.newsDecember 9, 2025058 views

Texas Republican Party leaders have launched a statewide initiative to establish Turning Point USA chapters in every public high school, charter school, and college, coordinating with students, educators, and local GOP officials to expand the conservative youth organization’s presence on Texas campuses. The plan follows similar efforts by Republican officials in Oklahoma and Florida, where leaders have promoted Turning Point USA as a vehicle for conservative political engagement among young people. The Texas GOP says it will assist students with school approval processes and work with Turning Point USA staff to comply with district rules for student organizations, while tracking the creation of new chapters over coming school years.

Universal City blaze leaves families in need of aid

LAWIN.newsDecember 9, 2025044 views

A major apartment fire in Universal City, Texas, displaced residents from 64 units and prompted a coordinated emergency response. Firefighters evacuated families, aid groups provided shelter and supplies, and investigators began examining the cause of the blaze. Local nonprofits, schools, and city officials organized housing assistance, donations, and support services while structural assessments continued at the damaged complex.

Supreme Court allows Texas to use gerrymandered map, potentially adding 5 GOP House seats

LAWIN.newsDecember 6, 2025044 views

The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed Texas to use a Republican-drawn congressional map that a lower court found likely unconstitutional, clearing the way for boundaries that could help the GOP gain up to five additional U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterm elections. The unsigned order pauses a ruling from a three-judge federal district court panel that concluded the map likely dilutes the voting power of certain groups of voters. Litigation over the legality of the Texas redistricting plan will continue in the lower court while the map remains in effect for upcoming elections.

Texas court keeps Klein ISD in Title IX lawsuit

LAWIN.newsDecember 6, 2025043 views

A Texas judge denied Klein ISD’s request to dismiss a federal Title IX lawsuit tied to former Klein Cain High School teacher Kedria Grigsby, who faces child trafficking and compelling prostitution charges in Harris County. The ruling keeps the civil case active and allows plaintiffs to pursue claims that the district failed to respond adequately to alleged misconduct, while Grigsby’s separate criminal case proceeds in state court.

‘Anger’ may tip the scales in Houston City Council runoff ahead of election day

LAWIN.newsDecember 6, 2025044 views

Voters across Houston will choose a new at-large city council member in a runoff election on Saturday, Dec. 13, after the previous officeholder stepped down to run for Harris County Judge. Early voting runs through Tuesday, Dec. 9, at locations across the city administered by Harris County election officials. The at-large seat represents all Houston residents and plays a key role in decisions on budget, infrastructure, and public safety. Election authorities will release unofficial results on election night and certify final totals after counting all eligible ballots.

Abbie Kamin announces run for Harris County Attorney

LAWIN.newsDecember 6, 2025055 views

Houston City Councilwoman Abbie Kamin announced her candidacy for Harris County Attorney, a move that will require her to vacate her current council seat under Texas’ resign-to-run rules. Her decision sets up an open seat on Houston’s largest legislative body and adds a new contender to the race for Harris County’s top civil legal office. Local and state election authorities will manage the process for filling her council vacancy and administering the Harris County Attorney election, while Harris County voters will ultimately choose the next official to lead the office.

Jasmine Crockett addresses possible Texas Senate rivals amid own deliberation

LAWIN.newsDecember 5, 2025042 views

Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas is considering a campaign for the U.S. Senate and has confirmed she has spoken with potential opponents as she evaluates a run. Party officials, strategists, and rival contenders are closely watching her deliberations, which could reshape the Democratic primary field in a Republican-leaning state. The developing race is drawing national attention as Democrats assess their chances in Texas and weigh the impact of Crockett’s possible candidacy on fundraising, messaging, and statewide electoral strategy.

Texas babies could get $1,000 each under Dan Patrick plan

LAWIN.newsDecember 4, 2025049 views

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has proposed a state program that would give every Texas newborn $1,000 at birth, in addition to a separate federal plan that will provide American babies $1,000 to invest in the stock market. The Texas Legislature will review the proposal, its funding sources and its coordination with the upcoming federal newborn investment initiative. Lawmakers, budget analysts and state agencies will evaluate costs, oversight and implementation details before any launch of the state program.