JudicialLocal NewsDistrict Judge Orders Trial for Property Rights Lawsuit Against City of Kemah
Holly HansenMay 29, 2023
The tiny tourist town is facing multiple lawsuits alleging takings under the U.S. and Texas constitutions.
HomeAuthorHolly Hansen, Author at The Texan
Holly Hansen is a reporter for The Texan living in Harris County. Her former column, “All In Perspective” ran in The Georgetown Advocate, Jarrell Star Ledger, and The Hill Country News, and she has contributed to a variety of Texas digital media outlets. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Central Florida with a degree in History, and in addition to writing about politics and policy, also writes about faith and culture.
88th LegislatureState HouseStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingTexas Lawmakers Crack Down on ‘Corrupt’ Program Giving 99 Year Tax Exemptions for Affordable Housing
Holly HansenMay 26, 2023
Approved in 2015, the public facility corporation program grants up to 99 years of total exemption from taxes to provide reduced rent apartments.
88th LegislatureCivil SocietyState HouseState SenateStatewide NewsCriminal Justice Reform Bills Related to Gun Crime and Bail Dead in Texas House
Holly HansenMay 24, 2023
Legislation to address bail policy and gun-related crimes, including some Senate priorities, are among the hundreds of bills now dead for the session.
88th LegislatureElections 2022State HouseStatewide NewsHarris County Mulls Legal Action Over Texas Law Returning Elections Management to Local Elected Officials
Holly HansenMay 23, 2023
Claiming Republican lawmakers are unfairly targeting their elections, Harris County officials announced they will consider legal challenges to new laws.
88th LegislatureCivil SocietyState HouseStatewide NewsTexas Lawmakers Approve Ban on Anonymous Child Abuse Reports to CPS
Holly HansenMay 23, 2023
To curb false reports, Texas will no longer permit anonymous reports of child abuse to CPS, but emergency anonymous tips may be reported to 911.
Civil SocietyEducationFederalIssuesHouston Christian University Files Opposition to Biden Rule on Transgender Athletes
Holly HansenMay 22, 2023
The faith-based university argued that Biden’s proposed Title IX rule disregards religious beliefs and undermines the purpose of sex-separated athletics.
88th LegislatureCriminal JusticeJudicialState SenateStatewide NewsGun-Related Criminal Justice Bills Await Passage in Texas House as Deadline Looms
Holly HansenMay 18, 2023
While a few new criminal justice laws have been approved, a ban on PR bonds for certain felonies and increased penalties for gun crimes await House action.
Criminal JusticeLocal NewsHarris County’s Noriega Out as Head of Universal Services Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations
Holly HansenMay 16, 2023
Leaked documents indicate Noriega refused to attend training after facing accusations of sexual harassment.
Local NewsKemah Faces New Allegations of Selective Code Enforcement Amid Multiple Lawsuits
Holly HansenMay 16, 2023
The city council voted down a variance request from a builder who said his property is not commercial, but has waived requirements for other properties.
88th LegislatureState SenateStatewide NewsTexas Senate Approves Penalties for Non-Compliance with Open Records as State Agencies Delay Requests
Holly HansenMay 11, 2023
Requests for emails between Harris County’s elections administrator and other officials has again been delayed due to an appeal from the secretary of state’s office.
88th LegislatureLocal NewsTaxes & SpendingTexas Lawmakers Create ‘Disannexation’ Pathway for Extra Territorial Jurisdictions
Holly HansenMay 9, 2023
Residents and property owners in these limited purpose annexation districts are subject to city regulations but may not vote in city elections.
Criminal JusticeElections 2023Local NewsVoters Reject Far-Reaching San Antonio ‘Justice Policy’ Police Reform Proposition
Holly HansenMay 8, 2023
The charter amendment would have banned arrest for some property crimes and blocked police from enforcing state marijuana and abortion laws.