87th LegislatureTaxes & SpendingBipartisan Set of State Lawmakers Introduce Sports Wagering Legislation
Hayden SparksMarch 4, 2021
Under the proposed laws, the state would require a $500,000 application fee for a sports wagering operator license.
HomeTagDan Huberty | The Texan
87th LegislatureState HouseStatewide NewsTexas House Committee Assignments Feature Notable Shifts in Chairmanships
Brad JohnsonFebruary 4, 2021
Here's a list of the newly announced Texas House committee chair and vice chair appointments.
87th LegislatureLocal NewsState SenateTexas Lawmaker Introduces ‘Caitlynne’s Bill’ to Address Felony Bond Problem
Holly HansenFebruary 1, 2021
In response to rising criminal activity related to lenient felony bond practices in Harris County, Sen. Paul Bettencourt looks to address the problem.
Criminal JusticeLocal NewsInmate Releases Due to COVID-19 Concerns Opposed by Harris County District Attorney, Lawmakers
Holly HansenJanuary 22, 2021
In a new emergency request, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez is asking a federal judge to facilitate the release of jail inmates due to COVID-19 concerns.
87th LegislatureEducationCharter School Advocates Ask Legislature to Ensure Charters Are Treated Fairly by Municipalities, Remove ‘Silent Cap’
Holly HansenJanuary 14, 2021
State lawmakers discussed challenges faced by charter schools and Texas public education as a whole at a pre-session policy event in Austin this week.
Civil SocietyCriminal JusticeLocal NewsStatewide NewsAbbott Brings Back the Blue Pledge to Houston in Wake of Officer’s Death
Isaiah MitchellOctober 29, 2020
Formed as a response to growing calls to defund the police, Abbott brought his "Back the Blue" pledge to Houston.
EducationStatewide NewsEducation Commissioner Says Funding Waivers Still Available to Districts Delaying In-Person Opening
Holly HansenJuly 30, 2020
Commissioner Morath clarified that school districts will continue to receive funding waivers for as long as eight weeks and that the Texas Education Agency will adjust waivers further if necessary.
EducationStatewide NewsAttorney General Paxton Says Local Health Authorities May Not Order School Closures
Holly HansenJuly 28, 2020
In response to local health officials prohibiting most schools from opening, Texas’ attorney general provided guidance, saying that authority rests with school system leaders.
EducationLocal NewsHarris County Prohibits In-Person Instruction Despite Guidance From House Education Chair, CDC
Holly HansenJuly 27, 2020
Requests from Texas House Public Education Chair Dan Huberty for consultation with school districts and exceptions for vulnerable students and outdoor activities were rejected in county orders.
IssuesLocal NewsTimeline: The Battle to Release Harris County Inmates During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Holly HansenApril 22, 2020
Here's a look at the battle between state and local officials over whether to release inmates from Harris County jails in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
IssuesLocal NewsTimeline: The Battle to Release Harris County Inmates During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Holly HansenApril 22, 2020
Here's a look at the battle between state and local officials over whether to release inmates from Harris County jails in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
EducationIssuesLocal NewsStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingThe Last County Board of Education in Texas: A Multimillion-Dollar Behemoth With No Clear Identity or Mission
Holly HansenJanuary 27, 2020
The Harris County Board of Education is the last remaining county board in the state. Despite no longer overseeing any public schools, HCDE continues to collect money and create new operations.
The Back MicThe Back Mic: Bonnen’s Lists — Where All 82 Republicans Landed
McKenzie TaylorOctober 25, 2019
In this week's Back Mic — a breakdown of Speaker Dennis Bonnen's various lists.
86th LegislatureHealthcareIssuesState HouseState SenateTaxes & SpendingMidnight Deadline Spurs Take Down of High-Profile Bills
Brad JohnsonMay 10, 2019
When the clock struck midnight yesterday, many bills automatically perished in the House. The rush to stave off the deadline took down several more.
86th LegislatureEducationState HouseTaxes & SpendingAudit Component of School Finance Reform Seeks More Efficient Spending
Holly HansenApril 26, 2019
Efficiency audits become a central part of the school finance debate in the wake of some ISDs spending to excess.
86th LegislatureIssuesState HouseSchool Finance Reform Passes Texas State House as Property Taxes Remain Dominant Issue
Brad JohnsonApril 3, 2019
House Bill 3 puts school finance reform front and center in the 86th Legislature as property tax battle looms large.