87th LegislatureCivil SocietyState HouseTexas House Gives Heartbeat Bill Initial Approval
Isaiah MitchellMay 5, 2021
Heartbeat legislation bans abortions after a heartbeat can be detected, typically occurring around 6 to 12 gestational weeks.
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87th LegislatureHealthcareState House19 Democrats Join Republicans to End Texas House’s Mask Requirement
Hayden SparksApril 30, 2021
Rep. Tom Oliverson (R-Cypress), a medical doctor, led the effort to end the requirement to wear masks in the chamber and committees.
87th LegislatureGunsState HouseSecond Amendment Sanctuary Bill Approved by Texas House Committee
Daniel FriendApril 6, 2021
A “Second Amendment sanctuary” bill was approved by the Texas House State Affairs Committee, marking another step on its the way to becoming a law.
87th LegislatureCivil SocietyState HouseProposals to Keep Churches Open During Disasters Face Texas House Committee
Isaiah MitchellMarch 29, 2021
“If churches are considered non-essential in our state, people will starve to death spiritually,” said Pastor Jorge Tovar.
87th LegislatureState HouseAustin Homeless Camping Ban Featured in Heated Committee Exchange Between Lawmakers
Brad JohnsonMarch 25, 2021
After Austin's two-year run with almost zero limitations on public camping by homeless individuals, the State of Texas is poised to ban the policy.
The Back MicThe Back Mic: Speaker Denies Repricing Motion, Senate Committee Passes Slate of Pro-Life Bills, Democrats Lobby for Medicaid Expansion
Brad JohnsonMarch 19, 2021
This week — a look at Texas politics during the week of the Ides of March.
Civil SocietyNew Texas Report Shows Increase in Infants Born After Failed Abortions, Total Abortions
Daniel FriendDecember 29, 2020
Texas’ health department released new data showing that both total abortions and the number of infants born after failed abortions increased in 2019.
The Back MicThe Back Mic: Congressmen Support Texas Elections Lawsuit, Lawmaker Submits PIR to Paxton, State Reps. Call for Expanded Vaccine Administration
McKenzie DiLulloDecember 11, 2020
This week — Texas lawmakers differ on support for an elections lawsuit filed by the attorney general and state representatives advocate for expanded COVID-19 vaccine administration.
Elections 2020State HouseStatewide NewsThe Back MicThe Back Mic: Democrats Take Aim at New Congressional Districts, Lawmakers Decry Budget Cuts, Abbott Appoints New Judges
McKenzie DiLulloAugust 28, 2020
This week — The DCCC adds three new districts to its list of targets, state leaders come under fire for budget cuts, and Abbott appoints new judges.
Elections 2020IssuesState HouseState SenateThe Back MicThe Back Mic: Potential Kirk Watson Successors, Bernie Sanders Rallies in Texas, New Committee Assignments
McKenzie DiLulloFebruary 21, 2020
This week — potential Senate District 14 candidates, committee assignments for the Texas House's newly minted members, and Bernie Sanders rallies in Texas.
86th LegislatureStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingConstitutional Prohibition on State Income Tax Overwhelmingly Approved by Texas Voters
Brad JohnsonNovember 6, 2019
The constitutional prohibition on a state income tax was one of 10 ballot measures placed in front of Texas voters yesterday.
86th LegislatureIssuesState HouseState SenateStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingProposition Protecting Against a State Income Tax Becomes Flashpoint Ahead of Tuesday Vote
Brad JohnsonOctober 30, 2019
The most hotly contested ballot initiative this fall is Proposition 4, which would raise the bar on implementation of a statewide income tax.