773 new Texas laws go into effect Friday. Here are some that might affect you.
The new laws affect schools, the electric grid and the power of local governments. Full Story
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![The state Capitol in Austin on Feb. 9, 2023.]()
Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune -
Judge declares new Texas law that would erode cities’ power to enact local rules unconstitutional
A state law backed by Gov. Greg Abbott and business lobbying groups to stop cities and counties from passing progressive policies is scheduled to take effect Friday. A Travis County judge declared it unconstitutional. Full Story
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![A members of Fe Y Justice Worker Center holds a sign in protest to HB-2127 during a press conference at Houston’s City Hall. Friday July 14, 2023.]()
Credit: Douglas Sweet Jr. for The Texas Tribune -
T-Squared: The Texas Tribune Festival welcomes NBCUniversal News Group leaders to lineup
Rebecca Blumenstein, Chuck Todd and Chris Hayes are among the slate of new program announcements. Full Story
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New Texas law increases hospital notice before removing patients from life support
Medical professionals now must tell families 25 days in advance before ending care. Some groups wish the state gave families even more power when they disagree with a doctor’s prognosis. Full Story
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![Healthcare workers work in the COVID-19 care unit of the Titus Regional Medical Center in Mount Pleasant on Aug. 19, 2021.]()
Credit: Shelby Tauber for The Texas Tribune -
Texas National Guard disbanded intelligence wing after members used WhatsApp to spy on migrants
Four members of the unit working on Gov. Greg Abbott’s border mission have been punished after whistleblowers reported the surveillance operation violated long-standing rules against state-run spy operations. Full Story
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Texas can now apply to import lower-priced Canadian medications
Texas joins a handful of states turn to the north for cheaper drugs. But feds have been slow to approve requests, three years after giving initial OK. Full Story
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![Prescription drugs on shelves at ScriptCo on Apr. 13, 2022.]()
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Mexico officials say National Guard member who shot at migrant “separated from his position”
The Texas Military Department confirmed Friday the National Guard member who is accused of shooting across the Rio Grande and wounding a man was placed on paid leave. Full Story
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![Texas National Guard members and DPS officers take positions along the Rio Grande to help patrol the border between the U.S. and Mexico on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022 in El Paso.]()
Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre for The Texas Tribune -
Texas ban on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for trans kids will go into effect despite legal fight
The state attorney general’s office appealed a state district court injunction that said the new prohibitions deprive trans kids of “necessary, safe, and effective medical treatment.” Full Story
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![A transgender flag sits on the desk of state Rep. Penny Morales Shaw, D-Houston, and Rep. Rhetta Andrews Bowers, D-Rowlett, during discussion of a Point of Order brought against SB 14, which seeks to ban puberty blockers and hormone therapies for transgender youth, on the House floor at the state Capitol in Austin on May 12, 2023.]()
Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune -
This new law will help health care workers save lives in ambulances that cover wide-open West Texas
The emerging technology, paid for by a grant established during the 2023 legislative session, will help emergency health care workers talk with doctors in emergency rooms to better care for critical patients. Full Story
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![An ambulance is parked at Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas
at Austin in 2018.]()
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How a state effort to fund Texas schools equitably is shortchanging dozens of rural districts
For decades, the Texas comptroller’s office has double-checked property valuations across the state, which help determine how much school districts can levy in property taxes. But when state and county appraisers disagree, districts can end up with big holes in their budgets. Full Story
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![Alpine ISD Superintendent Michelle Rinehart points to heaters that need to be upgraded inside a classroom at Alpine Elementary School.]()
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T-Squared: A tough day at the Tribune
Here’s what happened, why, what we’ve learned and what we’re going to do next. Full Story
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New state law allows walking on roads when sidewalks are blocked or unsafe
The law restricting pedestrians from walking on roads has been revised to let pedestrians use roadways in certain situations. Full Story
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![An eastbound view of East Stassney Lane in South Austin on Feb. 15, 2021.]()
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Will Texas’ new fentanyl awareness curriculum for public schools succeed where other anti-drug messaging failed?
Historically, anti-drug messaging in schools has failed to acknowledge the mental health reasons that youth self-medicate. Without that key lesson, advocates worry House Bill 3908 will be another D.A.R.E. campaign. Full Story
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![High school students walk to their next class after the bell rings at Elsik Ninth Grade Center in Houston on March 28, 2018.]()
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U.S. Justice Department argues for removal of Texas’ floating border barrier in federal court
In a court hearing over the barrier near Eagle Pass, the U.S. Justice Department argued it was installed without federal authorization, while lawyers for the state said it notified the proper authorities. Full Story
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![Migrants walk along the Rio Grande passed the recently installed buoys in Eagle Pass, Texas on July 29, 2023. As there is concertina wire installed along the Urbina’s property, migrants are told to walk to the end of the property. Many make that walk which can be difficult to do through slippery rocks in the water, the current and the inclined river bank, while some find spots through the concertina wire and manage to get through.
Verónica G. Cárdenas for The Texas Tribune]()
Credit: Verónica Gabriela Cárdenas for The Texas Tribune -
As a tropical storm bore down on Southern California, Texas sent migrants on a bus to Los Angeles
The migrants, mostly from Venezuela, voluntarily took the bus ride from Brownsville to Los Angeles even as Tropical Storm Hilary crossed into Southern California. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott speaks about the recent 88th Legislative Session to an audience at the Texas Public Policy Foundation offices in Austin, on June 2, 2023. Abbott recounted policy victories in regards to fentanyl and the border crisis, as well as limiting gender affirming care and banning DEI practices in higher education. Abbott ended the event by promising to call a special session for school choice, after the current special session for property tax resolves.]()
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Texas Supreme Court lets state law eliminating Harris County elections chief stand, for now
The ruling means the November elections in the state’s largest county will be overseen by two other county officials. Legislators targeted Harris County’s elections department after taking issue with the way the 2022 elections were run. Full Story
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![Ballots and scanning machines arrive at central counting after polls close in Houston, Tuesday Nov 8, 2022. (Michael Stravato for the Texas Tribune)]()
Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune -
Averie Bishop, outspoken as Miss Texas 2022, announces run for state Legislature
After criticizing Republican leaders on abortion, guns and race, Bishop will run as a Democrat against Rep. Angie Chen Button in a competitive district in Dallas County. Full Story
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![From left: Former Miss Texas Averie Bishop sings Christmas songs with the aid of Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen J-Belle Kimbrell on Wednesday night at its Grand Opening Fashion Gala at the Westgate Mall in Amarillo on Nov. 10, 2022.]()
Credit: Michael Cuviello/Amarillo Globe-News/USA TODAY NETWORK via REUTERS -
Starting Sept. 1 in Texas, your speed limit may vary based on local highway conditions
Lawmakers who ushered through the change say the new law will make roads safer during storms or construction. Full Story
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![Cars drive down the highways after winter weather went through Dallas on Feb. 2, 2023.]()
Credit: Shelby Tauber for The Texas Tribune -
Can Ken Paxton be forced to testify at his impeachment trial?
Lawyers for the suspended attorney general argue that compelled testimony would violate Paxton’s rights, but House impeachment managers disagree. The issue may be settled shortly after his trial begins. Full Story
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![Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks to his supporters after being sworn into office on January 10, 2023. At left are state Sen. Angela Paxton and Gov. Greg Abbott.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for the Texas Tribune -
Texas imprisoned migrants after they should have been released, lawsuit claims
The lawsuit alleges that four migrants who were arrested under Operation Lone Star remained locked up as long as six weeks after their criminal trespassing cases were dismissed or they served their sentences. Full Story
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![Department of Public Safety agents oversee a group of three undocumented migrants as they continue the process of arresting them after they were caught in private property as part of Operation Lone Star in Kinney County near Brackettville, on Nov. 8, 2021.]()
Credit: Verónica Gabriela Cárdenas for ProPublica/The Texas Tribune