INSIDER
State Rep. Matt Schaefer will not seek reelection
Read full article: State Rep. Matt Schaefer will not seek reelectionThe deeply conservative leader said he is looking forward to spending time with his family, church and business — but added that a return to politics is possible if a Texas Senate seat opened up.
Proposed ban on corporal punishment in Texas schools fails again
Read full article: Proposed ban on corporal punishment in Texas schools fails againTexas public schools can allow corporal punishment, which includes hitting, spanking, paddling or deliberately inflicting physical pain to discipline students.
House unveils bill giving state authority to “repel” and return migrants crossing from Mexico
Read full article: House unveils bill giving state authority to “repel” and return migrants crossing from MexicoHouse Bill 20 by state Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler, would test the boundaries of the state’s ability to enforce immigration law, which courts have historically ruled falls under federal purview.
Conservative lawmakers push for review of school board group’s guidance on transgender students
Read full article: Conservative lawmakers push for review of school board group’s guidance on transgender studentsTexas Freedom Caucus asked Attorney General Ken Paxton to weigh in on school board association’s guidance for navigating complex issues related to transgender youth.
Critics of Texas’ push for a “Don’t Say Gay” bill say acknowledging LGBTQ people isn’t the same as teaching kids about sex
Read full article: Critics of Texas’ push for a “Don’t Say Gay” bill say acknowledging LGBTQ people isn’t the same as teaching kids about sexRepublicans say they don’t want young kids learning about sex. Educators say that’s already the standard.
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Texas House, Senate strike compromise on bill legalizing permitless carry of handguns
Read full article: Texas House, Senate strike compromise on bill legalizing permitless carry of handgunsThe agreement advances the legislation even closer to becoming law. Abbott has said he will sign such a proposal.
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After Texas House rejects Senate changes, bill allowing permitless carrying of handguns will get hashed out behind closed doors
Read full article: After Texas House rejects Senate changes, bill allowing permitless carrying of handguns will get hashed out behind closed doorsSign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.
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Four years in, the Freedom Caucus finds a less contentious role in the Texas House
Read full article: Four years in, the Freedom Caucus finds a less contentious role in the Texas HouseAs the caucus’ third session gets underway, Scahefer added, “I think that our relationships with our colleagues in the House are as good as they’ve ever been. "The Texas House is stronger when everyone has a seat at the table, and I am making it a priority to ensure every representative can represent their district and principles faithfully,” Phelan said in a statement for this story. AdThe caucus formed in the opening weeks of the 2017 session, promising to serve as the conduit between activists and Austin. Caucus members said they were fighting back against “petty personal politics” when they took advantage of a key midnight deadline to kill the more than 100 bills. To the surprise of some, it was a Freedom Caucus member — Cain — who stepped forward to speak out against the idea.