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Gender-based assignment at Texas high school, “Genderbread Person,” sparks controversy
Read full article: Gender-based assignment at Texas high school, “Genderbread Person,” sparks controversyThe assignment is called The Genderbread Person, which features a drawing of what appears to be a gingerbread man, but those raising concerns say there is nothing “cookie-cutter” about it.
Texas House approves ban on COVID-19 vaccine mandates by private employers
Read full article: Texas House approves ban on COVID-19 vaccine mandates by private employersViolations could bring a $50,000 fine under an amendment adopted Wednesday. The bill’s sponsor said the ban would be the strongest in the nation.
Ban on COVID vaccine mandates by private businesses, including health care facilities, passes Texas Senate
Read full article: Ban on COVID vaccine mandates by private businesses, including health care facilities, passes Texas SenateThe bill offers no exceptions for doctors’ offices, clinics or other health facilities. Senators agreed to let those entities require unvaccinated employees to wear personal protective gear or take other “reasonable” measures to manage the spread.
Texas lawmakers again try to prohibit private businesses from requiring COVID-19 vaccines
Read full article: Texas lawmakers again try to prohibit private businesses from requiring COVID-19 vaccinesA Senate panel on Tuesday advanced such a measure. The debate centered largely around the safety of the vaccine and whether doctors’ offices and health care facilities should be exempt.
GOP senators, open to Paxton conviction, flipped when they realized they were still short the votes
Read full article: GOP senators, open to Paxton conviction, flipped when they realized they were still short the votes“I feel there were six senators who were ready to be the 21st vote,” said Sen. Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas. “But they didn’t want to be the 20th vote.”
Chaplains could work in Texas public schools if bill becomes law
Read full article: Chaplains could work in Texas public schools if bill becomes lawSenate Bill 763, authored by Galveston area State Senator Mayes Middleton, would allow school districts to hire or accept chaplain volunteers to “provide support, services, and programs for students as assigned by the board of trustees of the district.”
Evidence bill headed to Gov. Abbott’s desk week before 5th anniversary of mass shooting
Read full article: Evidence bill headed to Gov. Abbott’s desk week before 5th anniversary of mass shootingOne week before the fifth anniversary of the Santa Fe High School mass shooting, relatives of those killed and wounded are celebrating a hard fought victory at the state capitol. A bill that will allow family members of crime victims to see certain pieces of evidence prior to trial is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for his signature.
Santa Fe families fight for answers, new law nearly 5 years after mass shooting
Read full article: Santa Fe families fight for answers, new law nearly 5 years after mass shootingA Galveston area state senator is working to pass a law that would allow crime victims and immediate family members to view the evidence in certain criminal cases that have not yet gone to trial.
What you need to know about education savings accounts, the voucher-like program championed by Gov. Greg Abbott
Read full article: What you need to know about education savings accounts, the voucher-like program championed by Gov. Greg AbbottTexas is the latest state to pitch a version of the program, which lets parents who opt out of their local school districts use tax dollars to pay for private schooling.
At parental rights event, Gov. Greg Abbott sheds light on how he’d implement “school choice” policy
Read full article: At parental rights event, Gov. Greg Abbott sheds light on how he’d implement “school choice” policyFor the first time, Abbott makes it clear which policy he supports. Bills that would allow parents to get state money to send their kids to schools outside of the state’s public education system have been floated previously, but top lawmakers believe the policies will pass this session.
Texas’ private and rural schools again brace for a showdown on school choice
Read full article: Texas’ private and rural schools again brace for a showdown on school choiceRural school leaders in Texas have been able to stave off the legislative priority of some of the state’s most prominent Republicans. But private school officials hope this year will be different.
Some Republicans are optimistic about enacting school choice in next year’s session — but it might not be so easy
Read full article: Some Republicans are optimistic about enacting school choice in next year’s session — but it might not be so easyAdvocates say discontent with public schools’ pandemic rules and teachings on race and gender identity have helped raise support for school choice to an all-time high.
Houston ranks high in number of stolen vehicles; Task force fighting theft says they’re losing money
Read full article: Houston ranks high in number of stolen vehicles; Task force fighting theft says they’re losing moneyFor Mallory Olson, a seemingly normal night of sleep was disrupted by a knock on her front door.
Republican Texas House races become high-dollar affairs as Tuesday’s primary runoff nears
Read full article: Republican Texas House races become high-dollar affairs as Tuesday’s primary runoff nearsThe pricey fights illustrate how much of the action in Texas politics has shifted back to the primary after redistricting dramatically reduced the number of competitive seats.
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.
Weeks before the legislative session, state leaders’ political priorities and COVID-19 safety plans remain works in progress
Read full article: Weeks before the legislative session, state leaders’ political priorities and COVID-19 safety plans remain works in progressDan Patrick has suggested there could be an announcement about pandemic protocols next week, and Gov. “I think voters sent a clear message of who they want in charge and the kinds of priorities they want. At the Capitol, state leaders have been in talks for months over what protocols should be in place throughout the session, though no formal guidance has been announced yet. “I’m frustrated that we don’t have a clear picture, but I’m not surprised,” said state Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood. “We as the Texas House can’t vote on new rules until we are in session, [so] we are a little bit stuck.