Past Contributions

• Lawmakers pass bills to better fund Texas parks, historic sites — if voters approve

  By Carlos Anchondo May 28, 2019

  Advocates have pushed for years to put a constitutional amendment before voters to ensure Texas parks and historic sites get the maximum funding authorized from a sales tax on sporting goods. They have finally succeeded. Full Story 

• Eminent domain reform died in the Texas Legislature this session

  By Carlos Anchondo May 27, 2019

  Despite hundreds of hours of negotiations between Texas landowners and industry groups, legislation to address concerns over the eminent domain process could not be finalized, with lawmakers pledging to make it a top priority for future sessions. Full Story 

• Legislation with $1.7 billion for flood control and mitigation projects goes to governor

  By Carlos Anchondo May 26, 2019

  Lawmakers behind the bills said the legislation will create a more resilient Texas and better prepare the state for storms. Full Story 

• Bill to better protect landowners during land condemnations passes Texas House

  By Carlos Anchondo May 22, 2019

  Although it cut some provisions from the Senate version, the House committee substitute to Senate Bill 421 keeps public meeting requirements and protects against low-ball offers for landowners facing eminent domain actions. Full Story 

• Texas House passes bill to spend more than $3 billion to help pay for flood control projects

  By Carlos Anchondo May 16, 2019

  With the damage from Hurricane Harvey in mind, lawmakers approved two bills aimed at better preparing the state for natural disasters. Full Story 

• Judge orders alleged polluter of Skull Creek to stop accepting, disposing of waste

  By Carlos Anchondo May 14, 2019

  After a day of testimony, lawyers from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office, the Lower Colorado River Authority, and Inland Environmental and Remediation agreed that the company will begin cleaning up its Altair site. Full Story 

• Once again, bills to study the impacts of climate change in Texas have stalled

  By Carlos Anchondo May 10, 2019

  Democratic state lawmakers filed multiple bills this year to require the state to prepare for a warming planet. None of them have been scheduled for public hearings. Full Story 

• Bill to reinstate Texas A&M and UT football game never gained ground

  By Carlos Anchondo May 7, 2019

  After it failed to move out of the House Higher Education Committee on Monday, a proposal to bring back the annual game seems all but dead. Full Story 

• As demand for recyclables plummets abroad, Texas lawmakers back plan to boost market at home

  By Carlos Anchondo May 6, 2019

  A bill designed to encourage Texas manufacturers to use more recyclable materials won final approval Monday. It comes as China and India have implemented policies restricting the import of plastics and other materials. Full Story 

• A creek flowing to the Colorado River turned black. Now the state has sued the alleged polluter.

  By Carlos Anchondo April 17, 2019

  Residents near Altair began complaining that Skull Creek reeked of chemicals. The Texas attorney general's office says a local company is to blame. Full Story