The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
While the Lottery Commission says it can’t regulate sales to couriers, lawmakers want changes after two major jackpots were won using those services. Full Story
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ProPublica’s first-of-its-kind analysis is the most detailed look yet into a rise in life-threatening complications for women experiencing pregnancy loss under Texas’ abortion ban. Full Story
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The bill would require the state to reduce the test’s length, prioritize post-secondary preparation and launch a revamped version by 2026. Full Story
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The proposal, filed Thursday, comes well short of the increase school administrators and education advocates have been asking for. Full Story
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The proposal sets a few possible points of contention between the House and Senate, including how much money should families get through the program. Full Story
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Supporters of voucher-like education savings accounts are trying to press their advantage early and build a sense of inevitability. Full Story
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A recent budget analysis noted the Texas Senate’s voucher bill could affect the fund if it leads students and teachers to leave public schools. Full Story
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Officials say the motive for the change to the rule requiring mental health providers to receive cultural diversity or competency training for license renewals has been misunderstood. Full Story
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The package was fast-tracked after Gov. Greg Abbott declared “bail reform” an emergency item. The bills now head to the House for consideration. Full Story
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Dawson and Ector counties have reported their first cases as the outbreak area grows to seven counties. Full Story
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In this week’s episode, we discuss the details of the plan to let parents use state funds to pay for their children’s private schooling. Full Story
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The governor also called on lawmakers to prohibit the practice at all schools. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott said the state’s power grid “has never been stronger than it is now” and should weather the cold without issues. Full Story
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The 5.0 magnitude earthquake is tied for the sixth strongest in state history. Scientists have warned for years that increased fracking in West Texas is causing higher earthquake activity. Full Story
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There were only so many chair positions to go around, with 30 committees for 88 Republicans, making it inevitable that some would miss out on plum appointments. Full Story
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The Texas Senate has proposed injecting a staggering half a billion dollars into film production, as economists and fiscal hawks question the return on investment. Full Story
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The ruling is the opening salvo in a likely lengthy battle between Texas’ abortion bans and New York’s “shield” protections for providers. Full Story
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Some experts are skeptical the grid would see as much demand growth as ERCOT predicts, and other ERCOT models showed things getting tight but not tipping into a deficit. Full Story
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Republicans chair all committees, as promised, while Democrats will lead half of the newly created subcommittees. Full Story
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Reported domestic violence incidents have risen 26% since 2019. Full Story
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