774 New Texas Laws go into Effect Friday
The new laws affect schools, the electric grid and the power of local governments.
State Effort to Fund Schools Shortchange Rural Districts
In the past, the comptroller’s office says, many county appraisers were valuing property under market value, leading some school districts to receive more state funding than they were supposed to.
Abbott Names Hildebrand Chair, Appoints Doggett to Parks and Wildlife Commission
The Commission manages and conserves the natural and cultural resources of Texas and provides hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Texas Will Bill Electric Vehicle Drivers an Extra $200 a Year
The new registration fee is meant to make up for the state’s lost revenue from gasoline taxes that are used to pay for road construction and maintenance.
Texas Counties Don’t Have the Power to Ban Solar Farms
Residents have been fighting proposals for solar development because they don’t want to see trees cut down, grasslands scraped away or wildlife blocked with fences, among other reasons.
State Grid Operator Asks Texans to Reduce Energy
This is the second voluntary conservation notice issued this summer by ERCOT, which hopes to lower electricity use and avoid tight grid conditions amid an ongoing heat wave.
STAAR Scores Show Texas Students Struggling with Basic Math and Reading
Math scores are still below 2019 levels and about half of Texas students read below the level appropriate for most children in their grade.
Major Company Reverses ESG Credit Rating Practice
The OAG has launched several other initiatives to address the trend of financial companies behaving as an extension of politicians and activists by adopting ESG practices.
Gov. Greg Abbott declares wildfire disaster for three-fourths of Texas
At least 8,500 acres of Texas land have burned since Aug. 1.
Texas State Parks can be a Respite — or a Heated Hindrance
More than 1 million people visited Texas’ 89 state parks in June. In locations without bodies of water, park officials warn attendees not to overdo it as three-digit temperatures persist.
Texas Nixed Child ID Kits
Legislation that would require purchasing the kits is facing key opposition.
New Fees for Electric Vehicles Begins September 1, 2023
A $200 annual fee for electric vehicle registration renewals and a $400 fee at the time of new electric vehicle purchases for the initial two-year registration period.
Ruling Aims to Resolve Multistate Dispute Over the Rio Grande
The case, which initially began over ten years ago, sought to address a dispute over water being unfairly siphoned from the Rio Grande prior to the river reaching Texas.
Texas AG Office Reaches $168 Million Settlement with Walmart
The agreement will resolve claims by the State of Texas and its Political Subdivisions against Walmart for the company’s practices that exacerbated the opioid epidemic in the state of Texas and across the nation.
Enforcement Operation with FTC to Tackle Illegal Spam Calls
The OAG also shut down a massive Texas-based robocall operation in March 2023.
TxDOT Partnering with Law Enforcement to Urge Drivers to Slow Down
Drivers continue to choose to go too fast on Texas roads, making speed the number one contributing factor in traffic crashes.
Brazosport ISD Might Become a Model for Texas Schools
The district’s apprenticeship program lets aspiring teachers earn a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification at no cost. In return, participants must work at the district for at least three years.
Funding to Build a Massive Gas Terminal at the Port of Brownsville
The 750-acre facility will export Texas natural gas to other countries.
School Safety Laws Seek to Add Armed Guards
Some requirements may be challenging for public schools to implement by the upcoming school year.
Statement from Provisional Attorney General John Scott
Provisional Attorney General John Scott letter of resignation.