Texas Rep. files bill to help the homeless get back into homes

House Bill 3766 creates a waiver in the Texas property code that prevents landlords and property managers from charging a rental application fee to homeless applicants.

Granger ISD students testify for SB 68 allowing absences for 'career shadowing days'

Students from Granger ISD testified for Senate Bill 68. It would allow juniors and seniors in high school to take excused absences for “career shadowing days.”

Gun reform bill passes Texas Senate on unanimous vote

The bill, which passed the Senate on a unanimous vote, was designated as an emergency item by Governor Greg Abbott. It brings Texas in line with the bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress passed last year.

Bill would require Texas high schools to offer African American, Mexican American history

Under the bill, students could choose to take African American history or Mexican American history instead of World History or World Geography to receive a Social Studies credit toward graduation.

Controversial Texas bill aims to give property tax relief to straight married couples with kids

There’s a part of the bill that has many doing a double-take. In order to qualify, the couple must be a man and a woman legally married to each other, neither of whom has ever been divorced.

Women impacted by abortion laws file case against Texas

The Center for Reproductive Rights says it is filing an unprecedented lawsuit on behalf of Texans harmed by the state’s abortion bans.

Texas: The Issue Is — State Rep. Martinez Fischer talks school choice vouchers

State Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, chairman of the Texas House Democrat Caucus, considers school vouchers a bad idea and not the way to fix what he believes is a flawed education funding formula.

Texas AFT unveils legislative priorities to retain teachers, help students

Texas American Federation of Teachers has recently unveiled its priorities they say are crucial in order to retain teachers and do right by students. Tammy Conrad with Education Round Rock joins FOX 7's John Krinjak to discuss.

Texas congressman who broke with GOP is censured

The censure illustrates the intraparty fights that still flare in America’s biggest red state even as Republicans celebrate 20 years of having full control of the Texas Legislature and every statewide office.

Texas senators face criticism, soften proposed ban on Chinese purchases of land

The measure, endorsed by Gov. Greg Abbott, originally would have banned citizens of China, Iran, Russia or North Korea from buying land in Texas. Under a new version considered Thursday, the ban wouldn’t apply to dual citizens or lawful permanent residents.

Texas A&M system removes diversity statements from hiring, admission policies

This decision comes after a memo from Gov. Greg Abbott's office told state agency and public university leaders that the use of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives is illegal in hiring.

Texas Family Act would offer up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave, if passed

The bill's author State Rep. Penny Morales Shaw (D-Houston) says she had very productive conversations with many of her Republican counterparts who verbally support the plan. Economists aren't so sure some will rally behind the plan.

Gov. Abbott responds to criticism of school voucher program

Governor Greg Abbott says Texas public schools will not lose funding if education savings accounts are established in the state.

State legislation filed in 2023 session would legalize fentanyl test strips

More than a dozen fentanyl-related bills have been filed this legislative session, with most decriminalizing test strips if passed. The controversial topic has recently gained bipartisan support.

HB 300 proposes Texas sales tax breaks for baby, menstrual products

A Texas House bill filed by state Rep. Donna Howard would expand sales tax exemptions in Texas to include baby and menstrual products.

Debate over school vouchers continues in Texas

Gov. Greg Abbott has made school vouchers one of his highest priorities this legislative session. However, the Texas chapter of the American Federation of Teachers says this is school privatization.