Texas Legislature

While Texas missed the Jan. 1 deadline to confirm whether it will participate in the federal food assistance program, federal officials say there’s still time to get on board. Summer EBT could bring nearly $18 million in aid to families in the Austin area if the state launches the program.

Mandatory vehicle safety inspections have been eliminated for many Texas drivers, but if you live in one of these 17 counties, you will still need to get an emissions test before renewing your car registration.

Texas political news has been dominated lately by the fight over who will be the new speaker of the Texas House. Here’s a look at what’s at stake, why the chamber’s Republicans are butting heads and why the speaker role matters so much in Texas.

The bill would reclassify mifepristone and misoprostol as Schedule IV substances. Doctors say doing so could cause delays in care during serious medical emergencies.

Last session, GOP lawmakers passed a drag bill, a ban on gender-affirming surgery and other legislation targeting the LGBTQ community. With the Republican Party growing more conservative, experts say it's likely the theme will continue.

Democratic state Rep. John Bucy pre-filed two bills in the Texas Legislature that would kick-start a high speed rail line along the I-35 corridor and direct funding to bullet train projects.

The Legislature banned diversity, equity and inclusion programs at public colleges and universities but the prohibition was not supposed to affect academics. Now, Republicans are suggesting DEI-related content in classrooms is hindering efforts to prepare students for the workforce.

The Texas Senate State Affairs Committee heard testimony from invited witnesses and members of the public over proposed legislation to ban masks wearing during public protests.

In the leadup to Election Day, public radio stations across the state are exploring how Texans’ religious beliefs affect the way they’re thinking about voting in November – and the greater role of government in general.

More than half of families with school-aged children faced food insecurity over the last year. Parents also said concerns over whether they can afford nutritious food for their households is taking a toll on their mental health.