Technology

Governor Greg Abbott held a ceremonial bill signing on Friday in Amarillo, signing two bills regarding minors and their use of cellphones. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren reports on the signing and the policies. Covenant Health has reached an agreement with BlueCross BlueShield and will remain as an in-network provider for those with the insurance.

The Home Utility Management System would allow households to collect and utilize energy and water for themselves, rather than relying on a grid. While federal funding is still up in the air, researchers with the project are seeking new opportunities to implement the system in practice.

Lubbock ISD is adopting a new policy regarding students' cell phone usage, in compliance with state law. KTTZ's Bishop Van Buren breaks down what students and their parents can expect. Our Sean Ryan reports on the 29th Annual Charles and Rose Hankson Fishing Derby taking place tomorrow at Mae Simmons Lake from 7 A.M. to 2 P.M. Fishing gear donations are being accepted at the lake this morning around 9 A.M.

In compliance with House Bill 1481, the district now requires students to keep personal communication devices powered off and out of sight throughout the school day.

A crisis communication expert says everyday notifications are weakening the impact of life-saving emergency alerts.

Though their season ended last week, Texas Tech University’s softball team is still making headlines. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on developments in the program and what Tech fans have to look forward to in the coming year. The Texas Department of Transportation is notifying individuals impacted by a data breach, which has compromised hundred of thousands of Texans' crash reports.

Lubbock Republican State Senator Charles Perry says he’s planning to file a bill that could dedicate up to $5 billion in funding for water projects across the state. This month, Lubbock police expanded use of an e-citation app. Our reporter Olivia O’Rand has more on developing technology with the department. Enrollment is open for the City of Lubbock citizen education program. The application, syllabus, and more information can be found at mylubbock.us/Lubbock101, the deadline to apply is March 3.

Texas lawmakers are once again focusing on lowering property tax bills. The Texas Newsroom's Blaise Gainey has more details about a proposal in the State Senate that would increase the state’s homestead exemption. A federal judge in Austin temporarily restricted the enforcement of a state law that regulates children's social media use. KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo reports the judge already ruled last year certain provisions of the law were likely unconstitutional.

HB 18, which took effect last year, requires social media platforms to register users' ages and restrict certain content and practices if the user is under 18. An Austin federal judge previously blocked the state from enforcing parts of the law over First Amendment concerns.

Yesterday, Gov. Greg Abbott held a press conference on what to expect in predicted upcoming severely cold temperatures. And the Texas Newsroom's Blaise Gainey has more on potential government action to decrease screen time for minors.