Texas Legislature

The Texas Supreme Court says plaintiffs who sued utility companies over blackouts during the deadly 2021 winter freeze can move forward with their lawsuits. But KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo reports they'll have a much narrower legal path to do so. The Texas Legislature is going into a special session, focused on regulating the sale of hemp-derived THC products. Texas Public Radio's Jerry Clayton reports on the possible impact.

Lawmakers also approved direct pay for student athletes and sought better pathways from college to the workforce.

The organizations, which recently won a legal victory against Louisiana over its law requiring the Ten Commandments in schools, are also considering a suit against Texas over its new law allowing for prayer and Bible readings in public schools.

The Legislature passed laws allowing smaller homes on smaller lots and making it harder for neighbors to block new housing.

Texas' THC ban wasn't the only bill vetoed by Gov. Abbott on Sunday. In fact, the governor announced he's calling state lawmakers back to Austin next month to regulate THC and address several other issues. Here is what's on the agenda for July's special session.

Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 10, even though a similar Louisiana law was deemed unconstitutional. Supporters say Christianity is core to U.S. history.

Abbott's veto leaves the state's multibillion-dollar hemp industry intact for now.

Texas lawmakers convened in a rapidly growing part of West Texas to sign new legislation aimed at addressing a looming water crisis across the state.

Lubbock Rep. Dustin Burrows won the powerful leadership role despite less-than-enthusiastic support from his fellow Republicans.

Abbott signed Senate Bills 4 and 23 and House Bill 9 in the Robson Ranch Clubhouse. All three are part of Republican lawmakers' efforts to bring tax relief statewide to homeowners, seniors and small business owners.