Texas Legislature

More than 6,000 Texas smoke shops and related businesses could be forced to shut down if the ban goes into effect next November as scheduled. The industry is organizing a lobbying effort to get Congress to rewrite the law from a blanket prohibition to a regulatory approach.

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for a Texas congressional map that may help the GOP win five more U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterms. A lower court found the map is likely unconstitutional.

Texas lawmakers passed the bill, referred to as the "Women's Privacy Act" by supporters, earlier this year. It requires a person in publicly owned buildings to use restrooms, locker rooms, and similar facilities associated with the gender on their birth certificate. Enforcement of the controversial new law begins this Thursday.

The U.S. Supreme Court will now make a final decision on whether Texas can use its new congressional map, which was drawn this summer to benefit Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections. The outcome could have a huge impact on which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives in the future.

The ruling is a blow to Trump and the Republicans in a nationwide redistricting race that began in Texas this summer.

The constitutional amendment comes before voters at a time when Texas' population of older adults is growing faster than any other age group.

More than half of new Texas classroom teachers who joined the profession last year lacked certification. Education leaders say that's hurting students and district budgets.

We've broken down all 17 ballot measures – what they mean and who's behind them – that will decide everything from property taxes to disciplining judges.

Several major health agencies in Texas are under review by the state's sunset commission — including the Department of State Health Services and Health and Human Services Commission. Advocates said this cycle could have a significant impact on services and access moving forward.

Lawmakers say the committee will examine the state's preparation and response, along with the circumstances surrounding the disaster. The historic flooding led to more than 130 deaths.