Note: The password for accessing the Capital Highlights column changes March 1 for subscribers who renewed their subscriptions for 2024 - any subscribers who have not paid their 2024 Capital Highlights fee will lose access to the column online and be dropped from the mailing list.
TEA annual report just released
Standoff at border continues between state, feds
A standoff at an Eagle Pass park continues as the Department of Homeland Security has sent a second letter to Gov. Greg Abbott demanding access to the Rio Grande park that is now under state control.
DOJ report on response to Uvalde shooting scathing
The U.S. Justice Department issued a scathing report late last week on the May 24, 2022, mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, the Austin American-Statesman reported.
EDITORS: This is a bulldog edition of Capital Highlights to accommodate early press deadlines due to the upcoming winter storm. It will be updated on Sunday if events dictate.
Quakes prompt officials to limit disposal wells
The Texas Railroad Commission has suspended nearly two dozen permits that allow oil and gas companies to inject saltwater into the ground, which regulators say has contributed to increased earthquakes of greater magnitude in West Texas.
Voter registration deadline for primary approaches
The deadline to register to vote in the Texas Democratic and Republican primary elections is Feb. 5. Voters on March 5 will choose their nominees for president, U.S. Senator, all 38 U.S. House members from Texas, and a number of other state and local offices, from the Texas Supreme Court to district attorneys, sheriffs and county commissioners.
EDITORS — This is a bulldog edition of Capital Highlights to accommodate early press deadlines. It will be updated on Sunday as events dictate. Happy New year, everyone!
Spate of new laws effective Jan. 1
After the Texas Legislature spent much of 2023 in session, a bevy of new laws go into effect on New Year’s Day, though some have been delayed by lawsuits challenging their constitutionality.
MERRY CHRISTMAS from your friends at the Texas Press Association! This is a bulldog edition of Capital Highlights to accommodate early press deadlines. It will be updated on Sunday if events dictate. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Legal groups sue to stop new immigration law
Note to editors: The next two weeks of Capital Highlights columns will be released early to help with early holiday deadlines. The column for the week of Dec. 25 - 29 will be available online for download by 7 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22. The column for the week of Jan. 1 - 5 will be available online for download by 7 a.m. Friday, Dec. 29. Best wishes for a happy holiday season!
Property tax cuts go into effect
Legal challenges to amendments appear quashed
Texas Supreme Court hears abortion ban challenge
The Texas Supreme Court heard oral arguments last week in a case that could decide whether medical exceptions to the state’s abortion ban are written clearly enough to protect pregnant women who face serious health risks, the Austin American-Statesman reported.