The European Union’s (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data privacy and security law that imposes an array of obligations onto organizations that target the European market and collect personal data related to people residing in the EU. Article 17 of the GDPR, also known as the “right to be forgotten,” is one of its key provisions, allowing EU individuals to request that organizations delete their personal data if they no longer want it to be held and processed.

By MALLIKA DARGAN and GAVIN GEORGE, Haynes and Boone, LLP

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.

By JIM PUMARLO, Consultant

A reader complains that a youth sports story was too negative. Someone questions why a particular quote wasn’t included in a report of a contentious public hearing. Your newsroom brainstorms how election coverage can be more substantive and meaningful. A reporter is rightfully embarrassed for basically writing a press verbatim that charges a local official with unethical conduct without contacting the accused for a response.

By KEN ESTEN COOKE, TPA President 2023-24

As this is written, the holiday period brings both gratitude and gifts. As we turn the calendar page on another year, it’s time to add a third “G” — grit — to face a still-challenging publishing environment.

A new year brings a chance to hit the refresh button. We’ve all done our 2024 budgets and we now set out with energy and optimism for a fresh start. We do so knowing our industry will continue to be challenged, but with a determination to do our best and serve our communities.

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