Texas politics

Advocates say the bills will give parents more power over their children's schools. Critics say they don't give parents anything they didn't already have and will only strain their relationship with teachers.

Their filing says the lawsuit that struck down in-state tuition for undocumented students was "contrived" to keep their voices out.

Three related bills prompted substantial discussions in the Texas House and Senate this year. Two passed.

Texas' Senate Bill 13 empowers school boards to decide which books are permitted in their school libraries. It also allows parents to submit a list of books their children are prohibited from checking out.

Senate Bill 13 would require school boards or advisory councils to approve new books and review complaints. In most cases only 50 parents' approval would be needed to create the oversight councils.

Standing before a table full of THC-infused products, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick spoke about two bills that would regulate cannabis derivatives.

Many trans Texans have changed the sex listed on their birth certificate, driver's licenses and other documents. They say their identities will be invalidated under bill headed to governor's desk.

Gov. Greg Abbott and other leaders have called for a major investment to save the state's water supply. How to spend the money has caused friction at the Capitol.

The Texas Senate on Friday advanced a $8.5 billion public school funding bill, moving it one step closer to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk.

The deal, confirmed by three lawmakers familiar with the discussions, appears to strike a face-saving compromise for both chambers over how to increase funds for the state's public schools.