Texas Senate

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

Texas officials suggested the federal government could pick up construction. However, during President Trump's first term, his administration built about one-third of what the state was able to put up in the same amount of time.

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

The state's contribution brings the Juneteenth museum's funds to $50 million — more than two-thirds of its $70 million goal.

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.

State lawmakers filed four bills to outlaw guaranteed income programs this legislative session. None of the bills made it to the governor's desk.

Lawmakers also continued funding for a farmer suicide prevention hotline.

House Bill 126, which allows student athletes to receive a slice of the billions Texas colleges generate in revenue from their teams, now awaits the governor's signature.

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.