Texas Tribune

Abbott's signature means that businesses that require so-called vaccine passports can't get state contracts and could lose state licenses or operating permits.

The Legislature passed a bill allowing Texans to carry handguns without a license or training — an expansion of gun rights so divisive Republican leaders in previous years refused to touch it.

The move raises speculation that West is preparing to run for a statewide office.

Bush made his challenge official Wednesday evening during an event at a downtown Austin bar. Former President Donald Trump said last week that he would issue an endorsement in the race "in the not-so-distant future."

Abbott has the power to veto individual line items he objects to.

The investigation found that HillCo lobbyist Rick Dennis did not slip GHB into the drinks of two legislative staffers. But the incident laid bare larger questions about a Capitol culture that many female staffers say often leads to allegations of harassment being brushed under the rug.

Texas educators say they’re concerned they won’t be able to have open conversations about what’s happening in the world if the Texas Legislature approves a bill that restricts how teachers can discuss current events in the classroom.

House Bill 1927 would eliminate the requirement for Texans to get a license to carry handguns if they’re not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a gun. Abbott has said he will sign it.

House lawmakers expressed frustration Thursday that some of their priority legislation had not moved in the upper chamber, including a package of health care and criminal justice reform bills pushed by House Speaker Dade Phelan.

House Bill 1535 would expand the state’s medical cannabis program to include those with chronic pain, all cancer patients and Texans with post-traumatic stress disorder. But it hasn’t yet been referred to a Senate committee.