The Texas House has a record number of LGBTQ representatives as lawmakers face scores of bills focused on gender and sexuality
The Texas Legislature has nine lawmakers who are openly LGBTQ, all Democrats. At the same time, some Republican lawmakers are pushing a slate of bills aimed at drag queens, transgender children and how sexuality is discussed in schools.
In fast-growing Central Texas, redistricting sparks political reshuffling in upcoming statehouse and congressional races
The fast-growing region likely will see a considerable number of new state and federal lawmakers after the 2022 election. And in many cases, they will be representing districts whose boundaries have significantly shifted.
As Texas GOP leaders continue targeting transgender children, stateโs protective services agency takes aim at surgeries rarely used on kids
Medical experts said gender-affirming care for transgender children rarely, if ever, includes use of the surgeries. Most care for transgender kids involves social transitioning and puberty blockers.
The Texas House will likely remain immobilized when the second special session begins Saturday as Democrats stay away
Some of the more than 50 absent Texas House Democrats have begun returning home from Washington, D.C. But between those staying behind and those planning not to show up at the Capitol, there appears little chance the House will have enough members Saturday to conduct business.
House committee advances anti-abortion bills, including ones aimed at outlawing the procedure in Texas
House lawmakers on Thursday advanced a package of restrictive abortion bills that, if passed, could ban abortions as early as six weeks without exceptions for rape or incest, and eventually bar the procedure almost entirely.
Texas House Democrats launch climate, environment caucus with one goal: Talk about climate change in the Legislature
(Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune)Seventeen Democrats in the Texas House launched a climate, environment and energy caucus this week with one simple goal: To talk about climate change at the Texas Capitol, where conversations on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases have been sidelined for years. Led by state Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood, the caucus includes Democrats from major cities across the state. Members pointed out that the Legislature didnโt hold a single hearing on any bill related to climate change during the last session. Instead, they have their sights set on a more modest goal they hope is achievable โ holding at least one hearing on climate change. โMinority communities are facing the brunt of these injustices,โ said state Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, a civil rights attorney.