Texas bans the sale of THC vape pens

The law does not specifically ban the possession of THC vape pens, but those who sell them face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 penalty.
Texas AG Ken Paxton encourages students to recite Lord’s Prayer in latest test of church-state separation

The endorsement comes as Texas elected officials push for more Christianity in public life and as Paxton’s office fights a legal challenge to religion in education.
Former Texas Rep. Jodie Laubenberg, author of 2013 abortion restrictions, dies

Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, announced her passing Monday, calling her “one of the first and most effective fighters” for the anti-abortion movement.
Texas lawmakers scrap new measure allowing late voter registration changes

Lawmakers passed a bill earlier this year allowing voters to update their address at the polls and immediately vote on elections tied to that new residence, as long as the move was within the county. This bill walks it back.
Texas House advances fundraising restrictions for lawmakers who leave state to block legislation

The proposal would cap absent members’ daily fundraising at $221 — their current per diem payment — and entirely prohibit the use of political funds for travel expenses.
Rep. Alma Allen, longtime Houston Democratic lawmaker, to retire from Texas House

Allen, known for her focus on public education issues, announced her retirement after 20 years in the House. She endorsed her son, Lawrence Allen Jr., to succeed her.
Some Texas counties replace touchscreen voting machines after Trump order

Collin, Bastrop and Williamson counties say they’re proactively changing their voting procedures and equipment following a federal attempt to limit barcodes or QR codes on paper ballots.
In rapidly diversifying Tarrant County, a summer of GOP redistricting hits Black and Latino representation

Despite explosive growth turning Tarrant into a racially diverse swing county, two new political maps will leave it with whiter, more Republican representation.
Hoping to curb roadside deaths, TxDOT is helping stranded drivers in West Texas

The one-year experiment in Midland and Ector counties is based on similar efforts in larger cities. A nonprofit backed by oil companies and Midland County are helping pay for it.
State Sen. Brandon Creighton expected to be sole finalist for Texas Tech chancellor

The Conroe Republican has authored some of Texas’ major higher education legislation in recent years, including a DEI ban and a law expanding political appointees’ power in universities.