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The Latest Breaking News from Paul Bettencourt

Fort Worth ISD takeover was largely based on STAAR test, despite plans to replace it

Both Republicans and Democrats have said STAAR sets students up for failure, raising questions about basing a state takeover on the test’s results.

The Texas Tribune

Texas teachers, parents fear STAAR overhaul won’t take testing pressure off kids

Skeptics of the replacement, which requires three exams throughout the year, want to see less restrictions on testing day and more teacher input.

The Texas Tribune

Texas cities, counties pinch pennies amid slowing economy

Economic uncertainty, inflation, strict state limits on property tax collections and uncertainty around future federal funds have crimped local budgets.

The Texas Tribune

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Proposal limiting Texas city, county property taxes dies in the Legislature

The House refused to back a bill that would apply only to the state’s largest cities.

The Texas Tribune

Texas Senate fast tracks THC ban, flood prep and bathroom restrictions for transgender people

Senators moved fast on Gov. Greg Abbott’s agenda for the second special session. With House Democrats back in Texas, bills can now move through that chamber.

The Texas Tribune

Texas lawmakers propose replacing STAAR exam with three shorter tests

The tests would be administered at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. But the proposal’s fate is unclear with the House in limbo over a redistricting fight.

The Texas Tribune

Texas cities, counties may face new limits on raising property taxes

Republican state lawmakers want to curb property tax bills by further limiting how much can be collected by cities and counties.

The Texas Tribune

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“Nobody came”: Hill Country flooding survivors recount anguish, neglect during emotional hearing

Residents told state lawmakers about what they’ve lost and the hardships they’re experiencing almost a month after the July 4 disaster devastated the region.

The Texas Tribune

Sirens, gauges and flood prevention: What the Texas Legislature could do in response to Hill Country disaster

Gov. Greg Abbott has promised to add flood response to the agenda for the July 21 special session, with an expected focus on alert systems and local recovery.

The Texas Tribune

Texas lawmakers have gotten used to state budget surpluses. That era may be ending.

As federal pandemic aid ends and sales tax revenues cool, analysts say it could constrain the Texas Legislature in coming years. But they don’t see an immediate budget crisis on the horizon.

The Texas Tribune

Texas lawmakers laid the foundation for a housing boom. Here’s how.

The Legislature passed laws allowing smaller homes on smaller lots and making it harder for neighbors to block new housing.

The Texas Tribune

Texans Gain the Right To Try Individualized Medical Treatments

Ailing Americans are winning expanded freedom to try experimental medicine.

Reason

Senate panel begins negotiations with the House over how to scrap the STAAR test

The Senate’s rewrite of House Bill 4 reflects a gap in what the chambers want to see out of the new state assessment and the performance ratings that largely hinge on its results.

The Texas Tribune

Another big tax cut for Texas homeowners appears imminent

Providing bigger tax breaks to homeowners is a key component of a deal brokered by Republicans in the Texas Legislature to lower tax bills for Texans.

The Texas Tribune

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Texas Observer

Texas Already Gives Public Ed Dollars to Private Operators. Here’s How That Worked Out.

The state created “Texas Partnership” charter schools to turn around struggling public campuses, but an Observer investigation has uncovered numerous academic and financial issues.

The Texas Tribune

Texas homeowners could see lower property tax bills if deal from Republican lawmakers passes

Legislators in the House and Senate have reached an agreement on more property tax relief. But some critics worry the cuts aren’t sustainable forever.

The Texas Tribune

Advocates fear Texas lawmakers are about to worsen the state’s homelessness crisis

Republican lawmakers are considering a bill to strengthen the state’s ban on homeless encampments and speed up the eviction process.

The Texas Tribune

Texas lawmakers consider barring counties from mailing unsolicited voter registration forms

Voting rights advocates worry that legislation approved by House and Senate committees could make it harder to get more people on the rolls.

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The Texas Tribune

School districts stay quiet as lawmakers push to limit when they can sue the state

School leaders have privately criticized a bill that would make it harder to contest their performance ratings in court. But they did not testify against it to avoid lawmakers’ ire.

The Texas Tribune

Texas Republicans take aim at public transit in two major cities

The Texas Legislature is considering bills that transit officials warn could hamper public transportation in the Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth regions.

The Texas Tribune

Texas Senate panel approves $500 million infusion for film incentives

Senate Bill 22 would more than double the amount of money Texas spends to lure film and television projects and has the backing of Texas movie stars including Matthew McConaughey.

The Texas Tribune

Texas Senate advances bill to allow smaller homes on smaller lots

Lawmakers, who are preempting locals on lot sizes in new subdivisions, have been eyeing ways to allow more homes to be built as the state faces a shortage.

The Texas Tribune

Texas countywide voting bill would allow fewer polling sites

Senate Bill 985 would revise a 2023 law that raised the minimum number of voting locations. County election officials say they’ve struggled to comply with it.

The Texas Tribune

The Texas Senate wants more — and smaller — starter homes in new neighborhoods

The goal of the new legislation is to help drive down the cost of housing so that more Texans can afford homes.

The Texas Tribune

Republican senators threaten not to boost Texas public universities’ funding over DEI ban

In a letter, Sens. Brandon Creighton and Paul Bettencourt said they found “numerous” violations of the law, but didn’t provide specifics.

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