Legal News
Latest updates from Houston & Texas
Public Policy News
Legal and political developments related to Public Policy, analyzed from a civil rights perspective.
Articles tagged "Public Policy"
Texas Education Board Approves 4,200 Curriculum Fixes, Raising Legal and Fiscal Questions
Texas's State Board of Education has preliminarily approved 4,200 corrections to a state-developed, Bible-infused elementary curriculum, raising significant legal questions about the separation of church and state under the First Amendment. This costly repair, borne by taxpayers, highlights a lack of accountability for curriculum errors and concerns over biased historical content, impacting over 400,000 students.
Texas Primary Turnout Surges: What It Means for Your Rights and State Policy
Early voting for Texas's 2026 party primaries saw a significant turnout, signaling strong public engagement with crucial legal and policy matters. Voters' motivations, from historical voting rights struggles and economic concerns to judicial selections and calls for equitable representation, directly influence the legal framework and public policies debated in our state. These elections are foundational for who gets to shape Texas law, impacting citizens' constitutional rights and daily lives.
Texas College Prep: Are We Misleading Students on the Path to Success?
A new study reveals that some Texas high school college prep courses don't effectively prepare students for college, despite state incentives for districts. This raises public policy and equity concerns as these pathways offer a false signal of readiness, potentially leading to increased student debt and delayed degree completion, while more rigorous programs like dual credit show better outcomes.
Texas Native Studies Class: A Legal Battleground Amidst Anti-DEI Push
Texas's State Board of Education narrowly voted to renew an American Indian/Native Studies course, navigating new state laws aimed at limiting instruction on race and gender. This decision highlights a legal tension between state-level anti-DEI legislation and federal guidance affirming tribal sovereignty as distinct from race, with the course's long-term stability still uncertain as advocates seek its integration into core state curriculum standards.
Texas Attorney General Race: The Legal Stakes in the Republican Primary Debate
The Republican primary debate for Texas Attorney General showcased candidates' differing views on key legal issues, including states' rights, federal immigration authority, and the AG's power to remove local officials. The eventual winner will inherit an office transformed into a national conservative legal force, deeply impacting constitutional interpretation and public policy for Texans. Voters face a choice in how the state's top lawyer will wield significant power.
Texas Bets Big on Small Nuclear: Untangling the Legal and Policy Power Play
Texas is aggressively pursuing small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) to meet surging energy demands, backed by significant state funding and federal efforts to streamline regulations. However, this ambitious push faces substantial legal and public policy challenges, particularly regarding the allocation of public funds, the intricate licensing process, and the ongoing, unresolved issue of nuclear waste disposal.
Texas's New 15th Court of Appeals: Why These Judges Hold the Keys to State Law
The newly established Texas 15th Court of Appeals serves as a critical statewide gatekeeper for civil cases involving the state, challenges to state laws, and business court appeals, directly impacting public policy and constitutional rights. Though primaries are uncontested, the upcoming general election will determine who holds these powerful seats, influencing high-stakes legal areas like marijuana and abortion policy. The court's initial rulings have already demonstrated judicial independence, even drawing criticism from the Texas Attorney General.
Texas Debates: Campaigns, Faith, and Future Policy Impacts
Recent political discussions highlight key legal and policy shifts in Texas. A U.S. Senate campaign outlines potential new legislative directions, while the growing influence of Christian nationalism raises significant questions about constitutional rights, particularly the separation of church and state, and its impact on public policy.
Legal Insights: Houston Podcast Dives into Civil Rights, Texas Politics
The latest 'Commuter Cut' podcast features key legal and political discussions. NAACP Houston President Bishop James Dixon II talks civil rights and community empowerment, while Lieutenant Governor candidate Marcos Velez outlines his policy vision, directly impacting Texas's legal and legislative future.
Understanding Leadership: Examining Decision-Making Strategies and Their Public Policy Impact
A recent "Hello Houston" segment featured Yale scholar Jeffrey Sonnenfeld discussing his book, *Trump's Ten Commandments*, which explores political and business decision-making strategies. This discussion prompts analysis of how leadership choices directly influence public policy, constitutional boundaries, and the legal landscape impacting governance and citizen rights.
Academic Freedom Under Fire: Texas A&M's Curriculum Changes Spark Legal, Policy Debate
Texas A&M's new curriculum review committees, implemented to comply with Senate Bill 37, are igniting legal battles and policy debates over academic freedom. Faculty and students argue these changes constitute censorship and threaten intellectual independence, while Regents maintain they are adhering to state law. This situation creates a critical public policy dilemma regarding legislative oversight versus the autonomy of state-funded higher education.