Legal News
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Texas Law News
Legal and political developments related to Texas Law, analyzed from a civil rights perspective.
Articles tagged "Texas Law"
UT Regents' New Policy Raises Free Speech, Academic Freedom Questions
The University of Texas System regents approved a policy limiting "unnecessarily controversial subjects," sparking significant legal concerns. Critics argue the vague language threatens academic freedom and free speech, potentially leading to self-censorship among faculty and impacting student education quality.
Texas Tech Cancels Abortion Talk, Sparking Free Speech and Academic Freedom Debate
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center canceled a medical talk on late-pregnancy abortion care after activist pressure, despite state law clarifying that such discussions are not restricted. This incident sparks significant legal questions about academic freedom and free speech on public campuses, as well as the interpretation of Texas's abortion statutes.
Texas AG Paxton Probes School Districts Over Student Protests, Sparking Legal Debate
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating three major school districts following student protests against immigration enforcement. Paxton alleges school officials may have facilitated these demonstrations and failed to ensure safety, raising significant questions about student free speech rights, school autonomy, and potential state legal and financial repercussions for districts.
Texas Attorney General Race Heats Up: A Look at the Legal Stakes and Policy Future
The 2026 Texas Attorney General race is set to redefine the state's top legal office, with candidates differing sharply on its future role. This election will determine whether the AG's office continues its aggressive, politically charged litigation or returns to a more traditional focus on consumer protection and child support, significantly impacting legal policy and constitutional rights across Texas.
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.
Feds Open Fair Housing Probe into North Texas Development, Raising Due Process Questions
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is investigating The Meadow, a North Texas community previously marketed to Muslims, for alleged religious or national origin discrimination under the Fair Housing Act. This new federal probe comes after state and other federal investigations into the same project had concluded, leading developers to raise significant "due process concerns" and suggest political motivations are at play.
Texas AG Sues Dallas Over Alleged Police Underfunding, Citing Voter Mandate
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Dallas, alleging the city failed to adequately fund its police department, violating a voter-approved city charter amendment (Proposition U). The lawsuit claims Dallas significantly under-calculated its new revenues, thus shorting mandated allocations for police pensions and officer hiring. This legal challenge highlights the tension between state oversight and local autonomy in interpreting voter mandates and managing municipal budgets.
Texas Law Redefines Sex: Intersex Texans Face Legal Hurdles and Fears Over Bodily Autonomy
Texas's new House Bill 229, which strictly defines sex based on reproductive organs at birth, creates significant legal challenges for intersex Texans. The law may hinder their ability to update government documents and raises fears of increased non-consensual surgeries on intersex children, impacting fundamental rights like bodily autonomy and legal recognition. This policy faces scrutiny for potentially violating due process and equal protection by forcing binary classifications on diverse biological realities, and for its inconsistent approach to medical interventions based on gender.
Texas Labor's Big Split: Unions Take Sides in Governor's Race, Signaling Policy Shifts
Texas labor unions are showing a significant split in their endorsements for governor, backing both Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and Democrat Rep. Gina Hinojosa. This shift reflects differing views on state economic policy and the future of labor rights within Texas' 'right-to-work' legal framework, potentially shaping future legislative priorities concerning worker protections and union power.
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.
Texas Appoints First Inspector General for Educator Misconduct, Raising Due Process Concerns
Texas has appointed its first Inspector General of Educator Misconduct, a new role intended to enforce stricter accountability for public school teachers. This move raises significant legal questions regarding due process rights for educators, especially given the state's recent toughening of education policies, prompting concerns about potential politicization of disciplinary actions.