News from May 2024
Urban Reform President: Public information officials will often respond to requests with documents that are not related
By Lone Star Standard | May 25, 2024
Charles Blain, president of Urban Reform, said that while he often submits numerous records requests from the city, he typically receives either unhelpful information or data that is only tangentially related to his original request, rather than the specific information he sought. Blain was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Texas Transportation Commission adopts strategic plan for next five years
By Lone Star Standard | May 24, 2024
AUSTIN – The Texas Transportation Commission convened on May 23, 2024, to discuss and approve several significant initiatives. Among the key decisions was the adoption of TxDOT’s 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. Erika Kemp, TxDOT director of strategic initiatives and innovation, presented the plan to the Commissioners.
Texas Public Policy Foundation files lawsuits against EPA's new emissions rules
By Lone Star Standard | May 24, 2024
AUSTIN – The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) has filed two lawsuits in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, challenging the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new rules on greenhouse gas emissions from trucks and cars. The regulations require that at least 30% of trucks and 70% of cars be all-electric by 2032, effectively mandating widespread electrification within eight years.
TCTA responds to Speaker Phelan's interim charges for the House Public Education Committee
By Lone Star Standard | May 24, 2024
Dade Phelan, Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, has released his list of interim charges for committees to consider before the start of the next session. His list was published in a press release on May 16.
Raise Your Hand Texas announces departure of executive director Dr. Michelle Smith
By Lone Star Standard | May 23, 2024
Austin, Texas (May 22, 2024) – Raise Your Hand Texas today announced that its executive director, Dr. Michelle Smith, has chosen to leave the organization to pursue new leadership opportunities as a public education advocate. Dr. Smith will serve as a special advisor to the organization in a consultative role beginning in June.
Governor Abbott expands disaster declaration following severe storms
By Lone Star Standard | May 23, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott announced the addition of Calhoun, Delta, Jones, and Lamar counties to the state’s disaster declaration for areas impacted by severe storms and flooding that began on April 26. More counties may be added as damage assessments continue.
Lovejoy ISD public information dispute is resolved, Rep. Patterson says
By Lone Star Standard | May 23, 2024
Over the last few weeks, Representative Jared Patterson (R-106) and a group of residents had a public dispute about a public information request with Lovejoy ISD.
Urban Reform president: Many Authorities will ‘argue that they can't release information’
By Lone Star Standard | May 23, 2024
Charles Blain, president of Urban Reform, said navigating legal jargon and state statutes without an attorney is challenging, as authorities often withhold requested documents by citing work product, attorney-client privilege, or proprietary data, appealing to the attorney general's office. Blain was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Senate Local Government holds hearing aimed at addressing Texas' squatter issue
By Lone Star Standard | May 23, 2024
The Texas Senate Committee on Local Government convened a hearing this month, with the central focus being the issue of "squatters" in the state. The committee, led by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, invited residents to share their experiences with squatters.
Texas DPS intensifies traffic enforcement ahead of Memorial Day
By Lone Star Standard | May 22, 2024
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging motorists in the state to pay attention to safety tips and prepare for increased traffic enforcement during the Memorial Day period. This includes the annual Click It or Ticket and Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE) campaigns, which commence today, May 20, and will continue through Memorial Day on May 27.
Governor Abbott announces aid for storm-hit counties
By Lone Star Standard | May 22, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) received federal approval allowing recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed in last week’s storms.
Urban Reform President: Process hurdles make getting public information difficult
By Lone Star Standard | May 22, 2024
Charles Blain, president of Urban Reform, said that submitting information requests typically leads to numerous demands for additional details, like identifying recipients, specifying periods, and providing email addresses, which can make the process unnecessarily complicated. Blain was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
FERC requires states to expand transmission of renewable energy
By Lone Star Standard | May 22, 2024
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has enacted a new rule that mandates states to accommodate transmission needs stemming from the proliferation of renewable energy in the resource mix. The rule includes "requirements addressing how transmission providers must conduct long-term planning for regional transmission."
Urban Reform president: ‘PR requests are something that we do a lot at Urban Reform’
By Lone Star Standard | May 21, 2024
Charles Blain, president of Urban Reform, said that their organization frequently uses public information requests to inform the public about local government activities, particularly in Harris County and Houston. Urban Reform promotes free market solutions to urban issues to encourage community engagement and change. Blain was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Governor Abbott proclaims Travel And Tourism Week in Texas
By Lone Star Standard | May 21, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott extended an invitation to all Texans today, encouraging them to celebrate the significant contributions of the state’s travel and tourism industry and the dedicated Texans working in this sector. He marked this occasion by proclaiming May 19–25 as Travel and Tourism Week in Texas.
Texas Public Policy Foundation's David Dunmoyer on State Tech Policy Initiatives
By Press Release | May 21, 2024
David Dunmoyer is the campaign director for Better Tech for Tomorrow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. He is a former resident of California.
RPT Chair Candidate Mackowiak releases 60 day election integrity plan
By Lone Star Standard | May 21, 2024
Travis County GOP Chairman Matt Mackowiak released his election integrity plan, should he be successful in his campaign for Chairman of the Texas Republican Party.
Urban Reform Institute Says Texas Public Information Law “Useless”
By Lone Star Standard | May 21, 2024
Charles Blain of the Urban Reform Institute told Lone Star Standard that procedures used to prevent or delay access to public information in Texas make the Texas Public Information Act ineffective. They have “rendered the law useless,” Blain said in an interview with the Texas Talks podcast.
Rep. Goodwin responds to AG Paxton’s effort to block proposed ATF rule
By Lone Star Standard | May 21, 2024
On Monday, Representative Vikki Goodwin (D-Austin) voiced her opposition to Attorney General Ken Paxton’s successful effort to get a federal judge to temporarily block a recent Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) rule.
Operation Lone Star deploys drones to curb illegal border crossings
By Lone Star Standard | May 19, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are continuing their efforts to secure the border, halt smuggling activities, and counter transnational criminal activity between ports of entry.
