News from February 2025


Governor Abbott prioritizes cybersecurity in State of the State address

Governor Abbott prioritizes cybersecurity in State of the State address

In his recent State of the State address, Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the Texas Cyber Command as an emergency item for legislative consideration.


Commissioner Miller announces support for Gov. Abbott’s State of the State address

Commissioner Miller announces support for Gov. Abbott’s State of the State address

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has expressed his support for Governor Greg Abbott's legislative priorities and policies, as outlined in the State of the State Address on February 2, 2025.


Sen. Parker announces capital markets development bills

Sen. Parker announces capital markets development bills

Senator Tan Parker announced the filing of a package of four bills, SJR 50, SB 1056, SB 1057, and SB 1058, aimed at encouraging the development of capital markets in Texas.


Sen. Huffman announces bail reform package

Sen. Huffman announces bail reform package

Senator Joan Huffman has announced the filing of a comprehensive bail reform package following Governor Greg Abbott's designation of bail reform as an emergency item.


Texas warns against mystery seed packages from China

Texas warns against mystery seed packages from China

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has issued a warning to residents about unsolicited packages containing unidentified seeds and liquids arriving from China.


Texas Senate passes SB 2, advancing education savings accounts proposal

Texas Senate passes SB 2, advancing education savings accounts proposal

The Texas Senate has passed SB 2, a bill aimed at providing Texas parents with universal Education Savings Accounts.


Texas Business Coalition announces support for Gov. Abbott’s State of the State address

Texas Business Coalition announces support for Gov. Abbott’s State of the State address

Texas Business Coalition has expressed its support for Governor Greg Abbott's reaffirmation of Texas' business-friendly policies during his State of the State Address on February 2, 2025.


Measles outbreak reported in Gaines County; six cases identified

Measles outbreak reported in Gaines County; six cases identified

The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported a measles outbreak in Gaines County.


Rep. Mihaela Plesa announces bills for court-granted and automatic expunctions

Rep. Mihaela Plesa announces bills for court-granted and automatic expunctions

Rep. Mihaela Plesa has introduced two legislative bills, HB 2006 and HB 2042, aimed at reforming the expunction process for individuals found innocent in Texas.


OPINION: New Energy Infrastructure Permit is a Win for East Texas

OPINION: New Energy Infrastructure Permit is a Win for East Texas

The Texas Railroad Commission's recent approval of a new oil and gas disposal facility in Shelby County marks a significant milestone for East Texas.


Sid Miller supports Trump's and Musk's move against USAID spending

Sid Miller supports Trump's and Musk's move against USAID spending

Commissioner Sid Miller has expressed support for recent actions taken by President Trump and Elon Musk.


TAM CEO: ‘You can upscale into your preferred sector’

TAM CEO: ‘You can upscale into your preferred sector’

Tony Bennett, President and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers, said upscaling helps workers, including veterans transitioning from the military, gain the necessary skills to move into industries like semiconductors, automotive, aerospace, and steel. Bennett was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.


OPINION: Texas Should Say "I Don't" to Flawed Proposal to Overhaul Credit Card System

OPINION: Texas Should Say "I Don't" to Flawed Proposal to Overhaul Credit Card System

As the president of Houston Jewelry, a fifth-generation family business that has served Texans since the 1850s, I've seen plenty of proposals that were ill-fated from the start.


Texas Legislature tackling grid reliability and impact of renewable energy

Texas Legislature tackling grid reliability and impact of renewable energy

Texas lawmakers are working to address grid reliability in the opening days of the 2025 legislative session, following the statewide blackout caused by Winter Storm Uri in 2021.


Texas Public Policy Foundation criticizes school spending in new video series

Texas Public Policy Foundation criticizes school spending in new video series

The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) has released a new video that scrutinizes school district spending in Texas.


Texas Education Agency advances Marlin ISD governance transition

Texas Education Agency advances Marlin ISD governance transition

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has commenced the second phase of transitioning governance authority for the Marlin Independent School District (MISD).


Texas Water Development Board hosts successful Water for Texas 2025 conference

Texas Water Development Board hosts successful Water for Texas 2025 conference

More than 700 participants, including speakers, sponsors, and legislators, attended the Water for Texas 2025 conference hosted by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) in Austin from January 27 to 29.


Texas DPS announces capture of two most wanted fugitives

Texas DPS announces capture of two most wanted fugitives

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced the arrest of two individuals from Texas' 10 Most Wanted list.


Texas strengthens border security through collaboration with Trump Administration

Texas strengthens border security through collaboration with Trump Administration

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, alongside the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas National Guard, continues to collaborate with the Trump Administration on border security efforts.