News from March 2025
280 million grant aids Texas farmers amid Rio Grande Valley water shortage
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 19, 2025
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has announced a $280 million grant program aimed at supporting farmers and producers in the Rio Grande Valley.
Jacksonville businessmen sentenced for multimillion-dollar fraud involving illegal labor
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 18, 2025
A federal investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has resulted in the sentencing of two Jacksonville residents, Travis Morgan Slaughter and Tripp Charles Slaughter, to federal prison for their involvement in fraud...
Texas Realtors release first-ever homeselling experience report
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 18, 2025
Two-thirds of REALTORS in Texas reported that most sellers they worked with in 2024 had a moderate understanding of the real estate market, according to the inaugural Texas Homeselling Experience Report released by Texas REALTORS.
Texas Senate approves bills allowing religious activities and Ten Commandments display in schools
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 18, 2025
Students and faculty in Texas public schools may soon be allowed to engage in prayer and other religious activities during school hours, following the approval of a bill by the Senate.
Governor Abbott announces virtual film & digital media friendly workshop
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 18, 2025
Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Film Commission have announced a virtual workshop aimed at helping Texas communities become certified as Film Friendly Texas or Digital Media Friendly Texas.
Texas officials celebrate National Ag Day with EPA at Collin County farm
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 18, 2025
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller marked National Ag Day by visiting J. Foster Farms in Collin County, Texas, accompanied by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Scott Mason and the Texas Farm Bureau.
Texas senator advances bill expanding death penalty for child murders
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 18, 2025
Senator Paul Bettencourt has successfully advanced Senate Bill 990 (SB 990) through the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice.
Texas senate discusses new trade office in Israel; passes key bills on AI child porn
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 17, 2025
The Texas Senate Economic Development Committee, chaired by a leading senator, recently held its first meeting to discuss significant legislative proposals.
Texas celebrates National Child and Adult Care Food Program Week
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 17, 2025
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has called on Texans to participate in National Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Week, taking place from March 16 to 22.
Texas Association of Counties aids in storm preparedness and recovery
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 16, 2025
Spring storms are a common occurrence in Texas, often bringing severe weather such as lightning, tornadoes, hail, heavy rain, and high winds.
Texas House leaders rally support for school choice bill with 76 coauthors
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 16, 2025
Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows and House Public Education Committee Chairman Brad Buckley announced that the House's school choice bill, HB 3, had gained 76 coauthors.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announces top priority bills for Texas' legislative session
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 16, 2025
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has announced the first round of his top 40 priority bills for the upcoming 2025 legislative session in Texas.
Former West Covina city commissioner sentenced for child exploitation offenses
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 16, 2025
An official who once held a position of public trust in West Covina, California, has been sentenced for child exploitation violations.
ICE deports Guatemalan national wanted for rape
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 16, 2025
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully deported Cecilio Lopez Vasquez, 40, to Guatemala on March 17.
Sen. Bettencourt files Senate companion to Texas Taxpayers & Voters Defense Act
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 16, 2025
Senator Paul Bettencourt has announced the filing of Senate Bill 2519, a legislative proposal designed to bolster taxpayer and voter protections in Texas.
Rep. Hull announces new bills under Make Texas Healthy Again
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 16, 2025
Rep. Lacey Hull has introduced a series of legislative proposals under the initiative "Make Texas Healthy Again," which includes key House priorities such as HB 25, HB 26, and HB 136.
Texas House committee holds hearing on school choice bill
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 16, 2025
Rep. Terri Leo Wilson announced that the Texas House Public Education Committee held a hearing on House Bill 3, which proposes an Education Savings Account (ESA) program to provide more educational options.
Texas for Innovation announces study on R&D tax credit impact
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 16, 2025
Texas for Innovation announced that a new economic impact study indicates extending the state's research and development (R&D) tax credit would enhance economic output, jobs, and income without burdening state or local finances.
Make Texans Healthy Again backs bills to study health costs in Texas
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 16, 2025
Make Texans Healthy Again (MTHA) has announced its support for Senate Bill 1645 and House Bill 4210, which aim to initiate a comprehensive study on chronic disease, metabolic health, and healthcare costs in Texas.
Small businesses, credit unions, and community banks oppose SB 2026 and HB 4124
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 15, 2025
Small businesses, credit unions, and community banks have expressed opposition to Senate Bill 2026 (SB 2026) and House Bill 4124 (HB 4124), citing concerns over the burdens these proposed changes to credit card processing could impose.
