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August 18, 2024
NEWS DIGEST
by Brandon Waltens
Good morning,
Millions of dollars in lottery tickets are being sold through websites and apps, raising concerns about the vulnerability of children to these sales.
This issue was highlighted during an ongoing review of the Texas Lottery Commission by the Sunset Advisory Commission, which evaluates state agencies and recommends efficiencies, changes, or even their abolishment.
The lieutenant governor, as president of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House each appoint five members from their respective chambers to the Sunset Commission. Each also appoints one public member.
During a recent hearing, representatives from the Texas Lottery Commission faced criticism for their seemingly lax approach toward the growing number of lottery courier companies operating in Texas. According to a staff report from the Sunset Commission, the Legislative Budget Board estimated that couriers accounted for approximately $173 million in lottery sales last fiscal year. These unlicensed courier companies function as intermediaries, selling lottery tickets online to individuals while purchasing the tickets from licensed retailers.
The nature of this business model leaves it open to potential misuse by minors, a concern raised by commission members to Ryan Mindell, the executive director of the Lottery Commission.
Roger Elswick, a public member of the Sunset Commission, questioned why the Lottery Commission had not sought opinions from the attorney general; instead, they relied on their interpretation of the law.
Robert Rivera, the chairman of the Lottery Commission, sought to reassure the Sunset Commission, pledging that the Lottery Commission would “look into best practices nationally” and collaborate with law enforcement to address the issue.
Additionally, commission members expressed concern that online courier services accept credit card payments, despite state law prohibiting using credit cards for lottery ticket purchases.
Featured
Texas A&M is offering a certificate in Social Justice Leadership for this fall 2024 semester.
Texas Scorecard received a link to a form where prospective students can request information about nonprofit programs offered by Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government & Public Service.
The Social Justice Leadership Certificate is a part of the Bush School’s Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy. The Bush School website stated this program “was developed for leaders committed to addressing inequities at nonprofit and public service organizations.”
State
Attorney General Ken Paxton Challenges Dallas Over State Fair’s Firearms Ban
State law permits licensed gun owners to carry firearms in places owned or leased by governmental entities unless otherwise restricted by state law.
The Nonprofit that Promoted Gender Mutilation Procedures to Minors
This is part one of an investigation into Out Youth Austin.
Under Pressure, Texas Farm Bureau Says They ‘Won’t Oppose’ Ban on Land Sales to China
The organization received a flood of correspondence from members concerned that it was obstructing legislation aimed at protecting Texas farmland from foreign threats.
Local
Rockwall ISD Parents Blast ‘Horrific’ Handling of Sex Abuse Allegations
Community members say trustees and administrators must improve how the school district addresses sexual misconduct.
Fort Worth Ranchers Accuse Company of Providing Fertilizer Full of Harmful Chemicals
Samples of fertilizer used in Johnson County contained harmful amounts of “forever chemicals” known to cause cancer and fertility problems.
Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner Wins Democrat Nomination for Open Congressional Seat
The seat is open due to the death of U.S. Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee.
Federal
Texas Sues Biden Admin for Forcing Employers to Accommodate ‘Gender Identity’
Attorney General Paxton accused the current administration of once again attempting to illegally rewrite federal law.
Rep. Pfluger’s Measure Would Fund Removal of Chinese Equipment in U.S. Networks
Additional funding is needed to help carriers finish removing Chinese equipment from wireless communications systems across the country.
Planned Parenthood Videos Seized by Kamala Harris Now Released
Houston abortionists told an undercover journalist they were willing to sell fetal organs.
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