Read this in a browser.

Good morning, 

This is the Texas Minute for Thursday, Jan. 20, 2025.

– Michael Quinn Sullivan 

Texas Senate Passes Priorities... House Hasn't Moved Anything

• The Texas Senate worked late last night, passing out of their chamber a number of conservative priorities. Those included:
  👉 A ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying,
  👉 Placing the Ten Commandments in classrooms,
  👉 Banning "drag queen story hours" at public libraries, and
  👉 Prohibiting China from buying land in Texas.
       

• The House, meanwhile, has not yet debated–much less passed–a single piece of legislation.
      

• Check TexasScorecard.com as the day progresses for more details.

Dan Patrick Vows to Shut Down THC Shops in Texas

• Standing alongside law enforcement officials and families devastated by the effects of synthetic cannabis products, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick pledged yesterday to shut down every THC retailer in the state—no matter how long it takes. Brandon Waltens has the story.
       
• THC is the addictive chemical in marijuana.  Cannabis is the scientific name for those plants. Synthetic cannabis has exploded in the state, with THC products mostly unregulated. Patrick said more than 8,000 THC retailers have appeared across Texas in the last few years, fueled by loopholes in state and federal law.
       
• Shortly after Patrick's comments, the Senate passed legislation by Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) that would close down all THC-infused product sales, close existing smoke shops, and prevent new ones from opening.
       
• On Wednesday morning, Patrick posted a video of his visits to smoke shops that sell THC, underscoring their proximity to schools in the Austin area.
       
• “These rogue retailers are selling THC products containing several times more THC content than marijuana purchased from a drug dealer off the street,” said Patrick. “These dangerous products must not be allowed to permeate our communities and endanger Texas children.”

OTHER SENATE NEWS

Bob Hall Aims To Strengthen Informed Consent in Childhood Vaccinations

Senate Bill 95 allows for civil liability if a healthcare provider administers a vaccine without obtaining informed consent.

Texans Advocate for Stronger Protections From Civil Suits in Self-defense Cases

• Sydnie Henry reports that legislation in the Texas House would provide broader legal protections for individuals who use or threaten force in self-defense situations.
       
• State Rep. Ryan Guillen (R-Rio Grande City) is trying to extend civil immunity to situations where homeowners threaten to use force, not just those who actually use deadly force. Currently, individuals who de-escalate a threatening situation by brandishing a weapon still face potential litigation.
      
• Supporters from organizations like Texas Gun Rights and Gun Owners of America argued the bill is crucial to prevent law-abiding citizens from facing financial ruin after justified self-defense actions.

OTHER HOUSE NEWS

Texas Parks and Wildlife Put in DOGE’s Crosshairs

State Rep. Pat Curry (R-Waco) said his legislation is intended to “get their attention” over TPWD’s handling of Chronic Wasting Disease regulations.

UT Austin Education School Dominated by Critical Race Theory

• Valerie Muñoz reports on a new study that finds the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Education is riddled with coursework focused on the divisive critical race theory and other leftwing ideologies. 
        
• The research organization DeepAudit analyzed 450 UT education syllabi using a machine learning algorithm. DeepAudit identified courses with the highest concentration of CRT and DEI material. Seven of the ten most ideologically-driven courses fall under the university’s curriculum and instruction department.
       
• “While many have heard reports of critical race theory in schools, few realize how widespread the problem is,” said Jonah Davids, a founder of DeepAudit. “Most legislators, parents, and taxpayers who fund universities have no idea this is happening.”
       
• Last year, a state law took effect that requires universities to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices and eliminate discriminatory hiring and training programs. The law did not address curriculum and instruction.

OTHER EDUCATION NEWS

Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Coppell ISD Over Critical Race Theory

The lawsuit comes after an undercover investigator's video revealed an administrator in Coppell ISD explaining how the district circumvents state prohibitions.

Elementary Teacher Re-Arrested for Using AI to Generate Sexual Images of Students

Austin ISD's Carl Innmon faces new charges for using photos of students in his classroom to create child sexual abuse material.

Harris County GOP Calls for Appointment of Jacqueline Lucci Smith as County Attorney

• So that he could run for Congress in a special election, Christian Menefee (D) resigned this week as the Harris County Attorney. Now, reports Joseph Trimmer, the Harris County Republican Party has called for the appointment of Jacqueline Lucci Smith to fill the seat.
      
• The Texas Constitution mandates the automatic resignation of certain public officials, including county attorneys, when they become candidates for a different office. The county commissioners must now appoint someone to fill the role until an election is held.
       
• Lucci Smith was narrowly defeated in November by Menefee for the seat.

New Documentary

RIGGED: How the Lottery is Playing Texans

• In a new documentary, Daniel Greer explores the fraudulent activities that have come to define the Texas Lottery.

Keep Texas Scorecard Free & Independent

Texas Scorecard can provide independent journalism for Texans because we do not take government grants or corporate sponsorships. We don't hide our content behind paywalls; we want all Texans to be informed and engaged as citizens. Your support is what makes Texas Scorecard possible!

Quote-Unquote

"The Republican Party will in the future, as in the past, ever stand opposed to the establishment of one class who shall live on the government, and another class who shall pay the taxes."

– Calvin Coolidge​

Directory of Your Current U.S. & Texas Lawmakers

This information is automatically inserted based on the mailing address you provide to us. If you'd like to update your contact information, please visit our subscriber portal.