August 31, 2025
NEWS DIGEST
by Brandon Waltens
Good morning,
The Texas House has approved a measure aimed at restoring the state attorney general’s power to prosecute election fraud.
It’s an issue that landed on the special session agenda after State Rep. Matt Shaheen (R–Plano) helped sink it during the regular session.
Senate Bill 12 by State Sen. Bryan Hughes (R–Mineola) would give the attorney general jurisdiction to directly prosecute violations of Texas election laws. The legislation requires law enforcement agencies to turn over reports of probable election offenses to the AG’s office and mandates that local prosecutors share information upon request.
The measure further clarifies that the AG “has jurisdiction to prosecute and shall represent the state in the prosecution” of election crimes, even directing local prosecutors to assist, if necessary.
This renewed effort comes after a breakdown earlier this year, when similar legislation advanced during the regular session but died in conference committee after the House and Senate passed sharply differing versions.
Shaheen, leading the House negotiators, insisted on including a six-month delay before the attorney general could take up cases—a provision Attorney General Ken Paxton and the Senate rejected as unworkable. The impasse killed the effort, prompting Gov. Greg Abbott to place the issue on the special session agenda.
This time, Shaheen carried the new bill in the House.
The clash dates back to the 2021 ruling in State v. Stephens, when the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals struck down the attorney general’s long-standing authority to independently prosecute criminal cases, declaring that the state constitution limited such power to local district and county attorneys. That decision stripped Paxton and future AGs of a power that had existed for decades.
The bill passed in an 85-54 vote.
Featured
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed into law a Republican plan to make the state’s congressional district map “more red” ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
“Today, I signed the One Big Beautiful Map into law,” Abbott announced in a Friday afternoon video post on X.
The Republican redistricting plan adds five new GOP-opportunity congressional districts.
Republicans currently hold 25 of the state’s 38 U.S. House seats.
Real Texans
In this week’s edition of REAL TEXANS, Michael visits with State Sen. Mayes Middleton about his bid to be the 52nd Attorney General of Texas. They discuss Middleton’s background, his record in the state senate, and why the A.G.'s office matters.
New interviews with REAL TEXANS every Sunday!
State
Texas House Moves to Shut Down Mail-Order Abortion Pill Pipeline
With abortion facilities already shut down, pro-life lawmakers argue the next front in the battle is the online pipeline of chemical abortions.
RFK Jr. Joins Abbott at Capitol to Champion MAHA Legislation
The legislation is aimed at improving the health of Texans.
Paxton Slams Texas Judicial System After ‘Insane Decision’ To Help Beto O’Rourke
Paxton had asked the courts to terminate Powered by People’s authority to do business in Texas for violating criminal laws.
Local
Harris County Approves Nearly $470K for Gay Softball World Series
The approval came in spite of a projected budget deficit of $220 million.
Lubbock County Commissioners Stop Property Tax Increase
Three commissioners voted to save taxpayers money. County employees complained because it could cut their raises.
Llano ISD Removes Inappropriate Books, Shuts Down Library’s ‘Adult Section’
Local activist Bonnie Wallace celebrated the district’s decision to protect the minds of children.
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