Here’s a quick recap of what happened over the last week:
House Committee Hears Bill to Increase Public Education Funding
House Bill 2 — a proposed $8 billion education funding package – was heard in the House Public Education committee this week. The bill aims to help Texas school districts struggling with budget deficits, but according to many superintendents that were invited to testify, more is still needed.
The superintendents that testified acknowledged HB 2’s positive steps in high need areas, such as teacher pay, special education, and support for smaller districts. However, advocates discussed that the proposed $220 increase in per-pupil-allotment falls significantly short of meeting inflation-adjusted needs – which has been estimated at anywhere from a $600 to $1400 per-pupil increase. The increase in the basic allotment has not been increased since 2019.
The hearings highlighted a divide between lawmakers and school officials over the sufficiency of the proposed funding. Some Democrats criticized school leaders for not more aggressively advocating for a higher base funding increase, arguing that failure to push for more could lead to school closures and significant layoffs. While Republicans have been hesitant to boost overall funding, Democrats pressed for adjustments that account for inflation since 2019. Looking forward, the House plans to refine the proposal before a March 18 vote to send the proposal to the full House for consideration.
Senate Committee Hears Bill to Ban Hemp
The Texas Senate State Affairs Committee heard Senate Bill 3 on Monday, a proposal to ban all consumable hemp products containing THC, which is the intoxicating agent contained in cannabis. Texas currently allows the sale of hemp products containing up to .3% of THC.
For some background, the state of Texas passed a law in 2019 that authorized the production hemp crops – intended to promote the industrial fiber market in Texas. A byproduct of hemp production included consumable products containing THC. Now, the author of SB 3 and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick – who has deemed passage of this bill a top Senate priority – argue that companies have begun to exploit the law by selling the byproducts from hemp production that exceed the .3% limit. These consumable products come in the form of gummies, vapes, cigarettes, and drinks that are available in grocery and convenience stores. Proponents of SB 3 also argue that the consumable hemp products have adversely affected the opportunity for the industrial fiber market to flourish in Texas.
Several members from the state’s law enforcement community testified in favor of the legislation saying that they need a definitive statute in place to allow seizures and arrests without the need for testing products in advance. One officer from the Allen Police Department in north Texas testified that they have found hemp products containing as much as 78% THC concentration being sold in stores. But there is limited availability for field testing so often times products of this nature remain available at the retail level.
During the 10 hours of testimony, many others testified against the ban including business owners and consumers. Owners of businesses selling the products testified that a ban would destroy their business, put people out of jobs, and cause harm to the Texas economy. The business owners are asking for stricter regulation on the industry as opposed to an outright ban. Several different segments of consumers testified against the ban, including veterans who said they use the products to combat PTSD and other challenges.
Sen. Charles Perry of Lubbock, the author of SB 3, has also introduced SB 1505 which he says is intended to fill the void that a ban would leave for those using hemp products for medical purposes. SB 1505 expands the state’s medical marijuana program by increasing the number of licenses available for dispensing operations and allowing licensees to operate more dispensing facilities to make the medical marijuana available in more parts of the state.
Both bills were left pending, but a vote is expected on the bills next week.
Senate Committee Sends Mandate on 10 Commandments to Floor
On Tuesday, The Senate Committee on Education K-16 advanced bills requiring public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments (SB 10) and allowing designated school prayer time (SB 11). While the bill authors expressed pleasure that the two measures are moving on in the process, he also expects Texas will be sued if the bills are passed into law. Many proponents of the legislation believe this is a necessary step to prompt the US Supreme Court to overturn prior precedents blocking religious displays in schools.
Both bills will assuredly pass the Senate, but their fate in the House remains unclear.
Border News
With spring break set to begin this weekend, a recent U.S. travel advisory warns visitors to Mexico — particularly when visiting urban areas in Mexico — to exercise caution due to crime, drugs, unregulated alcohol, and other risks. The U.S. Embassy highlights other concerns such as counterfeit medication, sexual assault, strong beach currents, and legal issues related to drug possession, firearms, and public intoxication. With spring break approaching and many families and students planning trips, travelers are urged to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines.
Migrant encounters in the El Paso Sector have dropped sharply, continuing a downward trend seen across the southern U.S. border. In January 2025, U.S. Border Patrol recorded less than 5,000 encounters in the region, with February numbers maintaining low daily averages. The decline in border encounters began in January 2024 after Mexico intensified immigration enforcement and have continued to decline sharply under the Trump administration. In addition, the U.S.-Mexico border has been heavily militarized. The Trump administration has sent more than 5,000 troops to the southern border since mid-January and the state of Texas has sent an additional 1,500 National Guardsmen and state troopers to join the U.S. troops.
The decline applies to fentanyl seizures as well. In addition to fewer occurrences in fentanyl trafficking, there is also a reported drop in overdoses that coincide with the crackdown on cartels by the Mexican government– inspired in part by the threat of tariffs on Mexican goods coming into the US.
On Wednesday Vice President JD Vance paid a visit to Eagle Pass and the U.S.-Mexico border, echoing the administration’s message that migrants without proper documentation should self-deport to their home countries before being subjected to arrest and mandatory deportation by the US government. Joining Vance at the southern border was Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. During their visit, the group engaged in discussion with Gov. Greg Abbott and state Attorney General Ken Paxton at the Eagle Pass Border Patrol station. Abbott thanked the federal officials for participating in the discussion and emphasized his commitment to implementing Trump’s border policies.
Texans at Trump Address to Congress
Tuesday evening, President Trump held a joint address to Congress. Republican Party of Texas Chair Abraham George attended as U.S. Sen. John Cornyn’s guest. Intra-party tensions have been rising as Attorney General Ken Paxton has hinted at the possibility of primarying Cornyn in 2026. For Cornyn, a reliable relationship with the state party could be significant for his reelection odds and lessen the possibility of competition in the GOP primary. Each member of Congress can invite one guest to the address, and that guest is usually symbolic of that member’s priorities. Cornyn inviting George is a clear signal that Cornyn wants to move forward as a united front with the Texas GOP.
Other Texans also made headlines at the Tuesday address. Rep. Al Green, of Houston was escorted out of the House chamber after yelling that Trump had no mandate to cut Medicaid. Congressman Green’s tirade was met with chants for him to be thrown out of the House chamber. Green continued after being warned by House Speaker Mike Johnson. After refusing to stop, he was subsequently removed from the chamber. Green has represented Texas’ 9th congressional district since 2005. He has been a longtime critic of Trump and has attempted to impeach him four times, including once in February 2025.
Other notable actions were from Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas, who left the speech halfway through after standing up with other members to show dissent. And Rep. Greg Casar of Austin, who held up a small sign that stated, “Musk Steals” throughout the address.
Other headlines at the address included an official guest of First Lady Melania Trump — the mother of Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old Houston girl who was murdered in June of 2024. According to police, the two people charged with murder in her case entered the country illegally from Venezuela. Since the death of her daughter, Alexis Nungaray has become an advocate for tougher border policies–working alongside Senator Ted Cruz and other notable Texas GOP officials. Additionally, the first lady invited U.S. Border Patrol agent Roberto Ortiz from Weslaco who discussed his dangerous encounters with the cartels at the Rio Grande River and Elliston Berry from Aledo who is a 15-year-old victim of a deepfake video.
Sylvester Turner Passes Away
Democratic U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner of Houston passed away this week at the age of 70 due to health complications. A Harvard-educated lawyer and lifelong public servant, Turner’s 36-year career included serving as a Texas state legislator, Houston’s mayor, and most recently, a U.S. congressman. In 2022, Turner had undergone treatment for bone cancer. His death, announced during a Houston City Council meeting, shocked colleagues and the community. Turner was remembered for his ability to connect with constituents and his leadership during crises like Hurricane Harvey and COVID-19. Turner attended President Donald Trump’s address to Congress on Tuesday night and was later taken to the hospital when he began feeling poorly. He was released later that evening. Reports are that he died peacefully at his apartment in Washington around 5:45AM Wednesday from what his family said were “enduring health complications.”
Tributes to Turner poured in all day on Wednesday for the former lawmaker and city leader, including from current Houston Mayor John Whitmire, Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, along with numerous state and local officials who all remembered Turner fondly and respectfully.
Funeral arrangements are pending. Congressman Turner will lie in state in the Texas House chamber next Wednesday and Thursday.
Odds and Ends
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced plans to file a resolution renaming the New York Strip steak as the “Texas Strip” within the state, arguing that Texas–as the nation’s leading cattle producer–deserves the credit. The idea emerged from his meeting with Texas cattle industry leaders, and he urged restaurants and grocery stores to adopt the new name. Patrick criticized New York for taking credit for Texas beef, emphasizing that branding Texas products benefits the state’s economy. The New York Strip name originated from Delmonico’s Restaurant in the 19th century, but Patrick argues Texas should reclaim recognition for its ranchers. Patrick posted on X that “After session ends this summer, I might take a short cruise across the Gulf of America and have a juicy medium-rare Texas Strip.”
The Texas Lottery Commission unanimously advanced a proposal to ban third-party ticket brokers, responding to controversy over cell phone apps used to purchase tickets. The decision triggers a public comment period before a final ruling, while a Senate-passed bill explicitly banning courier companies awaits action in the House. Lawmakers have raised concerns about potential money laundering after a $95 million winning ticket was sold through a bulk purchase of nearly all possible number combinations. Lawmakers warn that courier services could facilitate illegal ticket resales and inflate costs for players. Any legislative action would override the commission’s decision, with opposing bills proposing either an outright ban or a licensing system for couriers.
Texas continues to endure its largest measles outbreak in 30 years, with the number of deaths rising to 163. While still mostly concentrated in West Texas, new cases have been reported in Travis and Rockwall counties, tied to international travel. The outbreak has been linked to declining vaccination rates, though some vaccinated individuals have also contracted the disease. Health officials warn that measles is highly contagious, with 90% of unvaccinated people at risk of infection upon exposure. State officials are working to secure more vaccines and prepare hospitals for potential further spread. Public health campaigns, including billboards have popped up aiming to raise awareness as concerns over vaccine hesitancy persist.
Political Notes
East Texas Republican Rep. Cody Harris abruptly ended a town hall meeting in Palestine an hour early due to heated exchanges over school vouchers. The event, intended to discuss education policy, featured the author of House Bill 3, Rep. Brad Buckley, was met with frequent interruptions by frustrated audience members and protesters. Parents and educators voiced concerns for the safety of their public-school funding, with some scolding Harris for his inconsistent stance on school choice. With Harris taking a new pro-voucher stance, Friday’s meeting was intended to educate parents on the future of school choice and how it would impact them. Amidst ongoing legislative negotiations, school voucher proposals remain problematic, as lawmakers work to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.
Freshman state Rep. Mitch Little – Republican from Denton – is said to be considering a run for Texas Attorney General. This of course would be contingent on his good friend Ken Paxton leaving the office to challenge US Senator John Cornyn in next year’s GOP primary. Little served on Paxton’s legal team during last year’s Senate impeachment trial.
What’s Next??
The Senate has recessed until 2PM on Monday to refer bills and then they will adjourn until 11AM Tuesday.
The House is at ease until 2PM today for bill referrals and then will adjourn until Tuesday at 2PM.
The House Public Education Committee will hear House Bill 3 – the education voucher proposal – on Tuesday.
A listing of all committee hearings can be found here: https://www.legis.state.tx.us