State of Texas

State of Texas - June 29, 2025

As election season looms larger, there are new developments when it comes to Republican candidates running for statewide office.  But it's not clear which Democrats will take on the biggest statewide races.  Adam Schwager speaks with former congressman Beto O'Rourke, who's been holding town hall events across Texas.  We ask about meetings with other Democrats aiming to run in 2026 and how his plans mesh with theirs. Governor Abbott calls lawmakers back for a special session.  He's looking for a plan to regulate THC products in Texas.  But Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is still set on a full ban.  We look at the conflict to come, and what hemp advocates are pushing for when lawmakers return to the Capitol. Glenn Hegar has been the State Comptroller for more than 10 years.  Now he's taking on a new challenge, leading the Texas A&M System.  Josh Hinkle interviews Hegar to discuss the challenge ahead, and the critical job he's leaving behind.State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.

State of Texas - June 22, 2025

 Comptroller Change – Political maneuvering helps now-former State Senator Kelly Hancock on the verge of becoming the state's acting Comptroller.  Adam Schwager speaks with Hancock, as well as the two high-profile Republicans who are vying for votes in next year's race to lead the office. Nuclear Waste Decision – A Supreme Court decision revives plans to store nuclear waste in west Texas.  Vinay Simlot examines concerns about what comes next after the ruling.  Plus, we look at the larger landscape of nuclear power in Texas, as the state pushes to lead the nation in nuclear energy investments. Promises Kept – Governor Abbott signs legislation tied to two of his emergency items.  But the bill signings are just one step toward making the measures reality.  We look closer at the push to cut property taxes and the move to improve the state's water infrastructure, and why Texas voters still need to give their approval. Fit to Serve? – Texas Senator John Cornyn helps lead a hearing into what he claims was a coordinated cover up of President Joe Biden's health while he was in office.  We hear from the Senator about the hearing, which happened one day before the former President came to Texas for a Juneteenth celebration. State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.

State of Texas - June 15, 2025

 Immigration raids ramp up, with some targeting workers on the job.  It's bringing backlash in the streets in the form of protests, but also from businesses.  We hear how President Trump is addressing the concerns, plus look at the crackdown from the perspective of a migrant deported after being detained on his way to work. A Texas law that allowed some students not legally in the country to qualify for in-state tuition at public universities has been reversed.  Adam Schwager reports on how the outcome is leaving many questions unanswered for schools and students. A new law opens the door for expanded research into Ibogaine, a psychedelic plant medicine.  Sam Stark reports on how stories from veterans helped push legislation to use the medicine to treat conditions like PTSD and addiction.  Also, we speak with former Governor Rick Perry, who has taken an active role in promoting psychedelics to help veterans. President Trump announces plans to restore the name of Fort Hood.  Currently, the army post is named after General Richard Cavazos, a native Texan who became the Army's first Hispanic four-star general.  We hear how a relative of Cavazos is responding to the change, and look at how the move skirts a federal law banning bases from being named for people who served in the Confederacy. State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.

State of Texas - June 8, 2025

Gov. Greg Abbott approves billions of new dollars for Texas school districts.  It’s record funding at a critical time for education, but is it enough?  Dylan McKim examines why some worry the money falls short of the needs. The Governor declares victory in his push for bail reform.  But opponents of his plan are also claiming a win. Adam Schwager looks at why some backers of bail reform say more needs to be done. The plan to ban THC is now in the hands of Governor Abbott. Opponents of the ban want a veto; supporters want the Governor’s signature. We hear how the Governor is responding to questions about his plan for the ban. From schools and health care to criminal justice and constitutional law, our team’s investigations sparked legislation at the Capitol.  We track what passed, and what could come back in the next legislative session. Sometimes, it’s personal at the Capitol. Will DuPree checks in with Rep. Don McLaughlin and Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons, lawmakers who just finished their first session, exploring how their experiences close to home led to new state laws.
State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.

State of Texas - June 1, 2025

The plan lawmakers passed to ban THC products is now in the hands of Governor Abbott.  As opponents push for a veto, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is making a high-profile effort to support the ban. We look closer at the stakes in the battle over the ban. Plus, we hear from former House Speaker Dennis Bonnen and former State Rep. Mark Strama for insight on the political impact of the proposed ban.Plans to shore up the state's water supply will soon be in the hands of Texas voters.  Josh Hinkle sits down with speaks with water policy expert Jeremy Mazur to dig into what the legislation does, and does not do to address the state's long-term water needs.A bill to improve the way Texas investigates death failed to pass at the Capitol.  But even though it's not becoming law, it's still making an impact.  We look closer at the legislative effort through the lens of a Texas girl's unsolved murder.Legislation to prevent vehicle crashes into medical facilities did not advance this session. Investigator Matt Grant examines the lobbying effort that worked to block the bill, in a follow up to our Preventing Disaster investigation.State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.

State of Texas - May 25, 2025

A bill to ban THC products in Texas leads to tension on the House floor.  While lawmakers crack down on products people buy to get high, Dylan McKim examines the new push to expand access to medical cannabis in the state.A major deal at the State Capitol could bring billions of new dollars to Texas public schools.  The bill boosts pay for teachers and other employees.  Adam Schwager reports on how the legislation is earning bipartisan praise, but also raising questions.An explosive committee hearing led to an investigation into a state Medicaid contractor.  But now the case is closed.  Avery Travis takes us through the latest developments, and how the company and the Office of Attorney General is responding to the findings.Texas now has a new law to make sure people who work in schools are not a threat to children.  Another bill aimed to protect children is moving closer to the Governor's desk.  Investigator Kelly Wiley looks closer at efforts this session to close loopholes in the state's 'do not hire' registries.State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.

State of Texas - May 18, 2025

With deadlines looming, lawmakers are working toward a deal on how to fund Texas public schools.  One senator is pushing through a new plan.  Dylan McKim looks at what's changing from the plan approved by the House, and why the bill is raising concerns as time runs short at the Capitol.A Senator who previously called for ending the lottery is now proposing legislation that could keep the games going.  We look at how a fast-moving bill could significantly shake up how the Texas Lottery is run.From border wall tax breaks to worker verification, illegal immigration is a prominent topic this legislative session.  Our Capitol team brings us a special report looking at how bail reform has taken priority in the conversation, and why the death of a Houston-area girl is helping to shape the debate.Big changes could be coming for the state's medical cannabis program.  Adam Schwager reports on new legislation that aims to make it easier for patients to access treatment and give more options for administering the medicine.State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.

State of Texas - May 11, 2025

Governor Abbott puts new pressure on lawmakers as he pushes plans to restrict bail for some people accused of crimes.  The plan calls for amendments to the Texas constitution, which has Republicans looking to win over Democrats.  Adam Schwager reports on the high stakes, as key deadlines move closer at the Capitol.Legislation to create Education Savings Accounts has been signed into law.  The program is expected to take effect in 2026, but the law is already having an impact.  Investigator Kelly Wiley looks at the growing demand from parents for special education evaluations, and why some advocates worry about the effect on public school districts.As politicians in Washington and Austin squabble over solar and wind energy, a different form of green energy is finding red state support.  Investigator Matt Grant looks at how geothermal energy is providing more power, and could help boost the Texas electric grid.It's a nightmare for a parent – explicit images of your child circulating on social media.  The rise of A-I is fueling an increase in pornographic deepfake images, mostly targeting women and girls.  A Texas mother and daughter found out how difficult it can be to get those explicit images removed from social media.  Dylan McKim looks at their story, and speaks with Sen. Ted Cruz about his work on legislation soon to become law that aims to help victims take down explicit images.State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.

State of Texas - May 4, 2025

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says the Texas Lottery is "on life support right now."  His statement comes as lawmakers are pushing to pull funding from the Lottery Commission amid an investigation into a controversial jackpot win.  Politics reporter Adam Schwager speaks with Lt. Gov. Patrick about his vision for the future of the lottery.U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy says he believes measles cases in Texas have plateaued. Now Kennedy is calling for health officials to look beyond vaccines when it comes to facing the outbreak of cases, while some health experts emphasize that vaccines are the best way to prevent the disease.Sheriffs of border communities from San Diego to Brownsville came to Austin to discuss what's next for border security.  The meeting comes as law enforcement encounters along the border have plummeted. But even with the heightened enforcement, Adam Schwager found some sheriffs still have concerns.Texas Senators approve legislation to clarify when a doctor can perform an abortion to protect a woman's health.  But moments after that vote, Senators moved to tighten the state's ban on abortion.  Dylan McKim reports on the effort to make it harder to receive abortion pills from outside Texas, and why that could lead to complicated legal challenges.State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.

State of Texas - April 27, 2025

Legislation to let parents use public funds for private education heads to the Governor.  Josh Hinkle speaks one-on-one with Sen. Brandon Creighton, who authored Senate Bill 2.  We discuss concerns from both sides of the aisle over the bill, why he's confident this will help Texans who need it most, and how the ESA plan could change in the future.Texas Democrats try a new tactic after losing the vote on education savings accounts.  Adam Schwager looks at how they're blocking votes on crucial legislation, and how the approach could put bipartisan priorities at risk.The state's plan to let parents pay for private education with public funds might not cover tuition at some campuses.  Investigator Kelly Wiley looks into why some private schools are wary of the ESA plan, and how that could affect Texas parents.New accountability ratings are out for schools across Texas, giving parents a look at the performance of campuses statewide.  Dylan McKim reports on why the timing of the release is raising questions.State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.