State of Texas

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.

State of Texas - April 20, 2025

 A plan to let Texas parents use tax dollars to help pay for private education moves closer to becoming law.  After approval in the Texas House, legislation to create an education savings account program could soon head to Governor Abbott's desk.  Our Capitol Bureau team of Dylan McKim and Adam Schwager look back at the heated debate and to what comes next in the fight over ESA's in Texas. A Texas House committee calls for sanctions on an insurance company accused of hiring investigators to get information on customers.  We look at the latest fallout from a heated hearing of the DOGE committee at the Capitol. A Texas State Senator says he's ready to run for Texas Attorney General.  Mayes Middleton announced plans to put $10-million of his own money into his campaign, but he's not the only Republican in the race.  We sit down with John Bash, a former U.S. Attorney who launched his campaign earlier this month.  Bash lays out his background, and his message to Texas voters. The Trump Administration kills a $60-million grant for high speed rail in Texas.  But supporters say the project is still alive.  Grace Reader reports on the plan, and why some people backing the project believe losing the grant could actually help keep the project on track. 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 13, 2025

The Price of Tariffs –It's been a volatile week in the stock market after President Donald Trump announced his plan to impose widespread tariffs on imported good. But how does the current plan affect Texas. Texas Comptroller Glen Hegar gives us an economic forecast.
A Budget Bill without the Lottery– After hours of debate and amendments, lawmakers passed the blueprint on how the state spends its money in the next two years. A big headline was when lawmakers zeroed out the budget for the Lottery Commission and the Texas Film Incentive. Dylan McKim gives us an inside look and explains what's next in the process. 
Bracing for SNAP Cuts – Some Texas families are worried about proposed federal cuts to funds that help them buy food. Congress is considering slashing benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. As investigator Arezow Doost explains, food pantries are scrambling to keep up with the growing demand already and now bracing for more impact.
A Fight Brewing Over Senate Seat– Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says he is challenging Senator John Cornyn for his senate seat in next year's midterm elections. This sets up what will undoubtedly be a contentious and expensive GOP primary contest ahead of 2026. Jasper Scherer with the Texas Tribune gives us insight.
Sickle Cell Registry – A Texas freshman lawmaker is making a name for herself this legislative session, authoring a bill that has support from both democrats and republicans, and is now closer to becoming law.  The legislation would create a state registry for sickle cell. Jala Washington reports on why this is personal for the lawmaker, and how it could help save lives. 
 

State of Texas - April 6, 2025

A plan that could reshape the future of education in Texas is one step closer to becoming reality.  A House committee approved a legislation to create Education Savings Accounts.  As it moves toward a House vote, a step that killed previous bills, we dig into the debate surrounding one of the Governor's top priorities this session.Texas has a vacant seat in Congress, but Governor Abbott is not rushing to call a special election.  Critics accuse him of playing politics to help Republicans in Washington.  But Abbott tells us he has a different reason for moving slowly.The Texas Lottery Commission takes its biggest vendor to court.  Dylan McKim looks closer at the dispute behind the legal action, as well as ongoing questions facing the commission.Leaked e-mails show an insurance company hired investigators to get information on patients, and state lawmakers.  The company receives state funds to manage care for sick and disabled children, sparking calls for accountability.  We speak with Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, the committee chairman who spotlighted the e-mails, about changes that could be coming after the revelation.It's been decades since Democrats won a statewide election in Texas.  Will DuPree introduces us to the man who has the task of turning that trend around.  Newly-elected state party chair Kendall Scudder discusses his vision to help Democrats build for the future.               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 - March 30, 2025

 Legislation to require Texas sheriffs to participate in federal immigration enforcement moves closer to a vote at the Capitol. The legislation has raised concern about the effect on immigrant communities, as well as questions about the cost for local law enforcement.  Josh Hinkle speaks one-on-one with bill author, Sen. Charles Schwertner about how he's answering criticism of the bill. Questions to an insurance CEO turned tense at a hearing of the Texas House DOGE committee.  The chairman revealed emails showing the CEO had asked private investigators to gather information on customers – and lawmakers. Nabil Remadna reports on how the accusations brought heated questions and led to an investigation by the Office of Attorney General. Only 14 counties in Texas have medical examiners, which critics say points to an outdated death investigation system.  Josh Hinkle reports on how a bill up for consideration at the Capitol could bring change, and more medical examiners in more counties  Many Texas prisons do not have air conditioning, and now a judge is siding with prisoners who say those conditions are unconstitutional. We look at why the judge did not order the state to immediately fix the problem. 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 - March 23, 2025

A Texas woman bought a winning lottery ticket worth $83.5 million.  But when she went to claim the ticket, she learned that she may never see the money.  Dylan McKim spoke to the woman, who asked for her identity to be concealed.  He looks at how controversy at the State Capitol could keep the lottery winner from claiming the life-changing jackpot. Our reports on hospital safety after a deadly crash are boosting a push to change state law. Matt Grant reports on new developments, including his own testimony before a legislative committee, as lawmakers look closer at requiring protective barriers at Texas hospitals. Texas-sized growth is fueling an unprecedented demand for electricity.  Some lawmakers see nuclear energy as a way to meet the need. Science reporter Eric Henrikson reports on how recent developments in Washington could dim the lights on those plans. Texas lawmakers look at new ways to boost the Trump Administration's crackdown on illegal immigration.  But one plan to get local law enforcement involved is raising concerns about cost.  Adam Schwager reports on how the concerns could block the bill's path. 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 - March 16, 2025

 The legislative push to use public dollars to help parents pay for private schools drew people from all over Texas to a marathon hearing with House lawmakers.  Hundreds of Texans waited into the early morning hours to have their say.  Adam Schwager looks closer at the hearing, and what comes next. The search for solutions to keep water flowing in Texas has some looking off the coast.  Dylan McKim explores the efforts to turn saltwater into drinking water to help meet the state's future needs. Water shortages hit Texas farmers, and the impact could trickle down to your wallet.  Now Texas lawmakers are calling for pressure on Mexico, with billions of gallons, and billions of dollars on the line. Texas lawmakers push for new regulations on Botox injections.  Investigator Arezow Doost looks at how legislation moving forward at the Capitol could bring more safety protocols to protect patients. 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 - March 9, 2025

Big changes are looming for some Texans who currently work from home.  The Governor and state lawmakers are asking questions about remote work policies. Dylan McKim looks at why the pressure could push many state workers back to the office.A Texas House committee with the goal Delivery of Government Efficiency held its first meeting at the Capitol.  Adam Schwager examines what power the Texas DOGE committee has, and how it's different from DOGE in DC.A vote in the Texas Senate aims to boost efforts to find a cure for dementia. We look closer at the new approach from Texas lawmakers to fund research, and why it could ask voters to make a multi-billion dollar decision later this year.Legislation to require security barriers to prevent crashes at hospital entrances is getting widespread support at the Texas Capitol.  Matt Grant has the latest follow up in our investigative series, and found out that some people are pushing back against the plan.The Texas Medical Board revised its guidance for practitioners in facilities offering services like Botox injections. Investigator Arezow Doost reports on why there's new urgency for lawmakers to act this session to address safety concerns, highlighted in our reporting.
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 - March 2, 2025

 Texas senators vote to ban services that allow people to buy lottery tickets on an app.  But the debate leading up to the vote raises larger questions about potential criminal activity linked to the lottery.  Adam Schwager looks at the policy change at the lottery, and why supporters of online ticket sales are now looking to the Texas House. New statewide legislation could mean more medical examiners soon in Texas.  Our investigation into a young girl's mysterious death is playing into that legislation, and bringing an update to that 60-year-old case. Republican lawmakers are questioning the value of solar and wind energy powering the Texas electric grid.  Our special report looks at the energy crossroads as Washington politics spills into our state's future. Families of children killed in school shootings come to the Capitol, calling for action.  With the outlook unlikely for gun legislation, one lawmaker is sending a warning not to ignore their message. 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.