State of Texas - February 16, 2025

Concerns about a huge jackpot lead to tough questions for leaders of the Texas lottery. Senators accuse lottery leaders of enabling money laundering. We speak with Austin American-Statesman chief politics reporter John Moritz to look at what's behind the concerns, and what comes next. Families share powerful stories of loss with lawmakers, driving a policy discussion at the Capitol. Dylan McKim reports on how their words are drawing support for tougher policies to keep people accused of violent crimes from getting out on bail. The Texas Attorney General requests millions more to aid the state's child support enforcement efforts. Investigator Arezow Doost looks at the struggle now for parents waiting on child support payments, and the programs meant to compel child support evaders to pay. As Education Savings Accounts move closer to becoming Texas law, Texas parents have questions. Kelly Wiley takes us to a forum where people heard from lawmakers and educators concerned about the plan, and also speaks to a parent who's advocating for school choice. 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.