Gov. Abbott Signs In New “Athena Alert” Bill
June 14, 2023- Governor Greg Abbott has signed into law the new Bill that will lower the threshold for local missing child alerts. House Bill 3556 allows law enforcement in Texas to send out localized alerts- known as “Athena Alert”- within a 100-mile radius of where a child has gone missing and in adjacent counties. The law was inspired after the tragic death of 7-year-old Athena Strand in November. Strand was found dead...
Gov. Abbott Signs Paper License Tag Ban
June 13, 2023- Governor Greg Abbott has signed into law HB718, authored by Rep. Craig Goldman, this Bill prevents the use of paper license tags in hopes of preventing illegal counterfeits from coming to the state and creating ‘Ghost Cars’. Ghost Cars are cars which have illegally acquired paper tags. These Ghost Cars become virtually untraceable with these tags. With the signing of the Bill all paper tags throughout Texas...
Governor Abbott Appoints Jackson To Public Utility Commission Of Texas
June 8, 2023- Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Kathleen Jackson to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) for a term set to expire on September 1, 2027. The PUC regulates the state’s electric, water, wastewater, and telecommunications utility industries, implements respective legislation, and offers customer assistance in resolving consumer complaints. Kathleen Jackson of Beaumont is a board member of the Texas Water...
Texas Comptroller Certifies New $321.3 Billion State Spending Plan, Sends To Abbott’s Desk
June 8, 2023- The $321.3 Billion spending plan that Texas lawmakers have approved for the next two years is balanced and on its way to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk after it was certified Wednesday by the state’s chief financial officer, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar. Before Abbott can review the budget that will direct the state’s spending for the next two years, the comptroller had to certify that the 1,115-page plan doesn’t spend more...
Governor Abbott Announces Immediate Special Session Agenda
May 31, 2023- Governor Greg Abbott has announced special session #1 and issued a proclamation identifying agenda items for the Special Session that began at 9:00 PM on Monday, May 29. Governor Abbott issued the following statement: “I will soon be signing laws that advance our state and the future of all Texans, including laws that: End COVID restrictions and mandates; Provide more than $5.1 billion to secure the border and fund the...
Governor Abbott Sets Special Election For Texas House District 2
May 31, 2023- Governor Greg Abbott last night issued a proclamation announcing Tuesday, November 7, 2023 as the special election date to fill the unexpired term in House District 2 of the Texas House of Representatives. Candidates who wish to have their names placed on the special election ballot must file their applications with the Secretary of State no later than 5:00 PM on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Early voting will begin...
Gov. Greg Abbott Threatens To Veto Pared-Down School Choice Bill, Warns Of Special Sessions
May 15, 2023- Gov Gregg Abbott has stated Sunday that he would veto a toned-down version of a bill that offers school vouchers in Texas and threatened to call a legislators back for special sessions if they don’t “expand the scope of school choice” this month. Senate Bill 8, authored by Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, would significantly roll back voucher eligibility to only students with disabilities or those...
Gov. Greg Abbott Issues Emergency Declaration Amid Winter Weather
Feb. 6, 2023- Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott issued an emergency declaration in response to the ice storm that has impacted the state, causing property damage, travel disruptions and power outages. The Declaration covers Denton, Hays, Henderson, Milam, Smith, Travis and Williamson counties. Abbot stated that additional counties could be added to the list as damage assessments are currently still underway. Abbot also asked for any...
Governor Abbott, TxDOT Announce Record $85 Billion 10-Year Transportation Plan
Aug. 30, 2022 PARIS – Governor Greg Abbott today announced the adoption of the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) 2023 Unified Transportation Program (UTP), advancing a record $85 billion, 10-year statewide roadway construction plan. The 2023 UTP reflects an unprecedented level of projected transportation funding dedicated to improving transportation safety, addressing congestion and rural connectivity, and preserving...
Governor Proclaims July “Watch Your Car Month”
Motorists Urged To Protect Themselves From Auto Burglary, Theft (AUSTIN, Texas – July 19, 2022) With summer being Texas’ busiest time of year for auto burglary and theft, Governor Greg Abbott has declared July “Watch Your Car Month.” The proclamation notes that Texans experience nearly $2 billion in losses every year due to motor vehicle crime. “Our communities cannot prosper if they are not safe. The actions and choices...
