SUMMARY: The ACLU is preparing to sue Texas over Senate Bill 12, recently signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, which takes effect in September. The law focuses on expanding “parental rights” in public and charter schools but includes controversial provisions banning references to race, gender identity, or sexual orientation in school activities, prohibiting social gender transition support, and banning LGBTQ+ student clubs. The ACLU and coalition members argue SB 12 discriminates against students, harms inclusivity, and restricts discussions on diversity and identity. The law also mandates parental consent for medical treatments and establishes grievance policies and increased parental oversight in school operations.

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SUMMARY: Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 571 into law to close loopholes allowing bad actors access to schools and to expand state authority to investigate misconduct by contractors and volunteers on campuses. The bill mandates school districts to report suspected misconduct and grants contractors access to a statewide misconduct database, still under development. It broadens grounds for mandatory termination and certification loss, including felony public indecency and improper educator-student relationships. The law follows revelations of a former juvenile corrections officer tutoring in Austin schools despite misconduct allegations. Critics object to a confidentiality clause shielding investigation records from public disclosure.

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SUMMARY: Texas Governor Greg Abbott vetoed a bill banning all consumable hemp products containing THC, sparking mixed reactions. The veto came amid petitions from thousands of Texans; opponents argued the ban would hurt farmers, small businesses, and patients using hemp for medical reasons. The Hemp Industry and Farmers of America praised the decision, emphasizing safer regulations rather than prohibition. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, a bill supporter, criticized the veto, highlighting strong legislative and law enforcement backing. Following a major THC product seizure in Dallas, Abbott called a July 21 special session to revisit Senate Bill 3 and other key legislation, aiming for balanced regulatory solutions.

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