The Latest Breaking News from Harold Dutton

Incumbents prevail in Texas legislative races amid proxy battles over casinos, tort reform

The most expensive state House primaries this cycle were proxy wars over issues including casinos, tort reform and a lingering battle between establishment Republicans and more hardline conservatives.

The Texas Tribune · Mar 4

Rep. Tony Tinderholt, voice of the insurgent far right GOP, to retire from the Texas House

Tinderholt attributed his decision to retire to his confidence in a new conservative generation of lawmakers and a desire to spend more time with his family.

The Texas Tribune · Jun 2, 2025

After years of tension, Texas House emerges as cooperative partner for Dan Patrick and his conservative agenda

A 2024 war among Republicans tilted the House to the right. Now more closely aligned with the Senate, Speaker Dustin Burrows has accelerated action on bail, school vouchers and social issues.

The Texas Tribune · May 25, 2025

Brazosport ISD is training its own teachers. The program might become a model for other Texas schools.

The small district’s apprenticeship program lets aspiring teachers earn a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification at no cost. In return, participants must work at the district for at least three years. Observers hope state lawmakers will use the program as a model for legislation.

The Texas Tribune · Jul 18, 2023

Texas lawmakers hope an investment in teacher training will help keep new educators in the classroom longer

A bill passed by the Texas House on Wednesday would also help schools rehire retired teachers and offer other incentives in an effort to fight the state’s teacher shortage.

The Texas Tribune · Apr 26, 2023

After Uvalde, Texas Could Finally Fix Notorious Flaw in Public Information Act

An El Paso Democrat wants to close the “dead suspect loophole” that’s helped gut Texas’ once-distinguished open records law.

Texas Observer · Dec 15, 2022

By tradition, the minority party gets to chair some Texas House committees. Some in the GOP want to end that.

Republican critics say conservative priorities will always be hamstrung if Democrats, who are in the minority party, get a say in which legislation reaches the floor.

The Texas Tribune · Dec 1, 2022