The Latest Breaking News from John Kuempel

Texans are heading to the polls Tuesday to make their final selections for which Democrats and Republicans will run for various seats in the November election.

Club for Growth announced it will spend $4 million on a TV ad targeting five anti-school voucher Texas House Republicans.

Texas could become the second state in the country after Florida to ban diversity, equity and inclusion offices in higher education.

The Senate wants to eliminate tenure altogether while the House seeks to enshrine it in state law. The two chambers have until May 26 to come to an agreement.

Rep. John Kuempel, R-Seguin, pledged to defend his legislation dialing back Senate bills that would eliminate tenure and ban diversity, equity and inclusion offices. But faculty and students say even the House versions will hurt higher education.

A new version of Senate Bill 18 scheduled for a hearing in the House Higher Education Committee on Monday would keep faculty tenure and direct university governing boards to establish policies to grant and revoke tenure.

A new version of Senate Bill 17 expected to be considered by the House’s Higher Education Committee on Monday would still ban DEI offices and prohibit required diversity training, but it would open the door for university boards of regents to approve such programs in certain circumstances.

House Bill 1942, written by Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, would permit regulated sports betting that is already legal in 29 states. House Bill 2843, by Rep. John Kuempel, R-Seguin, would permit casino gambling in Texas.

If state lawmakers agree, Texas voters will have the final say on whether the state will expand gambling and casinos this November.