Hannah Norton

4 weeks ago | communityimpact.com | Chloe Young |Hannah Norton

State lawmakers have advanced legislation that would prohibit all public and charter school students from using their cellphones on campus next school year. On May 25, the Texas Senate passed House Bill 1481 and sent the legislation to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for final approval May 28. The proposal, which was passed by the Texas House in April, would mandate that districts adopt policies banning the use of personal communication devices during the school day.

4 weeks ago | communityimpact.com | Chloe Young |Hannah Norton

State lawmakers have approved legislation that would prohibit all public and charter school students from using their cellphones on campus next school year. The Texas Senate unanimously passed House Bill 1481 on May 25, and the legislation was sent to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for final approval May 28. The proposal, which was passed by the Texas House in April, would mandate that districts adopt policies banning the use of personal communication devices during the school day.

1 month ago | communityimpact.com | Hannah Norton

Texas House lawmakers gave final approval to an $8.5 billion funding boost for the state’s nearly 9,000 public schools, sending the legislation to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk on May 29. The governor has said he will sign the bill into law. House Bill 2 will provide permanent raises for educators and support staff; invest in early learning initiatives; and set aside money for schools to spend on fixed costs, such as utilities and insurance.

1 month ago | communityimpact.com | Hannah Norton

During the final days of the 140-day regular legislative session, two proposals to amend the state Constitution and require judges to deny bail for certain felony offenses died in the Texas House. The overviewSenate Joint Resolution 1, which House lawmakers rejected May 28, proposed amending the state constitution to automatically deny bail to unauthorized immigrants charged with certain felonies. A final House vote on SJR 1 was repeatedly postponed as bill sponsor Rep.

1 month ago | communityimpact.com | Hannah Norton

Updated 1:30 p.m. May 30Texas lawmakers will meet behind closed doors to finalize the details of House Bill 46, which seeks to expand prescription access to medical cannabis through the state’s Compassionate Use Program. "There were some changes I don't agree with," bill author Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian, said May 30 of Senate amendments to the proposal.