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Texas lawmakers are at the center of major legislative battles as HB 6 passes in the House, which would expand school suspension authority to address classroom disruptions. At the same time, Senator Mayes Middleton has entered the race for Attorney General, adding further competition in the state’s political landscape.
Today’s Insights:
- House Passes HB 6 to Address Classroom Disruptions
- Middleton Announces Bid For Attorney General
House Passes HB 6 to Address Classroom Disruptions
HB 6, seeks to expand the authority of schools to suspend students for classroom disruptions. If this bill get signed into law, it would allow schools to issue out-of-school suspensions to students who engage in repeated disruptions or pose a threat to the health and safety of others. This would apply to students from pre-kindergarten through high school, reversing previous laws that restricted suspensions for younger students and homeless students unless they committed serious measures such as violence or drug-related actions. The bill, authored by Representative Jeff Leach, aims to address increasing concerns about classroom management and the teacher shortage in Texas. Many teachers and administrators have cited classroom disruptions as a significant challenge, with incidents of violence and misconduct becoming more frequent since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The bill passed in the house on Tuesday evening, receiving a vote of 121-21. Supporters of the bill argued that it would provide schools with the flexibility needed to manage escalating disruptions and foster a safer, more focused learning environment. However, concerns were raised about the bill’s vague definition of “repeated or significant disruptions,” which critics argued could lead to inconsistent disciplinary practices and potentially exacerbate disparities in how students, particularly students of color, are treated.
“To our educators, our teachers, our principals, our counselors, our coaches, our nurses - we know how much you love and care for our kids, and we have heard you. This is the teacher's bill of rights, and this is for you.
- Representative Jeff Leach
Middleton Announces Bid For Attorney General
Senator Mayes Middleton has announced he will run for Texas Attorney General. Middleton, 43, is the second Republican candidate to enter the race, following former U.S. Attorney John Bash, who declared his candidacy the previous week. The upcoming election marks the first open race for Attorney General since Paxton’s election in 2014. Middleton holds a law degree from the University of Texas and operates his own business, Middleton Oil Co. Senator Middleton has already committed to spending at least $10 million on his campaign, potentially more as the race unfolds.
Middleton’s political career began in 2018 when he was elected to the Texas House with significant funds, including nearly $2 million of his own money. He successfully unseated incumbent Republican Wayne Faircloth in a primary, and after two terms in the House, he won an open Senate seat for a district southeast of Houston. Middleton’s decision to run for attorney general would open his Senate seat, which is also on the ballot in 2026. However, he does not have to resign to run for statewide office.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
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#41 - Eric Davis: The Future of Legislative Intelligence
Welcome to Episode #41 of Bills & Business. In this episode, Laura Carr, Co-Founder of USLege, sits down with Eric Davis, Co-Founder and CEO of USLege, for a behind-the-scenes look at how the company went from an idea in an Austin apartment to a fast-growing leader in legislative intelligence.
Eric shares the real story of building USLege from the ground up: the early bootstrapping days, customer research that validated the vision, and the turning points that led to securing investors like Reformation Ventures and Avalanche Ventures. Together, Laura and Eric discuss what it takes to build a Texas tech startup that is transforming how policy professionals work, communicate, and make impact.
They also dive into the next chapter for USLege, from AI-driven workflows to the future of legislative data and the evolving relationship between technology and government.
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#40 - Amy Whited: Bridging Science and Policy with Genmab
Welcome to Episode #40 of Bills & Business. In this episode, Laura Carr, Co-Founder of USLege, sits down with Amy Whited, Regional Director of Government Affairs at Genmab, a global biotechnology company pioneering antibody-based therapeutics to fight cancer.
Amy’s story spans more than two decades in politics and advocacy, from campaign war rooms to the forefront of biotech innovation. She shares her journey from political strategist to corporate advocate, offering a unique lens into how science, policy, and patient outcomes intersect.
Together, Laura and Amy discuss how Genmab is advancing research in gynecologic cancers, addressing disparities in women’s health, and influencing public policy both in Texas and across the Western states. The conversation also explores the business side of health innovation. How advocacy can drive economic impact while shaping more humane and effective treatments.
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TXBIZNEWS
Walmart has announced plans to eliminate synthetic dyes and over 30 other ingredients from its U.S. private brand food products such as Great Value, Marketside, Freshness Guaranteed, and Bettergoods, with a target completion date of January 2027, as outlined in a recent corporate statement.
The Details:
- The initiative removes 11 synthetic dyes, such as Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5, along with preservatives and artificial sweeteners, responding to customer demand for simpler ingredients while maintaining taste and value.
- The move affects all Walmart U.S. food private brands, supporting a more transparent food system and aligning with evolving health-conscious trends.
- Walmart President and CEO John Furner said, “Our customers want products with familiar ingredients, and we’re delivering on that promise.”
- The transition will leverage natural alternatives, with the company collaborating with suppliers to meet the 2027 deadline.
“Our customers have told us that they want products made with simpler, more familiar ingredients - and we’ve listened. By eliminating synthetic dyes and other ingredients, we’re reinforcing our promise to deliver affordable food that families can feel good about.”
- John Furner, President and CEO, Walmart U.S.
Why It Matters:
This shift could set a new standard for the U.S. food industry, boosting consumer trust and influencing market trends.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
