Texas Political Spotlight: Texas GOP Divided on THC Ban Plans
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Miller urges GOP unity on the issue and supports expanding medical marijuana access while opposing recreational use.
Today’s Insights:
- Texas GOP Divided on THC Ban Plans
- Lawmakers Eye Social Media Restrictions for Minors
- Texas Grid Ready for Winter, but Cold Risks Remain
Texas GOP Divided on THC Ban Plans
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller disagrees with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on the future of THC in the state. Patrick recently announced a bill to ban all consumable THC but clarified it would not impact the Compassionate Use Program for medical cannabis. Miller, however, believes the GOP should unify on this issue and reflect the will of Texans, citing a Texas Lyceum Poll where 60% supported marijuana legalization. Although Miller opposes recreational marijuana use, he advocates for expanding medical marijuana access to all Texans with legitimate needs. He states:
“It’s about freedom. It's about less regulation. It's about less government. It's about freedom between you and your doctor and getting government out of your life.”
"So, I think it's a conservative issue."
Lawmakers Eye Social Media Restrictions for Minors
Texas lawmakers are considering measures to protect children from online dangers, including a proposed ban on minors creating social media accounts, outlined in House Bill 186 filed by Rep. Jared Patterson. Educators and law enforcement officials have raised concerns about cyberbullying, online grooming, and exposure to harmful content, much of which originates from students’ widespread access to smartphones, including on school campuses. Schools report difficulties in addressing these issues due to limited resources and students’ ability to bypass campus internet restrictions.
During legislative hearings, testimony highlighted the impacts of social media on minors, including cases of mental health struggles, exploitation, and grooming facilitated by online platforms. Proposed solutions include funding internet crimes units, deploying artificial intelligence to detect explicit content, and strengthening legal requirements for technology companies to monitor and remove harmful material. Law enforcement agencies report being inundated with thousands of monthly tips about online child exploitation but face challenges due to staffing shortages.
Supporters of House Bill 186 and other proposed initiatives point to studies showing nearly all teens and many younger children regularly use social media, often without adequate safeguards. The upcoming legislative session will prioritize addressing these risks while navigating challenges around enforcement and the role of technology companies.
Texas Grid Ready for Winter, but Cold Risks Remain
Texas’ main power grid is better prepared for extreme cold this winter, thanks to new power generation and weatherization improvements made since the devastating 2021 Winter Storm Uri. ERCOT officials highlighted the addition of over 10,000 megawatts of capacity, including 5,155 megawatts of solar power, 3,693 megawatts of storage, 724 megawatts of natural gas, and 616 megawatts of wind. These upgrades have reduced the risk of grid emergencies during peak demand from 11.6% last winter to 8.7% this year. ERCOT meteorologist Chris Coleman forecasts a warmer-than-average winter overall but warned of a higher likelihood of extreme cold events, with current atmospheric patterns resembling those seen during Uri.
Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the state’s readiness this past week, pointing to legislative measures and ERCOT’s 2,892 inspections of facilities to enforce new weatherization standards. Despite the improvements, ERCOT acknowledged ongoing challenges, such as increased winter electricity demand, which reached a record-breaking 78,349 megawatts in January 2023. Additionally, renewable sources like solar and wind generate less power during cold months, making consistent supply a concern. Officials noted that while conditions are better than in 2021, another extreme storm would still test the grid’s resilience.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
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TXBIZNEWS
New Report: 60% of Small Businesses Use AI, Eye Cryptocurrency
On August 18, 2025, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce published the fourth edition of Empowering Small Business: The Impact of Technology on U.S. Small Business found that nearly 60% of small businesses use AI.
The Details:
- The report shows 58% of small businesses use generative AI, up from 40% in 2024 and double 2023’s rate, with 96% planning to adopt emerging technologies like AI and cryptocurrencies.
- 77% of AI-using businesses say limits on the technology would hurt growth and operations, while 82% reported workforce increases last year.
- Jordan Crenshaw, Senior Vice President of the Chamber’s Technology Engagement Center, said, “A fragmented regulatory landscape will significantly hinder their ability to compete… policymakers need a single national framework.”
- Hrag Kalebjian of Henry’s House of Coffee noted, “AI has been a game-changer… streamlining tasks like product descriptions and marketing emails.”
- The study also found 70% of small business owners are interested in cryptocurrency and stablecoins.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back, friends
The Texas House approved SB 12, a bill that would expand Attorney General Ken Paxton’s authority to prosecute election crimes. In other news, the San Antonio City Council narrowly backed a $489 million city commitment toward a new $1.3 billion Spurs development, including a new arena, despite calls for more independent analysis, framing the project as the centerpiece of a downtown sports and entertainment district. Lastly, former U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores announced she will run again in Texas’ 34th Congressional District under newly redrawn maps, setting up a 2026 rematch with Rep. Vicente Gonzalez in one of the state’s most competitive seats.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back, friends
Texas politics is in flux as Rep. Lloyd Doggett, the state’s longest-serving congressman, says he won’t seek reelection under a new GOP-drawn map. At the same time, lawmakers are rushing to respond to the deadly Hill Country floods with hundreds of millions in aid and private donations. And in the GOP, the race for attorney general is shaping up into a high-stakes fight between allies of Ken Paxton and Ted Cruz.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
