Texas Political Spotlight

Tract to Build Massive Data Center Near Lockhart, Adding to Texas’ Tech Expansion

A Colorado-based data center developer, Tract, has announced plans to build a large-scale data center campus on 1,515 acres near Lockhart in Caldwell County, Texas, just the latest in a series of major tech infrastructure investments across the state. The proposed "megasite," located approximately six miles from the region’s famed barbecue corridor, is expected to support more than 2 gigawatts of data capacity, primarily serving cloud storage, AI training, and inferencing functions. Tract emphasized Texas' business-friendly climate and available skilled workforce as key reasons for selecting the site, which is anticipated to create thousands of construction and operations jobs.

The project has received support from Governor Greg Abbott, who highlighted its potential to create high-wage employment, strengthen the state’s power grid, and enhance technological infrastructure. Texas continues to position itself as a national hub for data and AI development

Fentanyl Child Endangerment Bill Heads to Abbott

A bill aimed at strengthening legal protections for children and vulnerable individuals in Texas by classifying exposure to fentanyl as a felony is set to become law. Known as the Fentanyl Child Endangerment Act, HB 166 by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione targets individuals who allow children, the elderly, or people with disabilities to be exposed to fentanyl outside of medical settings. It passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, 140-1 in the Texas House and 30-1 in the Senate.

The legislation comes in response to a sharp rise in fentanyl-related fatalities across Texas. In 2023, more than 2,300 deaths were attributed to fentanyl, making up nearly half of all accidental drug poisonings in the state, according to the Department of State Health Services. The impact spans multiple age groups, including 411 deaths among individuals aged 15-24 and more than 1,200 combined in those aged 25-44. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Hancock, emphasized its role in equipping local law enforcement with tools to address what he described as a growing public health threat. If signed by Governor Greg Abbott, the law will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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