Texas Political Spotlight

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.

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.

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