Texas Political Spotlight

SB 14, “Texas DOGE,” Heads to Abbott’s Desk

Texas is poised to establish a new state agency dedicated to regulatory reform following the passage of SB 14 by both chambers of the Legislature. The proposed Texas Regulatory Office would be tasked with reviewing and streamlining state regulations, eliminating rules deemed unnecessary, and promoting administrative efficiency. The legislation, authored by Senator Phil King and supported by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, drew inspiration from a federal initiative known as the Department of Government Efficiency. The bill passed the Senate with a 26-5 vote and cleared the House with a 97-51 margin. It now awaits action from Governor Greg Abbott.

The bill would also establish an advisory panel composed of regulated business owners, academic researchers, state agencies, and members of the public to collaborate with the governor on identifying areas for regulatory reform. On top of that, he bill would create an accessible online portal allowing the public to easily search and review state regulations.

Texas Senate Advances Immigration Cost Study Bill to Final Reading

The Texas Senate has advanced SB 825, which would mandate the Office of the Governor to submit an annual report to the Legislature detailing the economic costs of undocumented immigration. The bill, authored by Senator Mayes Middleton, focuses on expenses related to law enforcement, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. During debate, Middleton argued that Texas faces unique challenges as a border state and emphasized the lack of a current statewide study examining those costs. However, a 2006 report by the Texas Comptroller’s Office under then-Republican Carole Keeton Strayhorn did include both costs and economic contributions, estimating a net positive impact of $424 million from undocumented immigrants.

Several Democratic senators, including Roland Gutierrez and Juan Hinojosa, urged a more comprehensive approach. They argued that a study excluding potential benefits, such as labor in key industries and consumer spending, would provide an incomplete picture for policymakers. Senator Sarah Eckhardt proposed an amendment requiring the use of the same methodology as the 2006 report, but it was defeated on a party-line vote. The bill passed its second reading and now awaits a final Senate vote before heading to the House for consideration.

Texas Lottery Director Resigns Amid Courier Controversy

Ryan Mindell, executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission, has resigned effective immediately, the agency announced Monday. Mindell, who assumed the role in 2024 following the departure of longtime director Gary Grief, stepped down amid escalating scrutiny from state lawmakers. His resignation follows months of controversy surrounding the agency’s handling of third-party lottery ticket courier services and a 2023 incident in which a $95 million jackpot was won by a group that reportedly purchased nearly every possible ticket combination. Both the Texas Rangers and the Office of the Attorney General have launched investigations into the integrity of these practices, while the Lottery Commission itself has initiated an internal probe.

The controversy has also prompted significant legislative action. SB 28, which would criminalize the use of courier services to purchase lottery tickets in Texas, passed the Senate unanimously in February and awaits consideration in the House. The commission is simultaneously under review by the Sunset Advisory Commission, which previously criticized former director Grief for enabling courier operations without clear statutory authority. Texas Lottery Commission CFO Sergio Ray has assumed interim leadership, with their executive board scheduled to meet on April 29 to determine the process for selecting the next executive director.

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