[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6307058,"mediaKeyId","2435468-5e2e2a2518219c54a02f3f823fd3c365","parentId",2435468,"title","Committee hears bill to cut public funding from libraries that host Drag Queen Story Hour","audioSeconds",96,"startMs",1921420,"endMs",2017720,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2435468-5e2e2a2518219c54a02f3f823fd3c365&start=1921&end=2017","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2435468-5e2e2a2518219c54a02f3f823fd3c365/thumbnail_1921420.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6307058/Texas/Committee-hears-bill-to-cut-public-funding-from-libraries-that-host-Drag-Queen-Story-Hour","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307058-42d86c4bb4ebd538f37775c7075eb10b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775486579&Signature=U8Lp0kmxXFtIxPLzPaSwjpX6q1K9kJyoyHvRi7A-RnD0hMbLdGVF7oEIJLxy7fN8MdNu7ln45k9nC2g62megfpMXaVHr2y1XH5ykKjcOEcHNezLa7PscGEif4UE0gIEXWqt1eBzrH3O7fJWG3IYrgA3qfLxSvB7QD0S7NhV0ukrUYBA7-LAqnZpbLhacCv0zDFaUnbX9XCTDk~udY~N74CF6GIyBLxoPczh4CA1rJ6SSD7TVWoMTgF8c39KE--jTvA0UghbgJf4sZDY~mKzKfFRqjiD6E2bFirjtaOH~3T32q1Y-YDlyVBLFcqtBhFtP2FvNuOjTOev9vJewnzSy3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Texas State Legislature","date","2025-02-27T00:00:00Z","article","Senator Hughes, the bill’s sponsor, told the Senate Committee on State Affairs that Senate Bill 18 targets Drag Queen Story Hour events held at municipal libraries and would withdraw public funding from libraries that host such events if cross‑dressing is a primary component of the entertainment for minors. Hughes described the program as having \"explosive growth\" and said founding materials state the program aims to \"capture the imagination and play of gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models.\" He said some events are aimed at children ages 3 to 11 and cited instances where libraries hosted events without doing background checks after complaints.

Senator Bettencourt told the committee that last session’s related legislation (Senate Bill 12) passed the Senate on a bipartisan basis and is on appeal in federal court; Hughes described SB 18 as narrower and \"very surgical\" compared with prior measures. Committee members asked clarifying questions about the statutory language and the bill’s reach; Hughes said the bill does not use the specific phrase \"drag queen\" in statute but would capture the activity described in the sponsorship materials.

The committee deferred public testimony until after a recess to accommodate other Senate business; when the committee reconvened it planned to hear witnesses both for and against the bill. Public testimony was not completed in the transcript excerpt and the bill was left pending in committee.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Committee on State Affairs (Part I) February 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 18 would withhold public funds from municipal libraries that host events where a person presenting as another gender reads to minors and where cross‑dressing is a primary component of the program. Sponsor said the bill is aimed at protecting children; public testimony was scheduled after recess and the bill was left pending.","taxTitle","Senate, Legislative, Texas","taxId",16215,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6307063,"Committee reviews bill to clarify attorney general’s authority to defend local prosecutors in federal court",250,1513670,1764120,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2435468-5e2e2a2518219c54a02f3f823fd3c365&start=1513&end=1764","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2435468-5e2e2a2518219c54a02f3f823fd3c365/thumbnail_1513670.jpg","/articles/6307063/Texas/Committee-reviews-bill-to-clarify-attorney-generals-authority-to-defend-local-prosecutors-in-federal-court","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307063-5475193c7770abc8ffd123a33270e505/orig.mp4?Expires=1775486579&Signature=ZQZ-lGqWpdPMKy~A6azMyuELMjgYvK4YkvVQnYZhePAZ-NdH2mzEXR2FLr7N3~5E9i06QK6upfdQqE6fxn0onINd6ZL1W1~cJaxfB1P34EhNpAj-YmeUuSx6cD57UVIolQfFf1ebgR92Vo2NZS5u5WtpEx3gQhUIkQvNkjRcc-mZPWpL5Uu7Hh~cfp8Lb79wRiuQXHiNAY1BiqGPqwQTK7b-kQf~epm-QSlBL5W0ZNVGj~mXC7rCB8RkcaW6xbjdbRCfaRhpJlGflyEKuUIAzd51l4C-GNFL6VFA0rx5nkQZcQDCdzC9OyVrh335KjdXHJMa6Zn499Ifm2WJooPa5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Bettencourt described Senate Bill 888 as clarifying that the Texas attorney general may defend a district or county attorney in federal court when the cause of action relates to enforcement of a state statute and the local prosecutor requests assistance. Bettencourt said current law gives the attorney general authority to defend district attorneys in some instances but does not explicitly authorize defense when enforcement of a state statute is at issue and is silent about county attorneys.

Tom Glass of Texas Constitutional Enforcement testified in favor, saying the bill provides needed protection for local prosecutors, particularly in smaller or border counties, and helps prevent legal actions that could \"bust the budget\" of local offices. Glass also recommended expanding protections to peace officers in future legislation.

The committee had a resource witness from the attorney general's office available; no additional public witnesses registered against the measure. The chair closed public testimony and left the bill pending in committee for further consideration.","Senate Bill 888 would explicitly allow the Texas attorney general to defend a district or county attorney in federal court when the action relates to enforcement of a state statute and the local prosecutor requests assistance. Supporters said the change fills statutory gaps; the bill was left pending in committee.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6307068,"Committee hears bill giving Texas Legislature authority to bar enforcement of federal directives",309,940570,1249700,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2435468-5e2e2a2518219c54a02f3f823fd3c365&start=940&end=1249","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2435468-5e2e2a2518219c54a02f3f823fd3c365/thumbnail_940570.jpg","/articles/6307068/Texas/Committee-hears-bill-giving-Texas-Legislature-authority-to-bar-enforcement-of-federal-directives","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307068-b3b40b620fb618ac4671ff3ab5e75c1b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775486579&Signature=WG9jFY04LHzalBIudaVPRsq4rskDTmlGS-RlzU~ml5p3NPNCKjkpyfZDkCwfNDHIkrr8GyDPzxp6uTBehSYxpEUjJcT1DPaxcENfHvORjlrLlDn3cmRFp5pC~~DfJcl2wp91uNrNWm-Nsw~QTUpMDm~IcURdhmQDmm3uXthd7hUySMCUHfoTw555mU887bYXbYAHCnrtqanlYGOcsw4vFmQqUQTS~OKdwjIqNMNkGYiCvuARTZkLvE~xGELZSKLyue-VEUAGNZFRtUV7XiazVyoeNsnjx4njm96xfqElHTDQZEpcPopp3rbaaxT-HcCRALdsLb1u~v5qpXfsjtWiGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Middleton laid out Senate Bill 707 on behalf of Senator King, saying the bill would give the Texas Legislature the authority to challenge federal directives and to prohibit state employees and officers from enforcing mandates the Legislature deems unconstitutional. Middleton framed the measure as a federalism protection tied to the Tenth Amendment and cited recent federal regulatory activity as imposing economic costs on Americans.

Russell Withers, general counsel and director of policy for the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute, told the committee that the bill provides a legislative vehicle to assert state responsibility for federalism. Withers cited Federalist No. 45 and said the proposal includes a \"two‑thirds majority\" requirement to elevate consensus.

Tom Glass of Texas Constitutional Enforcement testified he liked the concept but opposed the two‑thirds threshold, saying a simple majority would be a more effective tool. Glass also noted that the legislature already can express opinions about federal constitutionality and suggested alternative approaches under development.

Committee members asked questions but did not take a vote; public testimony was opened and closed and the bill was left pending. The transcript record shows proponents framed the measure as a structural federalism enforcement tool and opponents or skeptics raised procedural concerns about the supermajority requirement and redundancy with other legislative actions.","Senate Bill 707 would allow the Texas Legislature to challenge federal directives and prohibit state employees from enforcing directives the legislature deems unconstitutional; proponents described it as a state‑sovereignty tool and said it requires a two‑thirds legislative vote; testimony was mixed and the bill was left pending.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6307073,"Committee hears bill to raise minimum age for nitrous oxide sales to 21",127,186340,313470,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2435468-5e2e2a2518219c54a02f3f823fd3c365&start=186&end=313","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2435468-5e2e2a2518219c54a02f3f823fd3c365/thumbnail_186340.jpg","/articles/6307073/Texas/Committee-hears-bill-to-raise-minimum-age-for-nitrous-oxide-sales-to-21","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307073-ff34c99513532c4446e90eedb2b56ec9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775486579&Signature=JebqRa6pg7VoLdqHeP37pjmfCIAmvPtUI8PioCUI4a5-v2vkMdWDw7nr2jHNnTp6tmuzwkMlQKl1Cyg0zKiU8MbpEzexPYc9qUaIVPeSc5WzMEBvdLO8kj78apYi-SmcEtSsKVV0wO6vkWOkdqdMDNswiO5Wf2nKDAWfjLTO2ExYuzbmXFwK4DzyCT61pTdgM8itLoa7ZGVnK2E1ZQePMiw8yRdOsEqq5utcMPFh3lMwSBMZpbWyWSbxTeurDLky1XSod94mdnXvQMDQXsWJMMo26VGTMBDAwDCN5-J2BA~ZPCSugxKb59JLR-FPSj4Apqh4asFFZeCJuWGp2DIzBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Hughes, sponsor of Senate Bill 666, said the measure responds to growing youth misuse of nitrous oxide canisters sold for culinary and commercial uses. \"They're labeled for commercial use in kitchens to make whipped cream. But, their flavors...are clearly tailored to appeal to children who inhale the nitrous oxide,\" Hughes said, arguing the product's marketing and ease of purchase make it accessible to minors.

Dr. Marjane Lanell, a pediatrician who testified for the Texas Medical Association and the Texas Pediatric Society, told the committee that nitrous oxide is used medically at controlled concentrations and under supervision but that unregulated inhalation by minors can cause permanent neurologic injury. She said nitrous oxide can \"permanently damage, and affect B‑12, which is really important for neurologic function,\" and described both short‑term risks (passing out/asphyxiation) and longer‑term risks including spinal cord injury and psychosis.

Under the bill as explained, sellers would be required to verify the buyer is 21 or older; the measure also would prohibit delivery to anyone under 18 to prevent proxy purchases and would provide an affirmative defense for legitimate commercial uses. Hughes said the bill is \"about protecting children. Adults can do whatever they wanna do, but this is about protecting children.\" The committee accepted invited and public testimony and had no additional public witnesses; the bill was left pending.

Committee members asked clinicians about the drug’s neurologic effects and monitoring protocols; Dr. Lanell said medical administration uses concentrations typically \"between 30 to 70 percent\" and involves monitoring such as pulse oximetry and post‑procedure oxygen support. She also warned of social‑media trends encouraging minors to inhale nitrous oxide.

Public testimony included support from medical professional groups; no recorded vote was taken and the bill remains pending.","Senate Committee on State Affairs took testimony on Senate Bill 666, which would prohibit retail sales of nitrous oxide to anyone under 21, bar delivery to purchasers under 18, and create an affirmative defense for legitimate commercial use. Pediatricians and public‑health advocates testified in support; the bill was left pending.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6307077,"Senate committee hears bill to move Texas electors’ meeting from Monday to Tuesday",36,95899,132565,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2435468-5e2e2a2518219c54a02f3f823fd3c365&start=95&end=132","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2435468-5e2e2a2518219c54a02f3f823fd3c365/thumbnail_95899.jpg","/articles/6307077/Texas/Senate-committee-hears-bill-to-move-Texas-electors-meeting-from-Monday-to-Tuesday","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307077-0fa9a7bad98218266597e95d7e98e632/orig.mp4?Expires=1775486579&Signature=ngNpvKZ6-siB0eEX0Ry4oL07Ask5rTzm3qx6DRgK5M9UbJ04E639P49gUFrCV0UAtbc8HYXsF-GfW-fVDbV43Ht2NbzmU4HCNjV02xDxy-i2Eb6FhjqyZEspNuzaX3wLNwRy2obnkO~4PAZN-qCk2qCqm4AIdoFSgxVI~YmEa27Llv3pFoHQFZJUT0GafOhOIdwP~AY1-HkkkuSTbmfIqoX2ulBrqYfAiU8Qj~3QdTFpgXM6V21ZKs09iAekaBa7Lz3C42H4EFqk9d8Q1ynuHUTNfRaQzvLJy4hghW7ZbsL8RjaUktaiV3Avsb7AwdmV0Y7fERDBwVWF22ELJQ0rsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Hughes, author of Senate Bill 688, told the Senate Committee on State Affairs that the federal Electoral Count Reform Act of February 2022 moved the presidential electors’ meeting date to the first Tuesday after the second Wednesday in December and that Texas law must be updated to match the federal change. \"The Texas election code was in compliance with federal law before federal law changed. And so, Senate Bill 688 fixes this by moving our electors moving meeting day from Monday to Tuesday,\" Hughes said.

The measure makes no substantive change in who serves as elector, Hughes said: \"No substantive change. It'll still be our electors we choose speaking for the people of Texas and I yield.\" The bill’s stated purpose is a technical alignment of state statute with federal law to avoid conflict in counting electoral votes.

The committee did not take a vote. A resource witness from the Secretary of State was noted as available and no public witnesses registered to testify; the chair closed public testimony and the bill was left pending in committee.

Background: The testimony cited the federal Electoral Count Reform Act (2022) as the reason for the statutory adjustment and referenced the Texas Election Code’s prior compliance with the then‑existing federal schedule.

The committee will consider further action at a later date when members are available to vote.","Senate Committee on State Affairs heard testimony on Senate Bill 688, which would change the statutory meeting day for Texas’ presidential electors from Monday to Tuesday to align state law with the federal Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022. Committee left the bill pending.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee hears bill to cut public funding from libraries that host Drag Queen Story Hour

Committee reviews bill to clarify attorney general’s authority to defend local prosecutors in federal court

Committee hears bill giving Texas Legislature authority to bar enforcement of federal directives

Committee hears bill to raise minimum age for nitrous oxide sales to 21

Senate committee hears bill to move Texas electors’ meeting from Monday to Tuesday