New Texas law makes it easier to bring charges against teachers, librarians
Senate Bill 412, which takes effect Sept. 1, removes affirmative defense protections for teachers and librarians. They could be charged with crimes for providing children with material that is deemed inappropriate.
Houston-area Republican senator accused of posting ‘racist’ comment about Democrat who fled state
While referencing a Houston lawmaker who chairs the Texas House Democratic Caucus, state Sen. Mayes Middleton of Galveston wrote in a Monday social media post, "Is Gene Wu back in China?"
How Houston state Sen. Joan Huffman’s entry affects the Republican primary for Texas attorney general
Huffman entered the contest for the GOP nomination on Monday, joining a field that includes state Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston) and former U.S. Assistant Attorney General Aaron Reitz.
Houston state Rep. Dennis Paul announces bid for Texas Senate with backing from Dan Patrick
Paul is the first candidate out of the gate to succeed incumbent Mayes Middleton in an open seat running from Galveston to the outskirts of Houston.
Texas Senate considers whether college students without legal status in U.S. should receive financial aid
State Sen. Mayes Middleton, the Galveston Republican who authored Senate Bill 1798, says it would amend state law so that students without legal status -- including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients -- would also have to pay out-of-state tuition rates to attend universities or colleges in Texas.
Texas Senate advances bill requiring annual report on costs of undocumented immigration
The law proposed by state Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston) would exclude any information on potential benefits from economic activity generated by people without legal status in the United States, such as labor and consumer spending.
State Sen. Mayes Middleton of Galveston enters race for Texas attorney general
The oil and gas magnate has signaled he will spend millions of dollars of his personal fortune to secure the Republican nomination being vacated by incumbent Ken Paxton, who is challenging incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn for the GOP nomination.
Houston-area lawmaker’s bill banning junk food purchases with SNAP benefits passes Texas Senate
Critics worry that Senate Bill 379, authored by a Houston-area Republican, could hurt people living in areas with a lack of access to healthy food. If the bill becomes Texas law, the state would need to seek a federal exemption to implement it.
Republicans prepare fresh effort to ban local governments from using public funds for lobbying
State Senator Mayes Middleton has pushed for the ban regularly since entering the Texas Legislature. The fate of Middleton’s latest effort will likely depend on the next Speaker of the House.
Houston Public Media