Tag: texas

Free Speech Under Direct Attack in Texas: House Passes RINO Dade Phelan’s Orwellian Bill to CRIMINALIZE Political Memes Without a Government-Approved Disclaimer

The Republican-led Texas House has officially caved to the radical Left’s war on free speech—and shockingly, it’s being spearheaded by none other than the state’s own scandal-plagued former House Speaker Dade Phelan.

On Tuesday, House Bill 366 passed with bipartisan support, making it a potential crime in the state of Texas to share or distribute AI-generated and “altered media”—including political memes—without a government-approved disclaimer on political ads.

According to the bill:

“A person may not, with the intent to influence an election, knowingly cause to be published, distributed, or broadcast political advertising that includes an image, audio recording, or video recording of an officeholder’s or candidate’s appearance, speech, or conduct that did not occur in reality, including an image, audio recording, or video recording that has been altered using generative artificial intelligence technology, unless the political advertising includes a disclosure from the person or another person on whose behalf the political advertising is published, distributed, or broadcast indicating that the image, audio recording, or video recording did not occur in reality.”

Let that sink in: Texas Republicans — yes, Republicans — are now trying to police memes.

The bill makes it a Class A misdemeanor for candidates, officeholders, or political committees to knowingly distribute political ads that use manipulated images, audio, or video—especially if created with generative AI—without an explicit disclosure that the content did not occur in reality. The law applies to any group spending over $100 on such materials and seeks to curb misleading media that could influence elections.

Under the bill, the Texas Ethics Commission will define the specific formatting for these required disclosures. However, media platforms and service providers like internet hosts, broadcasters, and billboard owners are exempt from liability.

If signed into law, the legislation will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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Pro-gun Texas? The large print giveth and the small print taketh away

Actions speak louder than words. Put your money where your mouth is. I’ll believe it when I see it. A few common phrases that describe one idea: It doesn’t matter what you say if you don’t act accordingly — a concept that Texas state officials do not seem to understand.

Texas claims to be a bastion of liberty in the United States. Texas also claims to be unabashedly pro-gun — a state where people are free to exercise their right to keep and bear arms. But the state’s actions show those claims are just words.

In reality, Texas has several laws that prohibit individuals from carrying arms in certain locations. The most notable of these laws is a ban on carry in locations that derive 51% or more of their proceeds from the sale of alcohol. While some might immediately react that it seems like a good thing to keep guns out of bars, they miss the actual effect and application of the law.

First, the law applies to any and all businesses that derive 51% or more of their proceeds from the sale of alcohol — not just bars. This includes several other venues and restaurants within the state — places where people take their families and have a right to be able to protect them.

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Texas Lawmakers Take Up Another Bill To Block Voters From Locally Decriminalizing Marijuana

A Texas House committee took up a bill on Friday that would prohibit cities from putting citizen initiatives on local ballots to decriminalize marijuana or other controlled substances.

Just two days after a Senate version of the measure cleared that full chamber, the House State Affairs Committee held a hearing on the companion version from Rep. Jeff Leach (R), with proposed amendments to align both bills.

In the last few years, members, several local governments across the state of Texas have adopted policies and ordinances that are designed to decriminalize controlled substances or instruct law enforcement or prosecutors not to enforce our state’s drug laws,” Leach said, noting that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) has filed lawsuits against multiple municipalities where the local reform was enacted.

“Although these lawsuits are still pending, there’s a growing trend across our state for local governments to adopt these policies, and this bill is intended to address that,” he said.

Under the proposal as introduced, state law would be amended to say that local entities “may not hold an election for voter approval of a proposed charter or an amendment to a charter that violates” state drug laws.

They also could not “adopt, publish, enforce, repeal, maintain, or amend an ordinance, order, policy, rule, or regulation” that contravenes state statute on controlled substances.

Leach described amendments included in a substitute version of the bill that seem intended to match what the Senate passed on Wednesday.

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Texas Senate Passes Bill To Ban Cities From Putting Marijuana Decriminalization Initiatives On Local Ballots

The Texas Senate has approved a bill that would prohibit cities from putting any citizen initiative on local ballots that would decriminalize marijuana or other controlled substances—as several localities have already done despite lawsuits from the state attorney general.

The legislation from Sen. Charles Perry (R) is responsive to those local reforms, and it passed the chamber on Wednesday in a 23-8 vote. It now heads to the House of Representatives.

Under the proposal, state law would be amended to say that local entities “may not place an item on a ballot, including a municipal charter or charter amendment, that would provide that the local entity will not fully enforce” state drug laws.

The latest version of the legislation as amended in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee would also specifically bar localities from putting initiatives on the ballot that would contravene the state’s consumable hemp laws.

It would also require the attorney general to create a form for people to report violations of the law. And it’d expedite legal proceedings to challenge any city, mandating that an appellate court “render its final order or judgment with the least possible delay,” a legislative analysis says.

Cities found to be in violation of the law by placing a decriminalization initiative—or any measure that conflicts with state or federal drug laws—would be subject to a $25,000 civil fine for a first offense and a $50,000 fine for any subsequent offense.

“In the last few years several local governments have adopted policies and ordinances that are designed to decriminalize controlled substances or instruct law enforcement or prosecutors not to enforce our state drug laws,” Perry said in a statement of intent.

“In 2024, the attorney general launched lawsuits against multiple cities for adopting non-prosecution policies that violate Texas laws concerning marijuana possession and distribution,” he said. “Although these lawsuits are still pending, this is a growing trend across our state.”

It’s not clear why, if the attorney general’s lawsuits assert that local decriminalization laws are already prohibited under statute, the proposed amendments to the code are necessary. But the legislation does appear to escalate enforcement and penalties.

A House companion version of the bill, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Leach (R), is scheduled for a hearing in the State Affairs Committee on Friday.

The Senate vote comes about a week after a Texas appellate court sided with the state in its lawsuit challenging the city of San Marcus over the implementation of a local marijuana decriminalization law approved by voters.

That marked a setback for activists who’ve led the charge to enact local marijuana policy changes through the ballot, many of which have been contested by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R).

Meanwhile, despite the ongoing litigation and Senate bill’s advancement, Texas activists have their targets set on yet another city, Kyle, where they hope put an initiative before voters to enact local marijuana reform at the ballot this coming November.

Despite the state’s resistance and the latest development in San Marcos, advocates have seen several courts rule in their favor amid the legal challenges.

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Texas Lawmakers Take Up Bills To Expedite Access To Psychedelic Therapy

A Texas House committee took testimony on Monday about two bills designed to prepare the state to provide swift access to therapeutic psychedelics in the event of approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

One measure, HB 4014, would establish a state-backed study, in collaboration with university researchers, on the use of psychedelics to treat mental health disorders such as PTSD and depression. It would direct officials at the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to make subsequent recommendations “to ensure patient access to psychedelic therapies” following FDA approval.

The other bill, HB 4813, would dictate that substances reclassified under federal law be similarly controlled under state law.

Members of the House Committee on Public Health heard from sponsors and public commenters at Monday’s hearing but did not take action on either bill.

Supporters said the proposals would work together to minimize delays to military veterans and others who stand to benefit from the potentially life-saving therapy.

“This is going to happen. This is coming,” Rep. John Bucy III (D), sponsor of HB 4014, said of what many described as impending FDA approval of psychedelic therapy. “This is the study bill to make sure we’re ready when it comes to implement.”

Bucy’s measure would establish a state-backed study into the use of psychedelics to treat mental health disorders, such as PTSD and depression, in consultation with researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy.

The project would include an assessment of clinical trials and published literature into the efficacy of psychedelics—specifically MDMA, psilocybin and ketamine—as a treatment PTSD, depression and other mental health disorders.

Officials would also review FDA actions around the therapies, evaluate treatment guidelines and make recommendations to eventually ensure legal access for Texas patients.

In a subsequent report, due by December 1, 2026, DSHS would need to “recommend legislative or other actions necessary to ensure patient access to psychedelic therapies following approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration, including considerations of provider availability, affordability, accessibility, training and licensure, and other regulatory requirements.”

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WHAT? Austin Metcalf’s Father Denounces His Son’s Supporters

This is pretty crazy, but I’ll do my best to show you the full story and let you decide.

Because there are definitely two sides to this.

And perhaps you might come to the same conclusion that I am coming to which is: both sides might be wrong here.

But let me show you what I mean first….

I assume most of you by now know the story of Austin Metcalf who was (allegedly) stabbed in the heart by a black kid at a track meet for the crime of telling him he couldn’t sit where the track team is sitting.

He died on the scene in his twin brother’s arms.

Horrific story.

But what I want to talk about is the parents’ reaction to it.

First I want to go to this clip of Austin’s father speaking after Austin was stabbed in the heart and killed.

I will say this is a short clip and perhaps sounds different in longer context, I don’t know, but what I am hearing here is a father that is far more worried about not offending black people than he is over the fact that his son was just brutally stabbed in the heart and killed.

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Hemp Farmers Say Texas Bill To Rein In Intoxicating Cannabinoid Products Could Destroy State Industry

Andrew Hill, who studied and farmed hemp in California before it was legal in Texas, was a keynote speaker at the state’s first-ever agricultural hemp expo in Dallas in 2019. Amid considerable hype and excitement that followed the recent federal legalization of hemp, Hill tried to warn farmers that the industry wasn’t as profitable as state officials and seed vendors were pitching.

“There were guys running around telling farmers they could make $2,500 to $3,000 an acre on hemp. Being an actual farmer, not trying to sell seeds or clones, I couldn’t help but burst out laughing,” Hill said. “Everyone looked at me and asked what was so funny, and they gave me the mic and I said, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, I’ll tell you right now—I haven’t seen over $1,000 an acre since 2015.’”

Still, Texas lawmakers embraced the opportunity hemp presented in 2019, legalizing hemp products of the cannabis plant with less than 0.3 percent THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana. Hill’s Texas Star Hemp Farms was among those to make the investment necessary to profit from hemp, including owning almost all the means of production and sales and spending millions on seeds, licenses and facilities.

Six years after that initial rush, industrial hemp farming in Texas stands on the brink. Senate Bill 3, which would ban any consumable hemp products that contain even trace amounts of THC, could destroy what farmers like Hill have built.

“Now, considering things like hemp hearts, hemp seed oils, salad dressings and those health products that don’t have any cannabinoids in them to get you high, [they] will still be illegal under this law,” Hill said.

Hill is one of about 450 licensed hemp producers in the Texas Industrial Hemp Program at risk of losing a chunk of their livelihoods as Texas lawmakers have prioritized banning tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, products. Farmers say there is no way they can produce hemp without traces of THC, even for non-consumable products like clothing and paper, meaning SB 3 could deliver a death blow to the industry.

The GOP-controlled Legislature authorized the sale of consumable hemp a year after it was legalized nationwide to boost Texas agriculture by allowing the commercialization of hemp containing trace amounts of delta-9 THC.

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‘Free Melo’: Karmelo Anthony’s friends, family sell merch in support of Austin Metcalf’s admitted killer

Friends and relatives of 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, the Texas high school student accused of fatally stabbing another teen, are promoting t-shirts with his face on them with slogans like “FreeMelo” and “#Justice4KarmeloAnthony.” When he was taken into custody after the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at a Frisco High School track meet, Anthony admitted that he was the killer.

A website selling the shirts describes Anthony as “just a small town kid, raised in a loving two parent household,” and goes on to paint a portrait of him as a model youth.

“Karmelo, A 4.0 student. A football team captain. A leader, a protector, a role model. Karmelo Anthony is the kind of young man every parent hopes to raise. He speaks with respect. He takes care of his younger siblings and little cousins. He works hard, stays out of trouble, and carries himself with dignity,” the website states.

Anthony was arrested earlier this month after authorities said he stabbed fellow student Austin Metcalf during a confrontation at a high school track meet. According to police, the dispute began when Metcalf told Anthony he was sitting under the wrong team’s tent and asked him to leave. A witness claimed Anthony replied, “Touch me and see what happens,” before the altercation turned physical. Metcalf was fatally stabbed and died in the arms of his twin brother.

Anthony has been under house arrest in a $900,000 rental home located in a gated community, having been released on a $250,000 bond that was reduced from $1 million. The Daily Mail reported that the family also recently acquired a new vehicle. In court, Anthony’s father said they intended to use the crowdsourced legal funds to move house amid “racist threats.”

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Karmelo Anthony living with family in $900K home in gated community, bought new car after release on bond in Austin Metcalf murder case: report

The Texas teen accused of fatally stabbing a high school football star at a track meet allegedly lives in a $900,000 home with his family inside a luxurious gated community — despite requesting that a judge lower his $1 million bond because of financial difficulties, according to a report.

Karmelo Anthony, 17, is holed up with his family at the pricey home inside the gated community of Richwoods in Frisco, Texas, after he was released from jail Monday on a reduced $250,000 bond for allegedly killing Austin Metcalf earlier this month, the Daily Mail reported.

The home — where rent is estimated to be $3,500 a month — had a white Suburban, a black Acura, and a third sedan in the driveway on Tuesday, according to the outlet.

A neighbor said the family had just bought a new ride.

“He got a new car,” the resident told the outlet. “If you look at the license plate, it’s got a paper tag and it says it expires June 4.”

Richwoods is about a mile from Centennial High School, where Anthony went to school and ran track.

Residents in the gated community were allegedly unaware the family was living at the home until Anthony was released Monday, and have voiced concerns about having the accused killer in their exclusive neighborhood.

“Not good. Not good. I don’t think he should be out,” an anonymous mother in the neighborhood told the Daily Mail.

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Congressman sues gov’t over post-J6 Capitol Police actions

A congressman from Texas is suing the federal government for $2.5 million over the “unlawful harassment” he faced following the Jan. 6, 2021, protests and riots at the Capitol.

Rep Troy Nehls, R-Texas, charges that a Capitol police officer forced his way into Nehls’ congressional office without consent, then photographed materials in the room, including a whiteboard with a discussion of proposed firearms legislation.

Then the authorities followed up with an investigation by other officers.

Significant is the claim that the police violated the Speech and Debate Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which provides vast protections for members of Congress doing their duties.

The first count charges “intrusion on privacy,” for the entry of the officer into the congressman’s private office and taking pictures.

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