Daily Rundown - April 1, 2026

Howdy folks, today is Wednesday, April 1st, and you're listening to the Texans daily

rundown.

I'm the Texans managing editor Rob Lauches, and here is the rundown of today's news

in Texas politics.

First up, both chambers of the Texas legislature released interim charges last week.

Their leadership designated focuses for the following months leading up to the 90th legislative

session with many similarities and some contrasting priorities.

The Texas House of Representatives placed a particular emphasis on oversight of past legislation

and state agencies, while the Texas Senate leaned more toward progressing a specific political

agenda while addressing major lifestyle issues for Texans.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick released the second round of Senate interim charges

the same day that House Speaker Dustin Burrows first announced those for the lower chamber,

the latter using 53 pages to appoint specific duties to various committees, and Patrick

covering his second list within 19 pages, although he shared that there may be more forthcoming.

Upon introducing the Senate's interim charges, Patrick shed light on his focus when he stated

in a press release, quote,

the Senate and I will work energetically to advance the priorities of Texas conservative

majority.

Burrows commented when sharing his charges, quote,

following a legislative session defined by historic solutions,

it is critical the Texas House remains engaged in thoughtful policy making and oversight

as our state continues to grow and advance.

In other news, a Harris County civil court judge has drawn national media attention over

costate comments and alleged threats, but it is unclear as to whether he faces official

disciplinary action for his behavior.

A media frenzy erupted in recent days after a video of Judge Nathan Miller on of Harris

County's 215th Civil District Court, castigating an IT worker was posted on social media.

The post led to other accounts sharing video of Miller on dressing down attorneys in his

courtroom, including one where he lambasts and sanctions an attorney for a repeated failure

to appear at hearings.

Harris County Republican Party precinct chair Rolando Garcia shared a screenshot of social

media interactions between himself and Miller on and alleged that the judge threatened

him with a bench warrant after a hostile exchange, which began when Miller on complained that

Harris County Republican Party officials did not attend his investiture ceremony.

Following the publication of Miller on's comments to the IT worker, criminal defense attorney

James Stafford said he emailed Miller on to encourage him to apologize, but said Miller

on responded by accusing Stafford of engaging in ex-partaic communications, a one-sided

communication with a judge about a legal case that does not include the opposing party.

Although Stafford reportedly does not have a case pending in Miller on's court, the

judge ordered him to appear before him on April 9.

Last but not least, Texas A&M University has joined a wave of public universities in Texas

decreasing costs for incoming college students by offering free tuition, as higher education

policies in the state government continue to diffuse through public institutions.

In an announcement released last month, Texas A&M stated they are taking two major steps

to keep education affordable for families and students.

The university will freeze undergraduate tuition and fees through the 2026-2027 school year

and beginning in the fall 2026 semester will expand the Aggie Assurance program on the

college station campus to include families with up to $100,000 in income and assets.

Previously, the Aggie Assurance program was offered to families with up to $60,000 in income

and assets.

The Aggie Assurance program fully covers eligible students from low to middle income Texas

families and has been in operation since 2008.

Texas must be Texas residents and pursuing their first bachelor degree in order to qualify

for assistance.

Thanks for listening.

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