Texas Pulls Funding for Child ID Kits After Investigation Finds Little Evidence of Their Effectiveness
Lawmakers were slated to spend millions of taxpayer dollars for the kits but changed course after a series of revelations in a ProPublica and Texas Tribune investigation.
About the Partnership
In this first-of-its-kind collaboration, ProPublica and the Texas Tribune work together to publish investigative reporting for and about Texas.
Texas Public Records Transparency Bill That Got Lost Amid GOP Infighting Finally Headed to Governor’s Desk
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said he always intended to sign the measure but pulled it aside in response to the House playing “games” at the end of the legislative session.
Texas Bill to Increase Transparency in Public Records Law Left in Limbo Despite Passing Legislature
The bill would close a long-standing loophole in state law that allows officials to withhold law enforcement records if no one was convicted in a case. The measure was the only bill sent to the Senate that did not get signed and sent to the governor.
Texas Legislature Closes Gun Background Check Loophole
State lawmakers passed a bill requiring courts to report involuntary mental health hospitalizations of juveniles for inclusion in the federal gun background check system. The law closes a gap revealed by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune in 2022.
Churches’ Role in Local Election Prompts Calls for Investigations
West Texas voters rejected three conservative Christian candidates who sought to infuse religious values into local politics. But the campaign support the candidates received from local churches has prompted calls for state and federal probes.
After a Soldier Died by Suicide, His Family Was Denied the Police Records. Texas Law Makes That Possible.
Texas public records law allows officials to withhold police records if no one was convicted in a case. At least one city has used this rule to deny the release of suicide records. A new bill aims to close this loophole.
Inside 30 Years of Former NFL Player Kenny Hansmire’s Troubled Businesses
Politicians across the country have allocated millions to the National Child Identification Program. The company stands out as a success amid a decadeslong string of businesses plagued by legal and financial problems.
How a Former NFL Player Persuades Politicians to Fund Ineffective Child ID Kits
At least 11 states have agreed to distribute fingerprinting kits sold by Kenny Hansmire’s National Child Identification Program. Some are spending millions even though similar kits are available for free.
Trio of Texas Churches Donated to Political Candidate Despite Clear IRS Prohibition
A candidate for the Abilene, Texas, City Council said that three churches made an honest mistake by donating to his campaign and that he is returning the money. The race has been beset by allegations of electioneering by churches.
