The Texan Podcast - Daily Rundown - April 1, 2026

Starting point is 00:00:04 Howdy folks, today is Wednesday, April 1st, and you're listening to The Texans Daily Rundown. I'm the Texans managing editor Rob Lauchess, 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 Burroughs first announced those for the lower chamber,

Starting point is 00:00:57 with 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. Burroughs commented when sharing his charges, quote, following a legislative of session defined by historic solutions, it is critical the Texas House remains engaged in thoughtful policymaking 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 caustic comments and alleged threats,

Starting point is 00:01:46 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 Milleron 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 Milleran 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 Milleron and alleged that the judge threatened him with a bench warrant after a hostile exchange, which began when Milleron complained that Harris County Republican Party officials did not attend

Starting point is 00:02:34 his investiture ceremony. Following the publication of Milleron's comments to the IT worker, criminal defense attorney James Stafford said he emailed Milleron to encourage him to apologize, but said Milleron responded by accusing Stafford of engaging in ex parte 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 Milleron's court, the judge ordered him to appear before him on April 9th. 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

Starting point is 00:03:19 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 2026-27 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

Starting point is 00:03:52 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. students must be Texas residents and pursuing their first bachelor degree in order to qualify for assistance. Thanks for listening. To support the Texan, please be sure to visit the texan. News and subscribe to get full access to all of our articles, newsletters, and podcasts.

The Texan Podcast - Daily Rundown - April 1, 2026

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