Brown's plan also still includes new fees on surface water rights and taking a share of export fees that water districts charge. The money would be used to meet Texas' water needs over the next 50 years when the state's population is expected to double, drastically increasing water use. Senate OKs bill starting school later Schools may be starting a few weeks later under legislation approved Tuesday by the Senate. Under the bill, schools would not be allowed to start any sooner than the week of Aug. 21. The bill is designed to stop discrimination against migrant students who can't follow most school calendars because of their work schedules, says the bill's sponsor, Sen. Eddie Lucio, D-Brownsville.
Critics say the bill takes control away from local school districts.
Legislation focuses on agriculture Texas would have a statewide agricultural policy that addresses everything from water availability issues to the promotion of Texas agricultural products under a bill sent to Gov. Rick Perry for his approval. The bill has passed both the House and the Senate. The bill addresses several areas of agriculture, including farm preservation and state participation in federal programs. Compiled from reports by the Associated Press.