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(TX) & Paxton Sues NCAA
Austin, TX – December 31, 2024 – The weekend of December 20-22, women’s sports won big with two very important actions by the state and federal government. On December 20, the Biden administration withdrew its erroneous, proposed rule that would have allowed men to compete in women’s sports. The rule being withdrawn was proposed in April 2023 after thousands of Americans spoke out with public comments after Biden’s initial rule to rewrite Title IX to have “sex” include gender identity. The rule would have placed the burden on the female athlete to prove that a man was in her sport and prove why that was unfair. The Biden administration withdrew this rule because they continue to receive ongoing litigation regarding their treatment of female athletes.
Sunday night of December 22, Texas delivered another win for female athletes when Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for allowing men to compete in women’s sports. AG Paxton is suing the NCAA under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act for engaging in false and deceptive practices for marketing women’s sporting events that ultimately allowed men to compete in those women’s sporting events.
Director of Government Relations, Mary Elizabeth Castle for Texas Values said,
“The bad decisions of the federal government and the NCAA are coming back home to roost. It was always a bad policy to deny women and girls their rights to fair play, guaranteed by Title IX; and safety in private, vulnerable spaces. Now that the Biden administration has backed down, the NCAA should follow suit. Women deserve an opportunity to win and feel safe in their sports – it’s their civil right!”
TxDOT construction at Lamesa and Scharbauer
The City of Midland wants to help those making the commute to school and work through east Midland next week. Please pass on the following
“Starting Monday, January 6, 2025, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will begin a full closure of Lamesa Road and Scharbauer Drive for roadway improvements and intersection upgrades.
The City of Midland recommends using Fairgrounds Road, Big Spring Street, and A Street (both northbound and southbound) as alternate routes.
Vehicle Safety Inspection Program Changes Now in Effect
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds Texans that changes to the state’s Vehicle Safety Inspection Program are now in effect. These changes—which took effect on Jan. 1, 2025, and eliminate many vehicle safety inspections—are due to House Bill 3297. The bill was passed by the 88th Legislature and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in 2023, abolishing the Vehicle Safety Inspection Program for non-commercial vehicles.
As a reminder, as of Jan. 1, 2025, non-commercial vehicles no longer need a vehicle safety inspection prior to registration. All non-commercial vehicles in the state are still subject to a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee per HB 3297. The inspection program replacement fee will be paid when you register your vehicle with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
New vehicles (those of the current or preceding model year on the date of purchase) purchased in Texas that have not been previously registered in Texas or another state are required to pay an initial inspection program replacement fee of $16.75 to cover two years.
Please note the inspection program replacement fee is not an increase in the cost of your vehicle registration. As its name suggests, this fee simply replaces the revenue source for state programs and operations—like the construction and expansion of state highways—once supported by vehicle safety inspections.
Vehicles Registered in Emissions Counties
It is important to note that emissions tests are different than vehicle safety inspections. While comprehensive vehicle safety inspections are eliminated for all non-commercial vehicles, Texans whose vehicles are registered in emissions counties are still required to have emissions tests. The price of vehicle emissions tests varies by vehicle and county. Vehicles exempt from emissions inspections, including electric-only vehicles, continue to be exempt.
Emissions tests are required in major metropolitan areas, including Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris and Montgomery counties; Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall and Tarrant counties; Travis and Williamson counties; and El Paso County. Bexar County will be added to the list of counties requiring emissions tests in 2026.
Commercial Vehicles
All commercial vehicles in all counties are still required to obtain a passing vehicle safety inspection. Because they still need to pay for a safety inspection, commercial vehicles are exempt from the inspection program replacement fee.
Remember, all vehicles still need to be registered; the registration process continues to be managed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Even though vehicle safety inspections have been eliminated for most vehicles, the department reminds Texans to regularly service their vehicles to keep themselves and other motorists safe on the road. Regular maintenance ensures the proper operation of your vehicle’s headlights, taillights, horn, mirrors, windshield wipers, tires and other critical functions. Driving a vehicle without many of these properly working safety features is against the law and puts everyone at risk.
Last month, DPS launched a public safety announcement (PSA) video reviewing changes to vehicle inspections.
DPS Shares Essential Winter Weather Safety Tips
AUSTIN – As many parts of the state prepare to deal with wintry weather, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds Texans that extreme cold, freezing rain, ice and snow can pose major hazards to drivers and pedestrians and urges residents to be prepared and exercise caution in those types of conditions.
“Winter weather can be unpredictable, but by making safety a top priority you can help take control,” said Colonel Freeman Martin. “Plan ahead, check road conditions and adjust your driving for the type of roads you’re traveling on. These are all simple things that can make a big impact in making this winter season safer for everyone on the road.”
DPS encourages everyone to take the appropriate safety precautions during winter weather. This includes checking your vehicle’s battery, windshield wipers, tire pressure, tire treads and fluid levels, as well as ensuring door and trunk locks are properly lubricated to prevent them from freezing. Having a well-stocked emergency kit with warm clothes, food, water, cell phone battery/charger and first aid items is also a good idea.
Here are some other tips to help you stay ahead of winter weather:
Winter Weather Road Safety Tips:
- Monitor local weather broadcasts and check the latest weather conditions from the National Weather Service before you hit the road.
- Avoid traveling when sleet, freezing rain or snow is predicted, and monitor road conditions by visiting Drive Texas or calling (800) 452-9292.
- If you must drive in inclement weather, allow extra time to reach your destination. Share your travel plans with a friend or family member so someone knows the route you’re taking.
- On icy roads, drive slowly and increase the distance between your vehicle and others, as you may need additional room to stop.
- Do not use cruise control.
- Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas.
- Be aware that ice accumulates on bridges and overpasses before drivers may see it on roads, so approach them more slowly in winter weather.
- Watch for downed trees and power lines. If a stop light is out, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
Winter Weather Home Safety Tips:
- Use an all-hazards weather radio for up-to-date warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information.
- Sign up for calls or texts from your local emergency notification system.
- Insulate outside faucets and pipes near outer walls.
- Make sure furnaces, heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves are clean, well-ventilated and in good working condition.
- Keep space heaters at least three feet away from walls and combustible materials, including furniture and bedding. Turn them off when you’re away or sleeping. Also ensure space heaters cannot tip over and there is no damage to the cord.
- To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, never operate a generator or other fuel-powered device inside a home, garage or other enclosed space. The odorless, colorless gas is deadly and is produced any time a fossil fuel is burned. Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
- Never heat your home with a gas stove or oven.
- Check on friends and family members whose health or age may put them at greater risk.
- Stock up on firewood and supplies, including canned goods, bottled water and medication.
Texans are encouraged to stay vigilant, practice caution and remain prepared as winter weather conditions develop.
City: MLK Jr. Center among the warming stations in Midland
The coldest weather of the 2024-25 winter season has moved into the region, causing temperatures to fall well below freezing at night.
Because of the temperatures and concern for Midland residents, the City of Midland is providing information on four “cold weather warming centers,” including the MLK Jr. Center, 2300 Butternut Lane.
The other warming centers in Midland include Breaking Bread Kitchen, 410 E. Florida Ave.; Salvation Army of Midland, 600 E. Wall St.; and Midland Soup Kitchen Ministry, 1401 Orchard Lane.
The National Weather Service is calling for low temperatures in the 20s this week. High temperatures will range from the lower 40s to the lower 30s on Wednesday. The NWS also is calling for a 20% chance of snow on Wednesday and a 50% chance on Thursday.
The City of Midland will update the list as more information is provided.
Pfluger Statement on Biden’s Offshore Drilling Decision
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) released the following statement on President Biden’s decision to ban new offshore drilling projects in the United States:
“In a last-ditch effort to shut down the American energy industry, President Biden banned almost all new U.S. offshore drilling projects. This decision will eliminate good paying jobs for energy workers, move production overseas, and threatens funding of coastal revitalization projects. As the world grows hungry for more energy, we cannot produce less of it. Republicans in Congress will work with President Trump on Day 1 to unleash American energy production.”
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