Texas Public Policy Foundation

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has directed the Texas Senate to study ways to further integrate religion into public life. He made the remarks during the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Texas Policy Summit in Austin.

Texas courts are increasing scrutiny of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) following recent rulings that challenge the agency's authority to permanently remove children from parents. A constitutional amendment protecting parental rights, voter-approved in 2023, has influenced cases where courts emphasized due process requirements for DFPS actions, including a case involving the Jackson family whose newborn was briefly taken due to a medical dispute.

Recent Texas Supreme Court rulings have increased scrutiny of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) in child removal cases, emphasizing due process for parents. A judge ruled DFPS violated constitutional rights in a case involving the Jackson family, highlighting the need for stronger evidence before permanent removals. The shift reflects long-term bipartisan reforms, court-ordered changes to foster care conditions, and post-pandemic parental resistance to government overreach.

President Donald Trump’s new Iran framework faces criticism from nuclear experts who warn the deal may not adequately address Iran’s control over its enriched uranium stockpile. The U.S.-Iran MOU proposes resolving the stockpile through a future process involving IAEA-supervised downblending, but experts emphasize the need for unfettered inspections to verify compliance. Key details remain unresolved as planned negotiations were postponed, leaving concerns about Iran’s nuclear program unchecked.

President Trump’s new Iran framework faces warnings from nuclear experts about insufficient control over Iran’s uranium stockpile. The U.S.-Iran MOU proposes downblending enriched uranium under IAEA supervision but leaves key details unresolved, with experts emphasizing the need for unfettered on-site inspections. A recent IAEA report highlights limited visibility into Iran’s nuclear program, complicating verification efforts.