For Perry, Veto is a Seasonal Power

Who's really in power in state government? According to the calendar, the clout is days away from moving firmly to the governor's office. Lawmakers leave Monday, and Rick Perry will have until Father’s Day to decide which bills become law. That means they won’t be here in Austin to try to override a veto — even if there's a special session.

 

News App: Tracking the Status of House and Senate Bills

The deadline for bills to win approval from the House and the Senate passed earlier this week, resulting in the death of a lot of legislation. Most of what remains is to reconcile differences between versions of legislation passed by both chambers. Our updated bill apps — one for House bills and one for Senate legislation — detail the results.

News App: Tracking the Status of House and Senate Bills

The deadline for bills to win approval from the House and the Senate passed earlier this week, resulting in the death of a lot of legislation. Most of what remains is to reconcile differences between versions of legislation passed by both chambers. Our updated bill apps — one for House bills and one for Senate legislation — detail the results.


 

Some Limits on UT System Regents Remain in Budget

State Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, sits at his desk in the House Chamber on April 3, 2013. Pitts' HB 1 the Appropriations Bill will be heard on the House floor Thursday, April 4th.
State Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, sits at his desk in the House Chamber on April 3, 2013. Pitts' HB 1 the Appropriations Bill will be heard on the House floor Thursday, April 4th.

Altered versions of amendments attached to the budget in the House specifically limiting the authority of the University of Texas System regents survived the conference committee process and remain in the final report on Senate Bill 1.

The Evening Brief: May 23, 2013

The crowded House floor during debate on SB 1 April 4, 2013.
The crowded House floor during debate on SB 1 April 4, 2013.

Your evening reading: fight breaks out in House over attempt to expand gun rights for lawmakers; Railroad Commission in peril; Democrat takes issue with electric-bill refunds in budget deal

Liveblog: What's Left for the 83rd Legislature

Crowds of visitors, lobbyists, and lawmakers turned out to the Texas capitol for the opening day of the 83rd legislative session, Jan. 8, 2013.
Crowds of visitors, lobbyists, and lawmakers turned out to the Texas capitol for the opening day of the 83rd legislative session, Jan. 8, 2013.

The clock is ticking for lawmakers hard at work to pass prize bills in the final days of the 83rd legislative session. Here's a look at what's still outstanding. Check back often: we'll update this story as deals are brokered or broken.