Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

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

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

The chamber of the Texas House

End-of-session tension abated on Wednesday as lawmakers, after days of uncertainty, broke through a budget stalemate.

Enlarge graphic by: Todd Wiseman

Your evening reading: committee dinner, paid for by lobby, racked up $22,000 tab; budget breakthrough in sight; Perry meets with health care hecklers

Enlarge photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

More budget drama — including a delayed vote — has pushed the Legislature dangerously close to the brink of a special session.

Enlarge photo by: Caleb Bryant Miller

The Texas Capitol in the twilight of the 82nd legislative session.

Your evening reading: major deadline looms for budget deal; Dewhurst urges action on abortion legislation; Houston Tea Party group sues IRS over targeting

Enlarge photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman

Though a budget deal was struck last week, lawmakers aren't done arguing about it.

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, moves away from the podium after moving to briefly postpone discussion on SB1 the budget bill on June 9, 2011.

Your evening reading: uncertainty lingers over budget deal as votes loom; dispute over innocence commission bill threatens to derail other legislation; UT regent nominees grilled at hearing

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Gov. Rick Perry leaves the House chamber after speaking and visiting with members on May 13, 2013.

With a budget deal struck, the spotlight now shifts to Gov. Rick Perry.

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, reacts to a reporter's questions about a quote by Governor Rick Perry on budget talks on May 17, 2013.

Your evening reading: budget deal reached; Gonzalez says she'll seek re-election; debate over end-of-life bill gets personal

Enlarge photo by: Todd Wiseman

Another day of seesaw negotiations over the state budget ended without a deal, but an agreement — once again — appears within reach.

Enlarge photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

Appropriations Chairman State Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, l, listens as State Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, grills state auditors on CPRIT matters on Feb. 6, 2013

Your evening reading: budget negotiations back in limbo; Perry signs Michael Morton Act; senator says Kitzman unlikely to win confirmation

Enlarge photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman / Paul Hudson

A day after a budget breakthrough appeared imminent, negotiations were thrown back into limbo.

Enlarge photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, during a Senate Finance committee hearing on Feb. 5, 2013

Your evening reading: Abbott urges groups to contact him if they were targeted by IRS; Gohmert rips Holder at hearing; Dewhurst calls for investigation of abortion provider

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

The chamber of the Texas House

Days after a stalemate threatened to force lawmakers into legislative overtime, chances of a special session for the state budget have dwindled.

Enlarge photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

State Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury on Sept. 5, 2012.

Your evening reading: campus carry bill clears Senate committee; House budget chief says leaders close on water, education deal; Cornyn video on border deaths sparks debate