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Texas Legislature 2021

Watch: Here’s what you should know heading into the 2021 Texas legislative session

We surveyed some of The Texas Tribune’s reporters and editors about what they’d be watching come Jan. 12, when state lawmakers are scheduled to gavel in the new session.

by Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn and Todd Wiseman

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The coronavirus pandemic will color all aspects of the 2021 legislative session at the Texas Capitol, including lawmakers' policy priorities.

The virus' devastating impact on the state's economy and the resulting multibillion-dollar budget shortfall will impact how lawmakers address education policy and how to help Texans facing job losses and the threat of eviction. It'll also determine members' willingness to embrace the issue of sin taxes, rethinking laws on gambling and marijuana.

Watch some of The Texas Tribune's beat reporters detail what they expect to happen starting in mid-January.

Information about the authors

Alana Rocha’s staff photo

Alana Rocha

Director of News Partnerships

Justin Dehn’s staff photo
Todd Wiseman’s staff photo

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