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Emma Platoff covers the law and its intersections with politics for The Texas Tribune, where she started as a fellow in 2017. A graduate of Yale University, Emma is the former managing editor of the Yale Daily News.
Starting Tuesday, community colleges across the state will permit licensed gun owners to carry concealed firearms in certain campus buildings. They've had a year to learn from the example of four-year schools — but they still face challenges all their own. Full Story
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The Senate on Wednesday gave initial approval to legislation that would roll back local mobile phone ordinances that go beyond the recent statewide ban on texting while driving. Full Story
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Senate Bill 15 would pre-empt local ordinances on mobile phone usage, effectively rolling back provisions in more than 40 Texas cities that currently post hands-free ordinances stricter than the statewide texting ban. Full Story
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For the third time this year, state lawmakers on Friday held a marathon hearing on measures to restrict bathroom use for transgender Texans. Full Story
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A fast-moving Senate gave approval to critical “sunset legislation” after midnight Thursday, using two bills to extend the life of five state agencies held political hostage at the end of the regular legislative session. Full Story
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Democrats in the Texas Legislature outlined their priorities for the upcoming special legislative session on Monday, focusing on several issues that did not appear on Gov. Greg Abbott's agenda for the session. Full Story
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A 22-year-old Austin native on vacation with friends on the Greek island of Zakynthos was killed Friday in a bar fight; seven Serbians and a Greek have been arrested. Full Story
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After a disastrous November election, Denton County is planning a complete return to paper ballots. The move is in part a response to voter distrust of electronic voting machines. Full Story
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After 10 months and 81 decisions, the Texas Supreme Court wrapped up its 2017 term on Friday. Here's a look back at what the nine justices decided — and didn't. Full Story
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The Trump administration has begun to appoint U.S. attorneys and federal judges. But so far those efforts have not reached Texas. Full Story
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The Supreme Court’s decision to take up the case of whether a Colorado baker can legally refuse to make a wedding cake for a gay couple could have implications in Texas. Full Story
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The decision to ban California state employee travel could have an effect on Texas' ability to host California teams and NCAA championship events. But no one knows for sure. Full Story
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The Houston City Council voted 10–6 Wednesday morning to join a growing lawsuit against Senate Bill 4, an immigration enforcement law that allows peace officers to question the immigration status of people they legally detain. Full Story
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A bill signed into law Wednesday ensures that parents will be permitted to see their dead children before autopsies are performed. Full Story
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Texas recently became the 47th state to pass a statewide texting-while-driving ban. The governor's proposal to pre-empt local ordinances on drivers' mobile phone use could weaken stricter city ordinances that have been in place for years. Full Story
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After the EPA announced that the implementation of new, stricter standards for ozone levels in the air will be delayed a year, the city of San Antonio is forging ahead with plans to reduce emissions. Full Story
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State Rep. Victoria Neave was arrested by Dallas police for allegedly driving while intoxicated overnight. She remained in jail Wednesday morning. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday signed into law a bill that creates a statewide ban on texting while driving. Full Story
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