The state’s top leaders have vowed to address the woeful shortcomings of the child welfare system. State lawmakers know that even in a tight budget cycle, they're going to have to spend money to address the problems. 

A new bill would mandate that people use bathrooms in public schools, government buildings and public universities based on “biological sex.” A business group and families with transgender members are working to oppose it.

A year and a half after Sandra Bland was found dead in the Waller County Jail, Texas lawmakers are expected to consider new jail reforms. But rural sheriffs worry the state’s tight budget situation could result in unfunded mandates.

In the Roundup: Lawmakers gathered in Austin this week to begin the 85^th Texas legislative session, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick fires back at criticism of the "bathroom bill."

News of a possible wind farm development near a northwest Texas Air Force base has raised concerns about protecting military properties from outside development. Related legislation is poised to be a part of this legislative session.

Texas is one of about a dozen states without uniform ride-hailing standards. That could change after the 85th Legislative Session. This is part of our "State of Mind" video series looking at community concerns coming to the Capitol.

In 2015, state lawmakers approved $800 million for border security efforts. But the election of Donald Trump as president has some Republican lawmakers thinking there will be a change in spending plans this session. 

In the Roundup: Texas sues the FDA over an execution drug, state Rep. Armando Martinez is shot by "celebratory gunfire" and the 85th Legislative Session is about to kick off.

Watch the Tribune's Ross Ramsey explain what lawmakers will focus their attention on during the state's five-month legislative session, which starts Jan. 10. 

Politically speaking, 2016 was one for the history books. Here's a look back at some of The Texas Tribune's top 2016 video stories.

In the Roundup: Texas cutting Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood, the Texas Electoral College casts most of its vote for President-elect Donald Trump and three Texans said to be on Agriculture Secretary shortlist.

In the Roundup: Donald Trump selects former Gov. Rick Perry to lead the U.S. Department of Energy, Gov. Greg Abbott takes a wait-and-see approach on anticipated bathroom legislation and Attorney General Ken Paxton takes on a new fight over Christmas.

In the Roundup: Protesters turn up for a white nationalist speaker at Texas A&M University, a business lobbying group says anti-LGBT bills will hurt the Texas economy and Gov. Greg Abbott calls for a convention of states. 

In the Roundup: New rules will require burial or cremation of all fetal remains, and Texas is enacting cuts to the Medicaid rates it pays for disabled children's therapy services.

In the Roundup: Lawmakers begin filing bills ahead of the 85th Legislature, Ted Cruz and President-elect Donald Trump reunite in New York and the State Board of Education rejects a new social studies book.