Crownover Will Not Seek Re-Election to House
State Rep. Myra Crownover, R-Denton, announced Monday she will not seek re-election in 2016. Full Story
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Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Lawmakers Ditch $200 Fee for Lawyers, Doctors, Brokers
Fourteen years after lawmakers first tacked on a $200 annual licensing fee for some occupations, the so-called professionals tax will be repealed Sept. 1. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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Analysis: Setting up a Review That Could Be Preceding a Makeover
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants a special committee to review legislative agencies he co-chairs with House Speaker Joe Straus. It sounds a little weird at first, but could put him in position to remake some of those agencies. Full Story
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![House Speaker Joe Straus (left) and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.]()
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The Brief: Aug. 3, 2015
The felony fraud indictment against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is expected to be unveiled today. Full Story
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![TX Attorney General Ken Paxton, speaks at event hosted by the Texas Public Policy Foundation regarding impact of the EPA's Clean Power Plan on June 22, 2015]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Paxton No Stranger to Controversial Deals
Even before Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton admitted he violated civil securities laws — or faced a subsequent criminal investigation — his private business dealings had been under fire from watchdogs and political opponents. Full Story
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![Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks to media in June 2015.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Analysis: Make-or-Break Moment for AG Paxton
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, facing indictment on felony securities charges, could actually boost his career with an acquittal. But a conviction would likely end it. Full Story
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![Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton testifies on July 29, 2015, before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on an investigation into Planned Parenthood's practices.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
State College Aid Becoming Less Accessible for Middle Class
Lawmakers have pumped millions into financial aid for low-income residents and are phasing out programs with less strict income requirements. Is the middle class is being left out? This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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Utilities Hope Texas Plays Ball on Clean Air Plan
After President Obama unveils the nitty-gritty of his sweeping, state-by-state plan to fight climate change, no one doubts Texas will sue. But some who will bear the brunt of complying with the new regulations are calling that knee-jerk reaction shortsighted. Full Story
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Credit: Callie Richmond for The Texas Tribune -
Abbott Aides: "Magic Words" Used to Block Budget Vetoes
In a lengthy legal memo to the state's comptroller, aides to Gov. Greg Abbott defend his budget vetoes and decry a legislative agency's challenge as a threat to constitutional separation of powers. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott at the Texas State Prayer Breakfast in Austin on May 4, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Reports: Paxton Indicted by Collin County Grand Jury
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has been indicted by a Collin County grand jury, Dallas-area media reported Saturday, citing sources close to the case. Full Story
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![Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks to media after keynoting a June 2015 event hosted by the Texas Public Policy Foundation regarding impact of the EPA's Clean Power Plan.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
DPS Trooper Warned in 2014 of "Unprofessional Conduct"
The Texas Department of Public Safety trooper who arrested Sandra Bland, a 28-year-old black woman who was found hanged three days later in the Waller County Jail, was warned about his "unprofessional conduct" in 2014 while he was still a probationary trooper, according to his personnel file. Full Story
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![A memorial for Sandra Bland at the site of her arrest.]()
Credit: Callie Richmond for The Texas Tribune -
Law Enforcement Will Receive Training on Dog Encounters
Due to a new law mandating training on canine encounters, all law enforcement officers will spend at least four hours in a classroom and interacting with dogs. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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A Few Deep Pockets Fuel Cruz, Perry Super PACs
New filings show how just a few heavyweight financial backers are keeping former Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in the money race by contributing millions apiece to the Super PACs backing their presidential candidacies. Full Story
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![Former Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz]()
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Challenged Vetoes Leave $200 Million in Limbo
With varying degrees of concern, a smattering of government offices and institutions around the state are waiting to learn the fate of more than $200 million in funds that the governor might — or might not — have excised from the state budget. Full Story
![Gov. Greg Abbott at the Texas State Prayer Breakfast in Austin on May 4, 2015.]()
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Analysis: Perry No Longer the Bright, Shiny Object
Four years ago, Republican primary voters seemed eager to embrace Rick Perry, but his lack of preparation undermined his presidential campaign. Now he's prepared, but the voters' eyes are on other candidates. Full Story
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![Former Texas governor and presidential contender gives his stump speech in Windham, New Hampshire on July 4. 2015.]()
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Roundup: Planned Parenthood, Bland and Perry
In the Roundup: Lawmakers returned to the State Capitol this week to address the latest concerns about Planned Parenthood, and the circumstances that led to Sandra Bland’s jail death. Plus, GOP presidential candidate Rick Perry takes aim at Wall Street reform and promotes his economic record. Full Story
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New in Texas Weekly: Austin Sued on Campaign Limits
An Austin city councilman files suit against the city's campaign contribution limits, Dan Patrick will be a special guest at Senate fundraisers for Bryan Hughes and 200-plus lawyers file a grievance against Ken Paxton — all that and more in the latest issue of our subscriber-only newsletter for political insiders ($). Full Story
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Straus Settles into National Role for Campaign Group
Texas House Speaker Joe Straus is settling into a new position that promises to grow his political profile outside Texas. Full Story
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Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
The Brief: July 31, 2015
Steve McCraw, the director of Texas' Department of Public Safety, faced a grilling from lawmakers Thursday over the arrest of Sandra Bland. Full Story
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![Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw waits to testify at the House Committee on County Affairs on the Sandra Bland incident on July 30, 2015.]()
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McCraw Hammered at Hearing on Bland Case
State lawmakers grilled Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw on Thursday, voicing concerns about arrest procedures used by state police and pressing the agency head to explain the July 10 arrest of Sandra Bland, who was found hanged three days later in the Waller County Jail. Full Story
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![DPS Director Col. Steve McCraw answers questions from State Rep. Garnet Coleman during invited testimony of the House Committee on County Affairs investigating the Sandra Bland death in Waller County on July 30, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich