Disaster Recovery Proposal Revived in Flooding Aftermath
Surrounded by the aftermath of recent flooding, the Texas Senate has revived a measure that would make it easier for local officials to plan ahead for rebuilding after disasters. Full Story
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![A destroyed bridge over the Blanco River near Fischer Store Road near Wimberley, Texas, is shown on May 27, 2015.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Hays County Groundwater Regulation Efforts Likely Dead
After fears of a massive, unregulated groundwater pumping project sparked a passionate display of political activism by Texas Hill Country residents earlier this year, the resulting legislative efforts appear to have failed. Full Story
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![State Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, on the floor of the House on May 15, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Campus Carry Headed to Conference Committee
Significant changes limiting the reach of legislation requiring Texas universities to allow concealed handguns on campus may be in danger as House and Senate lawmakers work out their differences on the bill. Full Story
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![State Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, during a debate over his campus carry bill, SB 11, on March 18, 2015.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Ethics Reform: A Guide to What's Still Alive
Now that the massive overhaul contained in Senate Bill 19 has gone on life support, a few targeted efforts to shine the light on conflicts of interest and enhance transparency remain. Here's a guide to what's moving and what's not. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Open Carry Faces Filibuster Threat in Senate
State Sen. José Rodríguez said Thursday that if the opportunity arises, he plans to filibuster a bill allowing the open carry of handguns in Texas. Full Story
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![State Sen. José Rodríguez, D-El Paso, said he would consider a filibuster on open carry legislation during a Texas Tribune event on May 28, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
The Ticket: Carly Fiorina and Chris Cillizza
This week on The Ticket, we analyze Carly Fiorina's presidential campaign and talk with Washington Post writer and The Fix blogger Chris Cillizza about how the 2016 race is shaping up. Full Story
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Abbott Signs Early Education Bill, a Top Priority
Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday signed House Bill 4, which is aimed at improving early education in Texas. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott signs House Bill 4, which adds funding for pre-kindergarten, into law at the Anita Uphaus Early Childhood Center in Austin on May 28, 2015.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Old Convictions, New Science: Texas Tackles Debunked Forensics
A state law granting a new trial in cases where the forensic science was flawed has hit an impediment: What if a field of such science has not been discredited, but an individual scientist makes a mistake? Full Story
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![Activist Jamie Bush attends the Texas Forensic Science Commission board meeting on September 17, 2010 in Dallas, Texas.]()
Credit: Tom Pennington -
For High-Stakes Vote, Dukes Returns to House
Democratic lawmaker Dawnna Dukes of Austin has missed most of the session because of lingering injuries from a car accident. She made it back to the floor Tuesday for a crucial rules vote, helping block a Republican move to speed up several major bills. Full Story
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![State Rep. Dawnna Dukes, D-Austin.]()
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New in TribTalk: Cornyn on Criminal Justice
Congress should follow Texas' lead on criminal justice reform and pass common-sense proposals that will increase public safety and save taxpayer dollars, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn writes. Full Story
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![U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, held a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on May 12, 2015.]()
Credit: Abby Livingston -
Video: A Conversation With Hancock, Kolkhorst and Rodríguez
Full video of my 5/28 conversation with state Sens. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills; Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham; and José Rodríguez, D-El Paso. Full Story
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New in Trib+Edu: Still Working on Race Disparities
In this week's edition of the Trib+Edu newsletter: Disparities persist decades after Brown v. Board of Education, it's crunch time at the Legislature and an interview with Paul Carrola of the University of Texas at El Paso. Full Story
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Eye on the Prize, Cruz Job Attendance Slumps
It's a calculation every member of Congress who runs for president faces: Is time spent fundraising and campaigning worth the blowback for missing work in D.C.? So far, Texas' junior senator appears to be betting yes. Full Story
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Credit: Matt McClain, The Washington Post -
Budget Deal Includes $25 Million Boost for Alamo
Budget writers have added some last-minute cash for the Alamo, in large part to ensure the state holds on to a collection of Alamo artifacts from British music legend Phil Collins. Full Story
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![Phil Collins with his collection of Alamo artifacts at his home in Switzerland.]()
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The Brief: May 28, 2015
The House remains fully committed to keeping dark money disclosure language in its ethics reform legislation. However, the measure's Senate author is equally adamant that provision must come out. Full Story
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![State Rep. Byron Cook, R-Corsicana, on the House floor, May 7, 2015.]()
Credit: Todd Wiseman -
Senate Passes Anti-Gay Marriage Resolution in Lieu of Bill
Following an emotional floor debate, the Senate passed a resolution Wednesday reaffirming the state's opposition to same-sex marriage, an action taken as it became clear a bill to prevent such marriages in Texas was dead. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman -
Climate Change, a Factor in Texas Floods, Largely Ignored
Climate change is taking a toll on Texas, and the devastating floods across the state are some of the best evidence yet of that phenomenon, state climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon said. But efforts to consider climate change policy in Texas have fallen flat. Full Story
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![A flood-damaged house in Wimberley, May 25, 2015.]()
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House and Senate Will Hash Out Open Carry Differences
After outspoken opposition from the state's law enforcement officials, the Texas House on Wednesday took a step toward removing a controversial provision from legislation allowing licensed Texans to openly carry handguns. Full Story
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![House members listen to Parliamentarian Chris Griesel rule on amendments to HB910 open carry bill on May 27, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Analysis: Votes Count, but the Rules Can Count More
At the end of the legislative session, votes still count and majorities are important. But the rules come into play as well, and so do the political minorities. Full Story
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![Texas House Parliamentarian Chris Griesel and Speaker Joe Straus with several other House members on dias May 1, 2015]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
House Passes Ethics Bill; Senate Showdown Likely
The Texas House on Wednesday gave final sign-off to a far-reaching ethics reform package that would shine light on so-called “dark money” while restricting undercover recordings of people in the state Capitol. Full Story
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![State Rep. Byron Cook, R-Corsicana, registers a no vote on an amendment to his ethics bill SB19 on May 26, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich
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