The Brief: The 85th Texas legislative session ends with threats of violence
Accusations of racism, threats and violence shot through the lower chamber on a tense last day of the regular legislative session. Full Story
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![A large crowd turns out at Texas Capitol to protest Senate Bill 4, the "sanctuary cities" bill, on May 29, 2017.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera for The Texas Tribune -
The most memorable moments of the 85th Texas Legislature
Oh, you weren't watching all 140 days of the Texas legislative session? We've got you covered — with the best floor fights, the most dramatic moments, the most emotional speeches and, of course, a bill about "masturbatory emissions." Full Story
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The Texas Legislature just ended its session. Here's what to expect next.
How do special sessions work? When does the governor start vetoing bills? Is Texas headed to court? Now that Texas lawmakers have officially ended the 85th legislative session, you've got questions. We've got answers. Full Story
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![The Texas Capitol at sunset on May 23, 2017.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Jokes, tears and even fights: The highs and lows of the 85th Texas Legislature
Here’s a roundup of some of the most memorable moments from the 85th legislative session, along with details on what happened with some of the bills mentioned. Full Story
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Uncertainty, deep tension mark the end of the 85th regular session
The 85th legislative session came to a close Monday amid uncertainty over whether Gov. Greg Abbott would call lawmakers back for overtime. Tensions ran high up until the session's end. Full Story
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![Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick gaveled out the 85th legislative session for the Texas Senate on May 29, 2017. Patrick hinted at a special session later this year to take care of issues that weren't resolved during the regular session.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for the Texas Tribune -
Republican lawmaker: I called immigration authorities on Capitol protesters
On the last day of the regular session of the Texas Legislature, hundreds protested at the Capitol — and Republican state Rep. Matt Rinaldi called ICE on them. He also nearly came to blows with Democratic colleagues. Full Story
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![On the last day of the 85th legislative session, protesters opposed to Senate Bill 4 — the "sanctuary cities" law — fill up the rotunda of the state Capitol in Austin on May 29, 2017.]()
Credit: Julian Aguilar/The Texas Tribune -
Video: Lawmakers fight in the Texas House amid immigration protests
Hispanic legislators became enraged after Republican Rep. Matt Rinaldi threatened to call immigration authorities on protesters. Full Story
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Credit: Nar Dorrycott, chief of staff for Rep. Ina Minjarez -
Video: Texas Democrats respond to GOP lawmaker calling ICE on protesters
Democrats say a Republican lawmaker told them he called immigration officials on people protesting "sanctuary cities" legislation at the state Capitol on the last day of the regular legislative session. Full Story
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Analysis: The Texas Legislature blows its deadline
The state's top leaders couldn't close a session-ending deal over the final weekend, giving advocates of bathroom and property tax legislation — if the governor allows it — another chance. Full Story
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![At an outdoor bill-signing ceremony in Austin, Gov. Greg Abbott tells reporters he'll make an announcement on a special session later this week.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Uber, Lyft return to Austin as Texas Gov. Abbott signs ride-hailing measure into law
Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law a measure to regulate ride-hailing companies, establishing a statewide framework to regulate businesses such as Uber and Lyft. Full Story
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![As lawmakers and Lyft and Uber drivers look on, Gov. Abbott signs House Bill 100, which creates statewide regulations for ride-hailing companies, in Austin on May 29, 2017.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Abbott promises special session announcement "later this week"
Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday promised to make an announcement "later this week" on whether he will call a special session. Full Story
![At an outdoor bill-signing ceremony in Austin, Gov. Greg Abbott tells reporters he'll make an announcement on a special session later this week.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
The Brief: It's the last day of the 85th Texas legislative session. Ready for a special session?
The threat of legislative overtime looms over lawmakers' heads, as the two chambers struggled to reach consensus on key bills. Full Story
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![Surrounded by senators, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick talks to reporters on May 29, 2017.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Sen. Menéndez's filibuster effectively kills city annexation bill
Urban Democrats said they opposed the bill because it didn't allow planning regulations for land around military bases. They feared that could lead to development that interferes with the installations' operations. Full Story
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![State Sen. José Menéndez, D-San Antonio, begins a late Sunday night filibuster against a bill dealing with city annexations, on May 28, 2017.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
House, Senate accuse each other of inaction on critical legislation
House members accused the Senate of playing games with Texans’ health and safety by holding out on legislation that would keep state agencies, including the Texas Medical Board, in existence. Full Story
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![Flanked by fellow lawmakers from the House, State Rep. Larry Gonzales, R-Round Rock, speaks at a press conference on May 28, 2017.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Lawmakers teeter on the brink of special session
As of Sunday night, lawmakers still had little to show for two assignments Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick had given them in the home stretch: property tax reform and a "bathroom bill" that would regulate which restrooms transgender Texans can use. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott looks on as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (left) and House Speaker Joe Straus shake hands at the Capitol on May 27, 2017.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Legislature unanimously approves last-minute overhaul of school A-F ratings
The Senate and House negotiated a compromise on how to tweak a statewide plan for grading schools and districts. Educators and advocates are asking why the overhaul happened so late, without their official input. Full Story
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![State Rep. Dan Huberty (left), R-Houston, and state Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood.]()
Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune -
Legislature approves bill requiring disclosure of government contracts
Politicians who make money off government contracts will have to disclose the work under a bill that got final approval in the Legislature Sunday. Full Story
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Child welfare overhaul bills await Abbott's signature
Texas legislators cast final votes Sunday evening on a pair of bills overhauling how the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services works with and finds homes for abused and neglected children. Full Story
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Measures targeting sexual assault on college campuses get legislative approval
Both the Texas House and Senate approved two measures to combat sexual assault on college campuses. Full Story
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![State Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, answers a question during a panel discussion on Jan. 31, 2017.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Bill to end jail time for those too poor to pay fines heads to Texas governor
The bill would allow courts to ask defendants if they are too poor to pay for traffic tickets, fines for other low-level and fine-only offenses or court costs. Full Story
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![Detainees line up to leave the outdoor recreation area at the Travis County Juvenile Detention Center in Austin on June 24, 2013.]()
Credit: Jennifer Whitney for The Texas Tribune
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