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.
Alana Rocha
Alana Rocha was the director of news partnerships for The Texas Tribune until June 2022. She was previously a multimedia reporter, after working in television and radio news for eight years. Alana covered politics for stations in Florida, Kansas and Texas and traveled the country reporting from the 2012 and 2016 presidential campaign trails. She was the lead reporter on several award-winning projects and launched “The Brief,” a daily audio update. A native of Tampa, Florida, Alana received bachelor’s degrees in journalism and Spanish from the University of Florida.
Posted inState Government
Special session standoff
In these final days of the Texas legislative session, talk of a special session looms as members of the House and Senate disagree on which issues must pass before Monday.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Bill to ban texting while driving clears Senate
The bill’s author, state Rep. Tom Craddick, R-Midland, said he will concur with the Senate’s changes.
Posted in
State Government
Texas lawmakers facing talk of a potential special session
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says state lawmakers might be staying in Austin past May 29 if some key measures, including the “bathroom bill,” don’t pass the House.
Posted in
Public Education
After impassioned speech, Giddings hopeful school lunch bill can still pass
State Rep. Helen Giddings, D-DeSoto, isn’t giving up hope on passing a bill that she said would help starving school kids, despite some lawmakers killing its consideration earlier in the week.
Posted in
State Government
Signing “sanctuary” jurisdiction ban tops the week in Texas politics
A spokesman for Gov. Greg Abbott said they opted to sign Senate Bill 4 into law on Facebook to maximize the audience. Abbott’s move kicked off a drama-filled week in the Texas House where lawmakers debated vaccine requirements for foster kids.
Posted in
Economy
Hot or not, bill would simplify sales tax on baked goods (video)
A measure advancing in the Texas Legislature would make baked goods, regardless of their temperature when served, exempt from sales tax.
Posted inState Government
Bill to ban “sanctuary” policies clears final legislative hurdle (video)
To Gov. Greg Abbott, a bill to crack down on “sanctuary” policies in Texas was a must-pass this session. And this week, Republican lawmakers delivered on the controversial legislation.
Posted in
Health care
What you need to know now about the one bill Texas lawmakers must pass (video)
In less than two minutes, learn the ins and outs of the only bill that Texas lawmakers have to pass — the one that will determine how the state government is funded for the next two years.
Posted in
Higher Education
Attempts to overhaul Hazlewood veterans tuition program are losing steam
A change of heart by a powerful lawmaker and vocal opposition by veterans groups have imperiled hopes for a major overhaul of Texas’ free tuition program for veterans and their kids.
