In our six-part “State of Mind” series, we looked at various issues being discussed across Texas as state lawmakers debate bills during the 85th Legislative Session. Watch all of the videos here.
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.
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Health care
As Texas debates CPS fix, caseworkers face long days, late nights (video)
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.
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Criminal Justice
How one transgender boy sees the “bathroom bill” debate (video)
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.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Planned Texas jail reforms draw fears of unfunded mandates (video)
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.
Posted in
Energy
Wind farm plans fuel military bases’ concerns over encroachment (video)
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.
Posted in
State Government
Texas legislators driving bid for uniform rules on ride hailing (video)
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.
Posted in
Politics
Texas Legislature faces a shift in border security funding debate (video)
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.
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Politics
Bill filing begins, textbook rejected, Cruz meets Trump (video)
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.
Posted inState Government
5 Texas takeaways from Trump’s triumph
President-elect Donald Trump easily won Texas’ 38 electoral votes Tuesday on his way to a stunning victory over Hillary Clinton. Here’s a look at five takeaways from his victory, from a Texas perspective.
Posted in
Politics
Commissioner deletes obscene tweet (video)
In the Roundup: A state official uses an obscene term to refer to the Democratic presidential nominee, a Texas GOP congressman says Clinton could face impeachment if elected and millions of voters in the Lone Star State cast a ballot early.
