Legislators made Texas the 21st state to prohibit the use of gas chambers to euthanize animals that have not been claimed or adopted. But switching to the only legal method, lethal injection, could be costly for some.
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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Economy
Video: Sine Die Reflections
Monday marked the end of the 83rd Legislature’s regular session, and the start of a special session on redistricting. Despite the quick turnaround, lawmakers had a chance to reflect on what they accomplished in the last 140 days.
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Criminal Justice
House Halts Attempt to Expand Lawmakers’ Gun Rights
Many self-proclaimed gun enthusiasts in the Texas House aren’t ready to expand their own gun rights if they can’t do the same for their constituents.
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State Government
State Equal Pay Act Survives the Senate
House Bill 950, by state Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, a measure designed to prevent pay discrimination against women, narrowly passed the upper chamber with a vote of 17-14 on Wednesday.
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State Government
School Marshal Bill Headed for Governor’s Desk
The Senate on Wednesday gave its approval to House Bill 1009, which would allow school districts to designate certain employees to carry concealed weapons and serve as school marshals.
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Politics
Stephanie Schriock: The TT Interview
The president of Emily’s List on the state’s changing demographics, how those changes will help put candidates like state Sen. Wendy Davis in statewide office and why women will help turn Texas blue.
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State Government
Video: The Legislature’s Express Lane
They are uncontested pieces of legislation that seemingly pass without much consideration. But the lawmakers, staff and various groups who have a hand in local and uncontested bills say the measures are “well vetted.”
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Health care
Legislators Devote New Funding to Mental Health
Legislators are preparing to dedicate hundreds of millions more dollars to mental health care for the first time in years. Haven for Hope in San Antonio serves as a model of the services and success they aim to emulate.
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Health care
Bill to Increase Pharmacy Rate Transparency Advances
Independent pharmacists struggling to keep their doors open could soon expect more transparency in negotiating rates with Medicaid managed care organizations.
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State Government
Gonzalez Says She Will Seek Re-election
State Rep. Naomi Gonzalez, D-El Paso, said on Friday she intends to seek another term in the Texas House, despite her pending drunk driving case.