Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill backed by auto manufacturers that explicitly allows autonomous vehicles to operate on Texas roads without a driver inside.
Brandon Formby
Brandon Formby works with The Texas Tribune’s beat editors and reporters to bring Texans the news, analysis and explanatory journalism they need to put pressing issues into perspective. Previously, as an editor on the news desk, he helped steer coverage of legislative sessions, natural disasters, prolonged power outages, mass shootings and the coronavirus pandemic. As a reporter, he covered urban affairs. Before joining the Tribune in 2016, he reported on transportation, politics and local government for The Dallas Morning News. Brandon grew up in Plano and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Texas Tech University. He is based in Austin.
Posted in
Politics
City leaders, advocates criticize Abbott for special session agenda
Some urban officials say the governor’s list of priorities for a summer session will harm the state’s economy and undercut local Texans’ abilities to influence their communities.
Posted in
State Government
Dallas’ failing pension fund poised for overhaul as bill heads for Abbott’s desk
The House unanimously approved a Dallas pension bill aimed at preventing first responders’ retirement fund from becoming insolvent within a decade.
Posted in
State Government
Houston pension bill heads for governor’s desk, but firefighters are still mad
The House passed a controversial Senate version of a Houston pension bill, angering firefighters. But in Dallas, leaders appear to have coalesced around a bill that once divided the mayor and first responders in that city.
Posted in
State Government
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.
Posted in
State Government
Will Straus become Texas’ longest-serving House speaker? 7 things to keep in mind
The San Antonio Republican defied threats of a special session and stood his ground on the GOP’s battles over bathroom legislation and property tax elections. Now, he’s eyeing a sixth term leading the lower chamber.
Posted in
State Government
Chances of House, Senate agreement on property taxes appear slim
The House adjourned for the day Saturday without appointing conferees to work out its differences with the Senate on property tax legislation.
Posted in
State Government
House backs property tax changes, but leaves out election requirements
The lower chamber responded to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s threats of a special session by moving key legislation — but omitting provisions that he wanted included.
Posted in
State Government
House delays vote on bill Patrick calls crucial to preventing special session
A controversial property tax bill may not get a House vote for a few more days, as the legislative clock winds down and the lieutenant governor’s threats of a special session linger.
Posted in
State Government
Lawmakers resume efforts to provide Texans with toll road relief
Amid debate on a routine measure designed to keep the state’s transportation agency in business, House lawmakers on Tuesday renewed their efforts to curb the growing number of toll lanes in the state.
