Much about the session — including how it will be conducted during a pandemic — remains uncertain.
Cassandra Pollock
Cassandra Pollock was a state politics reporter for the Tribune. She joined the Tribune full-time in June 2017 after a fellowship during the 85th Texas Legislature. Pollock spent her first two years at the Trib as an engagement reporter, which meant her name likely landed in your inbox every weekday morning with “The Brief,” a newsletter on all things Texas politics and public policy. Pollock is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin’s School of Journalism. Pollock left The Texas Tribune in 2021.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas House Democrats ask Gov. Greg Abbott to overhaul COVID-19 vaccine distribution process
“The dearth of reliable public information leads to skepticism over the government’s ability to look out for the public health,” state Rep. Vikki Goodwin wrote in the letter, which 37 other House Democrats signed.
Posted in
State Government
Texas closes its Capitol building following chaos in Washington, D.C.
“The Capitol and Capitol Complex are closed to the public effective immediately,” said Freeman Martin, the Texas Department of Public Safety’s deputy director of homeland security.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Weeks before the legislative session, state leaders’ policy priorities and COVID-19 safety plans remain works in progress
The Texas legislative session begins Jan. 12, and members are heading into the Christmas holiday faced with several unknowns.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas unemployment rate rises to 8.1% in November
The latest unemployment rate will be a crucial data point for the Texas Legislature, which will convene in January.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Masks required, COVID-19 tests encouraged for opening day in the Texas House next month
The House will limit attendance for what is typically a crowded day at the Capitol when family and friends attend the opening ceremonies.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
Three indicted in Harris County on allegations of trying to illegally influence state House races
The indictments announced Friday were tied to races in Texas House Districts 132 and 142.
Posted in
Politics
Dan Patrick says people may need to take a coronavirus test 24 hours before testifying during the legislative session
Patrick and Republican state Rep. Dade Phelan, the likely next House speaker, “hope to be able to make an announcement regarding the Session shortly,” a senior adviser to Patrick said Saturday.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Key Texas House leader says Capitol occupancy may be limited in upcoming legislative session
The Legislature is set to convene in January.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
In Dade Phelan’s bid for Texas House speaker, trust was key
Phelan was a prominent lieutenant of current House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, whose handling of the 2019 legislative session was popular before scandal brought him down.