It is happening — a special legislative session, that is. Gov. Greg Abbott, ended the speculation Tuesday when he announced he was calling the Texas Legislature back for a special session starting July 18.
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 inState Government
The Brief: Is a special legislative session around the corner? We may find out today.
As speculation over a potential special legislative session has mounted this past week, Gov. Greg Abbott may be calling one later today. The governor is holding a press conference Tuesday afternoon at the Capitol.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: We asked for hurricane vulnerability documents. 18 months later, this is what arrived.
Nearly two years after The Texas Tribune and ProPublica first started trying to understand how a massive hurricane could affect the city of Houston, a lot of uncertainty remains.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: “Sanctuary” law fight heats up
The cities of San Antonio and Austin announced Thursday they were joining the fight to stop Senate Bill 4, the state’s new law banning “sanctuary cities,” in federal court.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: Abbott to sign emergency child welfare bills
A couple days after the Texas Legislature gaveled out of its regular session, Gov. Greg Abbott is set to sign a handful of legislation aimed at overhauling the state’s embattled child welfare system.
Posted inState Government
The Bookshelf: May 31, 2017
In this week’s Bookshelf, our content partner Kirkus Reviews highlights This Blessed Earth.
Posted inState Government
The Q&A: Kate Zerrenner
In this week’s Q&A, we interview Kate Zerrenner, climate and energy senior manager at the Environmental Defense Fund.
Posted inState Government
The Water Update
The Water Update is a collaboration between the Texas Tribune and Texas Water Journal covering key upcoming meetings and events, important personnel moves, and significant developments with regard to water at the Texas Legislature and water agencies.
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State Government
The most memorable moments of the 85th Texas Legislature
Oh, you weren’t watching all 140 days of the Texas legislative session? We’ve got you covered — with the best floor fights, the most dramatic moments, the most emotional speeches and, of course, a bill about “masturbatory emissions.”
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State Government
The Texas Legislature just ended its session. Here’s what to expect next.
How do special sessions work? When does the governor start vetoing bills? Is Texas headed to court? Now that Texas lawmakers have officially ended the 85th legislative session, you’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.