House members filed nearly 240 proposed tweaks to the massive spending plan and spent hours taking votes on controversial issues ranging from Medicaid expansion to school vouchers.
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.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas House approves bill that would allow people to carry a handgun without a license
House Bill 1927 would nix the requirement for Texas residents to obtain a license to carry handguns if they’re not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a gun. Texans under current state law must generally be licensed to carry handguns, either openly or concealed.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Senate approves a $250 billion state budget — but questions remain about how federal aid will be used
The budget does not factor in over $35 billion in federal aid. Senators said they don’t yet know when that money will come in and what strings could be attached.
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Texas Legislature 2021
After slow start, Texas lawmakers pick up the pace on GOP priorities as legislative session passes halfway mark
After some early tension, the Legislature’s Republican leaders say they are on the same page with the business that remains.
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Winter Storm 2021
Warren Buffett group lobbying Texas lawmakers for deal to build $8 billion worth of power plants for emergency use
In return, lawmakers would agree to create a revenue stream for Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway through an additional charge on Texans’ power bills.
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Economy
Texas’ last Public Utility Commission member resigns at Gov. Greg Abbott’s request
Arthur D’Andrea was the only remaining member of the three-seat commission that regulates the state’s electric, telecommunication, water and sewer utilities.
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Texas Legislature 2021
After House stalls on readjusting electricity prices, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick urges Gov. Greg Abbott to use emergency powers
“The governor of Texas is a very powerful person,” Patrick said at a Capitol news conference, ramping up his dayslong campaign to get Abbott to intervene. “He can do anything he wants.”
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Texas Legislature 2021
Electricity repricing bill hits wall in House, marking first major schism with Senate this session
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the House “stood for big business” after Speaker Dade Phelan signaled skepticism about reversing billions of dollars in charges for wholesale electricity during last month’s winter storm.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Masks won’t be required at state Capitol — but lawmakers face stricter rules in House, Senate chambers
The Texas Senate and House have different rules for their members. But both require members to wear masks, though there are exceptions to when their faces must be covered.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Proposal in Texas House would give special committee oversight of governor’s pandemic orders
The provision is expected to be added to a bill addressing the governor’s pandemic powers that has been denoted as a priority by House Speaker Dade Phelan, according to a draft obtained by The Texas Tribune.