Watch this tutorial to learn how to use our bill tracker app to explore legislation filed in the Texas House and Senate.
Matt Stiles
Matt Stiles covered government and politics for the Tribune, with a focus on data journalism, from 2009 to 2011. He oversaw and developed the Tribune’s library of web applications and interactive graphics. Previously, he was a government reporter at the Houston Chronicle. While there, he won the newspaper’s Jesse Award for service journalism and beat reporting and was its reporter of the year in 2007. Before joining the Chronicle, Stiles worked as a reporter for nearly four years at The Dallas Morning News.
Posted inState Government
Search: Texas Legislature Bills
With the 82nd Legislative Session in only its second week, Texas lawmakers have already filed more than 900 bills, potential laws addressing hundreds of subjects ranging from abortion and immigration to health care and wrongful imprisonment. This application aims to help Texans make sense of the legislative process, tracking proposed pieces of legislation as they move through the Texas House and Senate.
Posted in
State Government
On the Records: Visualizing Today’s Speeches
Our new transcripts of House and Senate floor proceedings, which we’re planning to continue all session, give everyone the ability to search what elected officials say — but also to visualize their words.
Posted inState Government
Data App: Capitol Maps
As the 181 members of the Texas Legislature convene in Austin for the 82nd session, use our interactive and printable guide to find their offices and navigate the maze that is the Texas Capitol. Search by member name, or browse using the floor plan by clicking the tab for each floor in the Capitol and Capitol Extension.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Pomp, Circumstance, Consequences
The 82nd Texas Legislature convenes in Austin this week, and while it’s not as much fun as the circus — usually — it’s more important and does have its share of comedy and drama.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
On the Records: The Bills So Far
A new word cloud visualizes the bills filed so far according to their Texas Legislative Council assigned categories. After education, which accounts for more than a quarter of the bills, the top categories are elections, criminal procedure, vehicles and traffic, and taxation.
Posted inState Government
Data App: Ethics Fines
The Texas Ethics Commission levied more than $140,000 in fines in 2010 following complaints that candidates, officeholders and others violated laws governing elections, lobbying or holding political office. Since 2004, $650,000 in fines have been issued. Use our database to search the records.
Posted inState Government
Interactive: Texas Lobbyist Conflicts: 2005-2010
State law requires lobbyists to disclose to the Texas Ethics Commission any conflicts of interests involving their clients. They also must notify their clients. The disclosure forms aren’t public information, but the commission released a list of lobbyists and the total number of conflicts they’ve reported since 2005. Use this table to sort that list.
Posted in
State Government
Confidential Conflicts
Lobbyists are required by law to notify their clients if they represent two or more groups with clashing agendas. They are also required to notify the Texas Ethics Commission. Scores of lobbyists have done so in recent legislative sessions. What is not required is for the public or elected representatives to be informed.
Posted in
Demographics
Congressional Clout
For the seventh consecutive decade, Texas will gain seats in the U.S. House of Representatives after the decennial apportionment process, which means extra clout after the 2012 elections. With Republicans in control of redrawing the state’s congressional districts — and adding the four new seats — they stand to benefit the most.
