On Wednesday, Lt. Gov Dan Patrick shot back at critics of Senate Bill 6, and the House skirmished over which bathrooms Capitol visitors could use.
2017
Posted in
Public Education
With funding tight, legislators weigh options on school finance
With funding tighter than the previous legislative session, lawmakers are not expected to inject much more money into public education. For now, some are backing a plan to increase money to all school districts through the general appropriations bill.
Posted in
State Government
Texas legislators driving bid for uniform rules on ride hailing (video)
Texas is one of about a dozen states without uniform ride-hailing standards. That could change after the 85th Legislative Session. This is part of our “State of Mind” video series looking at community concerns coming to the Capitol.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas executes first person of the year
The first execution in Texas and the United States, for the killer of two men in Fort Worth after a fake drug deal, was held Wednesday evening.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Lawmakers draw battle lines on border security, sanctuary cities
On the same day that Texas House Republicans doubled down on border security efforts and announced plans to send an invoice to the federal government, Senate Democrats said they were committed to fighting bills to eliminate sanctuary cities.
Posted in
Energy
Energy secretary pick Rick Perry to divest of holdings that could present conflicts
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, now the nominee for U.S. energy secretary, is moving to disentangle himself from potential conflicts of interest.
Posted inState Government
Welcome to the 85th Legislature (podcast)
On this week’s TribCast, Emily talks to Evan, Ross and Aman about the start of the 85th Texas Legislature: the Speaker’s race, a smaller-than-usual budget and the lieutenant governor’s priorities.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
On day 2 of session, Texas House gets an early taste of “bathroom bill” fight
State Rep. Matt Schaefer, a Tyler Republican, proposed a rule Wednesday requiring people in the Capitol to use bathrooms corresponding to their biological sex during a House floor debate.
Posted inState Government
UT Regent Hall’s attorney faces tough questions in Supreme Court hearing
University of Texas System Regent Wallace Hall’s attorney argued before the Texas Supreme Court on Wednesday that he should be allowed to see confidential student admissions records that the UT System chancellor has denied him.
Posted in
Politics
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick fires back at criticism over “bathroom bill”
Patrick continued to fire back Wednesday at criticism of the so-called “bathroom bill” he has championed, saying its opponents are concentrated in the media.
