Texas Legislature

Video: Health Care and the 84th Legislature

By Evan Smith June 25, 2015

Full video of my conversation about health care and the 84th Legislature with state Reps. Donna Howard, D-Austin; Susan King, R-Abilene; and J.D. Sheffield, R-Gatesville Full Story
Rep. Scott Turner Not Running for Re-election

By Patrick Svitek June 25, 2015

State Rep. Scott Turner, the Frisco Republican who unsuccessfully ran for speaker this year, has decided not to seek re-election. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune
Livestream: Houston & the Legislature: An 84th Session Recap

By Emily Ramshaw June 25, 2015

We're livestreaming a review of the just-finished legislative session — and its impact on Houston — with state Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, and state Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston. Full Story
UT/TT Poll: Voters in Sync With Lawmakers — Sometimes

By Ross Ramsey June 25, 2015

Texas voters are all for tax cuts, but not necessarily the same ones legislators prefer, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. Full Story

Credit: Graphic by Emily Albracht
Emails Provide Rare Glimpse Into Gov. Greg Abbott's World

By Jay Root June 24, 2015

Dozens of emails obtained by the Tribune provide a rare peek into the private deliberations of Gov. Greg Abbott. The emails paint a portrait of a chief executive more interested in the nitty-gritty of state policy than what’s known of his predecessor. Full Story

Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera
In First Session, Abbott Kept Drama at Bay

By Patrick Svitek June 23, 2015

Gov. Greg Abbott, who took office in January as an enigma to even Capitol veterans, has ended his first session with a reputation as a thoughtful behind-the-scenes player with a less aggressive approach than his predecessor had. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
With Education Vetoes, Abbott Nods to Tea Party

By Morgan Smith June 23, 2015

The conservative wing of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's party wasn't thrilled with his first legislative session, objecting most notably to his "godless" pre-kindergarten plan. But Abbott seems to be mending fences by vetoing two measures the Tea Party disliked. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
Texas Balking as Federal Climate Rules Loom

By Jim Malewitz June 22, 2015

Come August, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may require Texas to cut 200 billion pounds of carbon emissions over the next two decades. Top Republican officials still won’t confirm whether Texas will flout those rules — an option that some critics call risky. Full Story

Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera
The New Laws of the 84th Legislative Session

By Ryan Murphy June 22, 2015

As of Monday, any bills that passed the Texas House and Senate this year and escaped Gov. Greg Abbott's veto pen are now law. Check out our Texas Legislative Guide to see all the bills that made it through. Want to see a list of the vetoed bills? We have that, too. Full Story
Abbott OKs Ousting Planned Parenthood From Cancer Program

By Alexa Ura June 20, 2015

Gov. Greg Abbott has signed off on a budget provision that will oust Planned Parenthood from a state cancer screening program for low-income women. Full Story

Credit: Jacob Villanueva
Abbott Wields Veto Pen in Final Days of Decision Period

By Patrick Svitek June 20, 2015

Gov. Greg Abbott has issued 42 vetoes in the aftermath of the 84th legislative session. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
Law Increasing Unemployment Taxes Gets Abbott's Signature

By Jim Malewitz June 20, 2015

The new law will give tax breaks to a small group of businesses but slightly increase taxes across the rest of the state. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
5th Circuit Won't Halt New Texas Abortion Restrictions

By Alexa Ura June 19, 2015

A federal appeals court on Friday rejected a request from Texas abortion providers to temporarily put on hold a ruling that could leave Texas with nine abortion facilities. Full Story

Credit: Alexa Ura
Abbott Signs Bill Decriminalizing Truancy

By Patrick Svitek June 19, 2015

Students who skip school will no longer be sent to criminal court, facing fines and possible jail time, under legislation signed by Gov. Greg Abbott late Thursday. Truancy will be a civil offense. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by KLRU-TV
Abbott Signs Grand Jury Reform Legislation

By Patrick Svitek June 19, 2015

Gov. Greg Abbott is officially getting rid of the state's controversial "pick-a-pal" system, signing legislation reforming the selection of people who serve on grand juries in Texas. Full Story
Abbott Vetoes Four Criminal Justice, Public Safety Bills

By Patrick Svitek June 19, 2015

Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed four criminal justice and public safety bills, bringing to eight the total number of vetoes he has issued in the aftermath of the 84th legislative session. Full Story

Credit: Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson
Roundup: Tax Cuts, Denton Fracking, The Donald and Jeb!

By Alana Rocha and Justin Dehn June 19, 2015

In this week's Roundup: Billions in tax cuts are officially on the books, the city of Denton repeals its fracking ban and the field of 2016 Republican presidential hopefuls grows ever larger. Full Story
Law Allows More College Credits for High Schoolers

By Matthew Watkins June 19, 2015

High school Advanced Placement students should be able to earn more college credits under a bill signed by Gov. Greg Abbott this month, a change that will save students and universities millions of dollars. Full Story

Credit: Shannan Muskopf
Catch Up on Budget & Tax Issues From This Session

By Aman Batheja and Ross Ramsey June 19, 2015

By the end of the 84th legislative session, state lawmakers reached many compromises on the 2016-17 budget and tax cuts. See what lawmakers decided — and how they got there — with our Texas Legislative Guide. Full Story

Credit: Graphic by Emily Albracht
Video: Grieder and Ratcliffe on Social Conservatives

By Evan Smith June 18, 2015

At our 6/18 conversation, Erica Grieder and R.G. Ratcliffe of Texas Monthly rebutted the charge that the magazine's Ten Worst list targets social conservatives. Full Story