Lawmaker Trivia: How Well Do You Know the Texas House?
For five months, you've watched lawmakers spar, shout and run out the clock. But how well do you really know the members of the Texas House? Take our quiz to find out. Full Story
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Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman -
Final Bill in $3.8 Billion Tax Cut Deal Sent to Abbott's Desk
The Texas House sent the last part of a $3.8 billion tax cut deal to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk Friday. Senate Bill 1 will increase the homestead exemption from $15,000 to $25,000 if voters approve an amendment to the state Constitution. Full Story
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![Speaker Joe Straus on the floor of the Texas House on April 17, 2015.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Restrictions on Minors Seeking Abortions Head to Abbott
Far-reaching restrictions on when and how minors seeking abortions in Texas without parental consent can seek help from the courts are headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. Full Story
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![State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, and state Rep. Geanie Morrison, R-Victoria, are shepherding legislation to tighten the requirements on "judicial bypass," abortions.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera / Bob Daemmrich -
Abbott Signs Call to Lift Crude Oil Export Ban
Texas has officially asked Congress to lift its 40-year-old ban on crude oil exports. Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday signed a resolution that calls the federal ban a “relic from an era of scarcity and flawed price control policies.” Full Story
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Legislature Sends $209.4 Billion Budget to Abbott
Texas lawmakers in both chambers on Friday overwhelmingly approved a $209.4 billion two-year budget, a 3.6 percent increase over the current one. It now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. Full Story
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![Group congratulates Rep. John Otto R-Dayton after HB1 passes on May 29, 2015]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
After Error, Hays County Groundwater Legislation Gets New Life
A bill designed to protect western Hays County residents' water wells received a surprising, last-minute reprieve Thursday night — after a procedural error killed the legislation the day before. Full Story
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![State Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, on the floor of the House on May 15, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Roundup: Guns, Border Security & #ChubASong
In the Roundup: Measures related to guns and border security all got one step closer to becoming law in these final days of the 84th Legislature, and Democrats succeeded in knocking a key bill for conservatives off the calendar. Full Story
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Credit: Todd Wiseman -
Craddick: Bill Banning Texting While Driving is Dead
With the death of a bill that would have created a statewide texting-while-driving ban, the measure’s author said Thursday that legislators “have not done our job as lawmakers to protect the life and safety of all Texans.” Full Story
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Analysis: Disarming a Dangerous Coalition
An end-of-session deal on open carry of handguns and limits on police in Texas rescued Gov. Greg Abbott from political crossfire between law enforcement officials and an unusual coalition of liberal and conservative lawmakers. Full Story
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Disaster Recovery Proposal Revived in Flooding Aftermath
Surrounded by the aftermath of recent flooding, the Texas Senate has revived a measure that would make it easier for local officials to plan ahead for rebuilding after disasters. Full Story
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![A destroyed bridge over the Blanco River near Fischer Store Road near Wimberley, Texas, is shown on May 27, 2015.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Hays County Groundwater Regulation Efforts Likely Dead
After fears of a massive, unregulated groundwater pumping project sparked a passionate display of political activism by Texas Hill Country residents earlier this year, the resulting legislative efforts appear to have failed. Full Story
![State Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, on the floor of the House on May 15, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Ethics Reform: A Guide to What's Still Alive
Now that the massive overhaul contained in Senate Bill 19 has gone on life support, a few targeted efforts to shine the light on conflicts of interest and enhance transparency remain. Here's a guide to what's moving and what's not. Full Story
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Open Carry Faces Filibuster Threat in Senate
State Sen. José Rodríguez said Thursday that if the opportunity arises, he plans to filibuster a bill allowing the open carry of handguns in Texas. Full Story
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![State Sen. José Rodríguez, D-El Paso, said he would consider a filibuster on open carry legislation during a Texas Tribune event on May 28, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Video: Hancock, Kolkhorst and Rodríguez on Hazlewood
At our 5/28 conversation, state Sens. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills; Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham; and José Rodríguez, D-El Paso, were pessimistic about the possibility of a compromise on the Hazlewood Act. Full Story
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Video: Hancock, Kolkhorst and Rodríguez on Ethics Reform
At our 5/28 conversation, state Sens. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills; Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham; and José Rodríguez, D-El Paso, discussed whether meaningful ethics reform will pass this session. Full Story
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Video: Hancock, Kolkhorst and Rodríguez on Open Carry
At our 5/28 conversation, state Sens. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills; Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham; and José Rodríguez, D-El Paso, talked about the fate of the open carry bill — and the prospect of a filibuster. Full Story
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Video: A Conversation With Hancock, Kolkhorst and Rodríguez
Full video of my 5/28 conversation with state Sens. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills; Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham; and José Rodríguez, D-El Paso. Full Story
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Livestream: How'd the Texas Senate Do?
We're livestreaming our discussion on the 84th legislative session with state Sens. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills; Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham; and José Rodríguez, D-El Paso. Full Story
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Senate Passes Anti-Gay Marriage Resolution in Lieu of Bill
Following an emotional floor debate, the Senate passed a resolution Wednesday reaffirming the state's opposition to same-sex marriage, an action taken as it became clear a bill to prevent such marriages in Texas was dead. Full Story
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Analysis: Votes Count, but the Rules Can Count More
At the end of the legislative session, votes still count and majorities are important. But the rules come into play as well, and so do the political minorities. Full Story
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![Texas House Parliamentarian Chris Griesel and Speaker Joe Straus with several other House members on dias May 1, 2015]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera
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