The latest Texas Legislature news from The Texas Tribune.
House Ways and Means Chairman Dennis Bonnen said Tuesday that he’d be fine with scrapping the tax cut plans offered by the House and Senate in favor of instituting an even larger cut in the franchise tax paid by businesses. Full Story
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Your state lawmakers are keeping busy in these final weeks of the 84th Legislature — negotiating bills, debating on the floor and, in the House, probably helping the representatives seated near them cast votes. Here's a look at the rules that govern House votes. Full Story
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More than half of Texas women faced at least one barrier to accessing reproductive health care in the years after lawmakers dramatically altered the state’s family planning services, according to a new report. Full Story
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The reintroduction of deep fat fryers and soda machines into public schools may top the agenda of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. But some teachers and parents don't share his appetite for sugary drinks and french fries. Full Story
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The Texas House on Monday night rejected a bill that would have increased the level of detail in personal financial statements filed by lawmakers and other state officials. Full Story
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Texas moved a step closer to banning the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors after the state House gave tentative approval Monday to a bill that lawmakers say would prevent young Texans from purchasing nicotine products. Full Story
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The so-called Pastor Protection Act — a bill that clarifies clergy members' right to refuse to marry same-sex couples — tentatively passed the Texas Senate on Monday. Full Story
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The Texas House on Monday gave early approval to expanding DNA testing in criminal cases, an effort to prevent the incarceration of innocent Texans like Michael Morton, who spent nearly 25 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Full Story
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Without showing their hand, conservatives outside of government have captured the attention of every nervous conservative in the Legislature at exactly the right time. Full Story
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A copy of more than 800 hours of video secretly shot of Texas lawmakers by a group with conservative ties has been turned over to Breitbart Texas, the news organization’s managing director confirmed Sunday. Full Story
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On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics with host Jason Whitely and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Bud Kennedy, the focus is on North Texas, where both Dallas and neighboring Arlington had elections Saturday. Full Story
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During a quarter century in the House, Rep. Sylvester Turner gained influence as his party lost power by learning the rules and working with Republicans. As the chamber's Democratic pillar leaves to chase the Houston mayor's post one more time, many wonder who will step up in his place. Full Story
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As videos play an ever larger role in cases of alleged police brutality, "cop watching" is attracting organized activists in communities across the country. Clashes with police are inevitable, and now both sides are asking lawmakers to help clarify the ground rules. Full Story
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The Texas Ethics Commission has fined former state Sen. Wendy Davis $5,000 after finding "credible evidence" she failed to disclose her relationship with two lobbyists on financial disclosure forms filed during her 2012 re-election campaign. Full Story
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Watch members of the Texas House and Senate debate legislation using our livestream, courtesy of the Texas Legislature. And stay updated on the issues they're debating with our Texas Legislative Guide. Full Story
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The Texas House on Friday gave near-unanimous support to a trio of proposals to designate state-specific hashtags. They are #txlege, #Texas and #TexasToDo. Full Story
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A week after a dramatic committee hearing that culminated in state Rep. Joe Pickett throwing fellow Rep. Jonathan Stickland out of the committee room, video of the hearing was posted online. Full Story
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UPDATED: House Bill 1514, which would add a special label to the health insurance cards of people receiving financial assistance under the Affordable Care Act, tentatively passed the Texas House on Friday. Opinions are mixed on what the impact would be. Full Story
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This week in the Roundup: Gov. Greg Abbott calls the Garland shooting a "heinous crime," Abbott also defends his decision to order the Texas State Guard to monitor a federal military training exercise, and the Legislature advances key measures as the end of session nears. Full Story
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The Texas Rangers will investigate allegations that witnesses were improperly registered to testify on a bill banning red light cameras at a transportation committee hearing last week. Full Story
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