The latest Texas Legislature news from The Texas Tribune.
Self-appointed "conservative" special-interest groups have intervened in some House races to exert political power. It's time for those of us who believe in truly conservative solutions to push back. Full Story
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Thanks to a change in beverage taxes that the Legislature approved in 2013, customers who order mixed drinks in Texas bars and restaurants starting Wednesday may see higher bills than they're used to. Full Story
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In Texas, 2013 featured a legislative calendar that included multiple special sessions, a filibuster that drew international attention and a multitude of filings for the 2014 elections. Here's a look back at some of 2013's top stories. Full Story
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In the last month, both Gov. Rick Perry and House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, have reached out to gubernatorial appointees to share their thoughts on government oversight, which has recently become a touchy subject. Full Story
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In his latest interim charge for lawmakers, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has directed the Senate Criminal Justice Committee to study sentencing in cases of intoxication manslaughter. Full Story
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In Texas, where nearly a third of all residents speak Spanish, Spanish-speaking candidates looking to win in 2014 have a political advantage with the coveted Hispanic vote regardless of political affiliation, according to political observers. Full Story
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The conclusion of the House Select Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations' investigation of University of Texas System Regent Wallace Hall is on the horizon, if not imminent. Full Story
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Transportation officials see emerging technologies playing a role in helping address issues like traffic safety. A new report stresses the need for the state to consider partnering with the private sector on certain initiatives. Full Story
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Efforts to ban double dipping by longtime politicians went nowhere in the last legislative session. That could change now that the two leading candidates for governor have expressed support for banning the controversial practice. Full Story
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Full video of my 12/5 TribLive conversation with Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, a 2014 candidate for lieutenant governor. Full Story
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At Thursday's TribLive conversation, Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, a 2014 candidate for lieutenant governor, defended his decision not to release his tax returns and his plan to collect his pension while still a salaried state employee. Full Story
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At Thursday's TribLive conversation, Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, a 2014 candidate for lieutenant governor, accused one of his opponents, state Sen. Dan Patrick, of lying and said he'd be a "disaster" if he won the office. Full Story
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At our 12/3 Hot Seat conversation at Texas State University, state Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, and state Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, talked about water, transportation, public education and other issues in play in the 83rd session. Full Story
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UPDATED: Gov. Rick Perry, who had missed a legislative deadline for making his appointments to the Red River Boundary Commission, announced his picks for the five-person panel on Friday. Full Story
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Some Texas Republicans would like to change a rule that allows Democrats to block bills favored by the majority of the state Senate. They have a new ally, at least on the idea: Democrats in the U.S. Senate. Full Story
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In the first ad of his campaign to unseat state Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas, businessman Donald Huffines slams the 22-year incumbent for being a "career politician." Full Story
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How Texas state senators rank, from liberal to conservative, based on nearly 1,000 nonlopsided votes during the regular and special legislative sessions in 2013. Full Story
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This week in the Texas Weekly Newsreel: Gov. Rick Perry says the Mexican energy industry may solve America's immigration problems, the LCRA gets a new leader and state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte signals she's running for lieutenant governor. Full Story
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What had been a private battle over whether and when a nonprofit political group has to register as a lobbyist — or list the donors to its political purse — is slowly edging toward public hearings. Full Story
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This week in the Newsreel: The voting is over for now, the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll is out, and a statewide candidate questions the loyalty of anyone who loves Texas but hates fracking. Full Story
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