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The latest Texas Legislature news from The Texas Tribune.

  • The Weekly TribCast: Episode 62

    By Elise Hu

    In our session kickoff edition of the TribCast, Ross, Elise, Ben and Reeve discuss the state's budget morass, so-called "sanctuary city" legislation and their impressions of the newly sworn-in Texas Legislature. Full Story 

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  • TribBlog: Fake Pot Ban Could Go Statewide

    By Julián Aguilar

    State Sen. Florence Shapiro, R-Plano, announced Wednesday she had filed legislation to make the sale, manufacture and possession of fake marijuana, commonly referred to as K2, illegal. The bill, SB 331, would outlaw six synthetic compounds that mimic the effects of THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in marijuana. Full Story 

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    Credit: prensa420 (Flickr)

  • Texplainer: What's an Emergency Item?

    By Ross Ramsey

    Ever hear something about Texas politics or policy and wonder what it is? Or read something that made you think, "I have no idea what that means"? We're here to help. From questions about why Rick Perry is within his legal right to shoot a coyote while jogging to what the heck "chubbing" is, Texplainer will answer your burning questions. Today: "What's a Legislative emergency item?" Full Story 

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  • TribBlog: Youth Justice Merger?

    By Aziza Musa

    The Sunset Advisory Commission today unanimously recommended consolidating the Texas Youth Commission and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission into one single youth justice division. Full Story 

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    Credit: Jacob Villanueva

  • Slideshow: The First Day

    By Reeve Hamilton

    Opening day of the 82nd Legislative Session was heavy on pomp and circumstance and light on substance. But, amid the hand shaking and picture taking and protesting Tea Partiers, there was business to be done. Full Story 

    The Capital at dawn opening day of the 82nd legislative session on January 11, 2011.
    Credit: Caleb Bryant Miller

  • HuTube: Behind the Scenes on Day One

    By Elise Hu

    In our latest HuTube video blog post, we take you to the Texas House on day one of the 82nd Legislative session. Come with us as we go through the new security system, visit with lawmakers and witness the election of the House Speaker. Full Story 

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  • TribBlog: Hispanic Democrats: Lege "Chasing Ghosts"

    By Julián Aguilar

    Hispanic members of the Texas House responded swiftly to Gov. Rick Perry designating abolishing "sanctuary" cities a legislative emergency. “Instead of leading us through a $27 billion dollar budget shortfall that is poised to cripple our schools, our communities and the public health system, we are chasing ghosts,” said Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio. Full Story 

    Perry Speaks on the First Day of Session 2011
    Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

  • Paxton Bows Out

    By Justin Dehn

    State Rep. Ken Paxton, R-McKinney, speaks on the opening day of the 82nd Legislative Session about his withdrawal from the race for Texas House Speaker. Full Story 

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  • TribBlog: Chisum Supports Straus

    By Ross Ramsey

    State Rep. Warren Chisum, R-Pampa, is dropping his challenge to House Speaker Joe Straus and will vote for the incumbent when the House convenes later today, he said in a letter released this morning. Full Story 

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    Credit: Bob Daemmrich

  • TribBlog: The Bill Mill

    By Kate Galbraith

    The Texas Legislature begins its biennial session today. If 2009 is a guide, lawmakers here are likely to introduce — and pass — more bills this year than virtually any other state. Full Story 

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    Credit: Todd Wiseman

  • Decision Time

    By Ross Ramsey

    The Texas Legislature today starts its 140-day effort to puzzle out a massive budget deficit, political redistricting, immigration and a slew of other gnarly problems. The budget issues came into focus Monday with new numbers from the comptroller, who says the state is recovering, slowly, from the recession. But first, legislators will get organized, voting on new rules, a new Speaker, and getting sworn in. Full Story 

    House Speaker Joe Straus, R-Alamo Heights, in January 2011.
    Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

  • Data App: Capitol Maps

    By Matt Stiles and Christopher Chang

    As the 181 members of the Texas Legislature convene in Austin for the 82nd session, use our interactive and printable guide to find their offices and navigate the maze that is the Texas Capitol. Search by member name, or browse using the floor plan by clicking the tab for each floor in the Capitol and Capitol Extension. Full Story 

    The first floor of the Texas Capitol.
    Credit: Texas Tribune

  • TribBlog: The Comptroller's Big Reveal

    By Ross Ramsey

    The state will have $77.3 billion in general revenue during the next two-year budget cycle, Comptroller Susan Combs said this morning. The comptroller estimated the Rainy Day Fund will have $9.4 billion in it at the end of the 2012-2013 biennium and that the size of the current deficit is $4.3 billion. Full Story 

    Comptroller Susan Combs giving a biennial revenue estimate in Austin on Jan. 10, 2011.
    Credit: Bob Daemmrich

  • A Conversation With Three Incoming House Members

    By Evan Smith

    For our first TribLive conversation of 2011, I interviewed Larry Gonzales, R-Round Rock; Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs; and Paul Workman, R-Austin, about the Speaker's race, the budget shortfall, immigration, the Tea Party and how they and other newbies will navigate the 82nd legislative session. Full Story 

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    Credit: Bob Daemmrich