The latest Texas Legislature news from The Texas Tribune.
The conservative Empower Texans leader was out of favor with Republican state leaders at the end of the legislative session. Now he's on the outs with them in a whole new way. Full Story
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He is vying to replace state Sen. José Rodríguez, who announced Friday he is not seeking reelection. Full Story
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Lawmakers get jittery when it's time to redraw their political maps, and the exercise is based on a mix of power, party, clout, tenure — and trust. That last one is a fleeting quality in the Texas House right now. Full Story
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Abbott stopped short of saying the Legislature should make the background checks mandatory. Full Story
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In a state with a long history of discrimination, lawmakers on Tuesday will kick off the 2021 round of political mapmaking — the first in nearly half a century without federal oversight. Full Story
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A state senator decided to run for U.S. Senate and had to disclose information about his income and assets that isn't required of Texas officials. Just think what we might learn if Texas politicians had to meet the more stringent federal standards. Full Story
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Shootings in Odessa and El Paso added pressure on Republican state leaders to do more to protect Texans. But in a state that prides itself on lenient firearms laws, the politics are treacherous. Full Story
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Wednesday was the filing deadline for the Nov. 5 special elections in three House districts, including one that Democrats are trying to flip. Full Story
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The governor tweeted Monday night that Texas is “working on a legislative package” and that “expedited executions for mass murderers would be a nice addition.” Full Story
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“The officer will know prior to approaching the vehicle that this person might have a challenge speaking with him," says Jennifer Allen, whose son is the namesake of the Samuel Allen Law. Full Story
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The laws include new rules for smokers, telemarketers and kids selling lemonade. Full Story
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The pastor, Frank Pomeroy, said Sunday he will run as a Republican for District 21, currently held by Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo. Full Story
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Abbott's endorsement comes days after Burrows resigned as the leader of the House GOP caucus. Burrows and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen have been accused of asking a conservative activist to target GOP lawmakers in 2020. Full Story
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On this week’s TribCast, Emily talks to Ross, Alexa, Alex and Neena about the biggest new state laws taking effect Sept. 1, a crisis facing indigent defense in Texas, the new Texas secretary of state and the latest from the presidential campaign trail. Full Story
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In hopes to provide quicker service, over 90 of DPS' 229 offices — including every mega center and "severely crowded" office — will become fully staffed, while another 100 will receive smaller personnel boosts. Full Story
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Farrar, an attorney first elected to the lower chamber in 1994, represents House District 148, which covers parts of northern and western Houston. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott is a fundraising juggernaut, and Republicans still dominate campaign finance in the state. Full Story
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The council joins more than 15 Democratic state representatives who have requested a special session after the shooting in an El Paso Walmart that left 22 shoppers dead earlier this month. Full Story
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A white gunman killed 22 Hispanic shoppers at an El Paso Walmart Saturday and injured more than two dozen more. Abbott and President Donald Trump were quick to highlight mental health issues. Full Story
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In the wake of shootings in El Paso and Dayton, Ohio, the president and Congress are discussing laws blocking access to firearms for people considered an imminent threat. But here in Texas, bills that would do that have made little traction. Full Story
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