If Texas A&M gets sued over canceling a “White Lives Matter” rally, it might be able to defend itself in court by proving the event posed a public safety risk and would have disrupted normal campus activities.
Guides
Looking for information on how to prepare for a weather emergency? Or do you have questions about Texas politics? The Tribune offers several resources, such as explainers, guides, and articles to provide answers and equip Texans with the right context. You can browse our collection of articles to understand how Texas politics and policies affect you.
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Hey, Texplainer: Why can’t we create a statewide property tax to fund public education?
It would be unconstitutional to impose a statewide property tax. Even if one was enacted, however, that wouldn’t solve the structural issues with the state’s school finance system.
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Guides
Hey, Texplainer: Will Texans ever get a remedy for the state’s alleged illegal redistricting?
If judges ultimately agree that Texas’ current political boundaries discriminate against minority voters, we could see new maps ahead of the 2018 elections. Judges could also impose a more consequential penalty.
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Guides
Hey, Texplainer: What will the special session cost taxpayers?
The special session starting Tuesday is expected to be the costliest to date. But as government spending goes, a special session is actually pretty cheap.
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Guides
Hey, Texplainer: Does the Texas lottery fully fund public education?
Under state law, lottery revenue — including ticket sales and money from unclaimed prizes — must contribute to Texas causes and programs. However, only 27 percent of that money goes toward Texas education.
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Guides
Hey, Texplainer: Is Texas handing over my voting data to the federal government?
Texas plans to comply with the a Trump-assembled panel’s wide-ranging request for voting information, but it’s only handing over records the state considers public. So what does that entail?
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Guides
Hey, Texplainer: Why can’t all Texans vote by mail?
Allowing all mail-in votes for elections is legal in 22 states, but not in Texas, where only certain voters can mail in their ballots. The Legislature’s special session will address mail-in ballot fraud but won’t expand mail-in voting.
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Hey, Texplainer: What did the Texas Legislature do to improve Child Protective Services?
During the five-month session, lawmakers expressed determination to change how abused and neglected children are cared for.
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Guides
Hey, Texplainer: Do I still have to get my car inspected every year?
A bill to end annual vehicle inspections died during the regular legislative session — but might come back during next month’s special session.
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Hey, Texplainer: Why don’t local police departments pay for rape kit testing?
There’s no rule on who foots the bill for rape kit testing across the country — it depends on the state and city you live in.