Who was the woman talking into the Senate presiding officer’s ear during the filibuster watched around the world? Parliamentarians offer nonpartisan and confidential advice about legislative rules and practice.
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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Guides
Texplainer: What Are the Rules of a Filibuster?
State Sen. Wendy Davis is trying to talk to death an abortion bill that she and other Democrats oppose. The rules for filibustering could make the hours until midnight tough ones for the Fort Worth Democrat.
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Guides
Texplainer: Is the Omnibus Abortion Bill Unconstitutional?
Hey, Texplainer: Some people are comparing an omnibus abortion bill in the Texas Legislature to an Arizona law that was ruled unconstitutional. Are the measures the same?
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Guides
Texplainer: Does Texas A&M Already Allow Campus Carry?
Hey, Texplainer: I heard that Texas A&M University currently allows campus carry. Is that true?
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Guides
Texplainer: Who Oversees Texas’ Fertilizer Plants?
Hey, Texplainer: Which state and federal agencies were responsible for overseeing and regulating the fertilizer plant in West that exploded last week?
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Guides
Texplainer: Can a University System Regent Be Recalled?
Hey, Texplainer: Can a regent of a university system be recalled or impeached? If so, how could that happen?
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Guides
Texplainer: What Would Sequestration Mean for Texas?
Hey, Texplainer: All anyone is talking about right now is sequestration and the harm it might do to our government. How would Texas fare?
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Guides
Texplainer: Has State Spending on Schools Increased?
Hey, Texplainer: I keep hearing that the money the state spends on public education has increased over the past decade. But the ruling in the school finance trial said Texas schools are underfunded. Who is right?
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Guides
Texplainer: What is the Blocker Bill?
The blocker bill, a tradition of the Texas Senate, gives the minority party power, because it requires that two-thirds of the Senate must agree before a bill is heard on the floor.
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Guides
Texplainer: Will Legislature Take On School Funding Despite Trial?
With a major school finance trial under way, lawmakers are reluctant to take up public education funding before a court ruling on the matter. What they’ll do in the meantime remains uncertain.
