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.
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: 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.
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Guides
Texplainer: What Does a Vice Chancellor for Diversity Do?
One year ago, Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp moved one of his vice chancellors, Frank Ashley, into a new position unlike any in the state’s university systems: vice chancellor for recruitment and diversity.
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Guides
Texplainer: What Happens to Gallegos’ Senate Seat?
State Sen. Mario Gallegos, D-Houston, died Tuesday, but his name will still appear on the November ballot. What happens to his seat — and how soon his district will have representation in the Senate — is in the hands of Gov. Rick Perry.
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Guides
Texplainer: What Happens if UT Loses the Fisher Case?
The University of Texas at Austin’s use of race as a factor in some admissions decisions is being challenged before the U.S. Supreme Court this week. What will happen to the admissions process if UT loses the case?
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Guides
Texplainer: Can I Register to Vote Online?
The Texas secretary of state’s office doesn’t allow online voter registration, because it requires a signature. But there are other simple ways to register to vote.
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Guides
Texplainer: What if Texas Schools Don’t Meet Federal Benchmarks?
Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, Texas public schools are supposed to have 100 percent passing rates in reading and math by 2014. The chances of meeting that benchmark are slim. So what happens next?
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Guides
Texplainer: Could Canadian-Born Ted Cruz Be U.S. President?
After Ted Cruz’s win in the Republican U.S. Senate primary, his name is being thrown around as a future presidential candidate. But is the Canadian-born Cruz eligible to run for the United States’ highest office?
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Guides
Texplainer: What Happens When a Nominee Quits Before an Election?
To remove their names from the primary ballot, candidates must file a request at least 63 days in advance of the election. But if a party’s nominee withdraws ahead of the general election, the party probably can’t replace the candidate.
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Guides
Texplainer: When Legislators Die or Resign, What Happens to Their Seats?
When legislators die or resign, their seat is filled through a special election. The new representative serves out the end of the old representative’s term.