The decision means Texas can invest more of its massive rainy day fund — and signals lawmakers’ confidence that the current balance is healthy.
Texas Legislature 2019
The 86th Legislature runs from Jan. 8 to May 27. From the state budget to health care to education policy — and the politics behind it all — we focus on what Texans need to know about the biennial legislative session.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: All Texas politics is national
The general election two years ago set Texas Republicans on a red-meat sprint in the 2017 legislative session. This year, the tone is quieter, and the agenda is laden with bread-and-butter issues.
Watch: A symposium previewing the 86th legislative session
We livestreamed our symposium in Austin previewing the upcoming legislative session. Watch the discussions here.
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Texas Legislature 2019
State lawmaker files bill to require annual football game between UT and Texas A&M
The Longhorns and the Aggies haven’t played since 2011.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: For Texas politicians, the season of receiving has arrived
The elections are behind the state’s politicians. The 86th legislative session is ahead. In between, it’s time to raise money.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Texas lawmakers punt on setting a spending cap for 2019 session
House Speaker Joe Straus said the unusual decision was meant to ensure lawmakers didn’t rush to a decision they might “regret.”
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Texas Legislature 2019
From staying out to declaring victory, how Dennis Bonnen ended the speaker’s race in a weekend
The Republican from Angleton wasn’t even a candidate a month ago. Now he says he has north of 100 votes — more than enough to win the gavel.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Dennis Bonnen says he has the votes to become the next speaker of the Texas House
Bonnen made the announcement at a press conference at the Capitol.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: If you can’t win a race for Texas speaker, you’re not ready for the job
State Rep. Dennis Bonnen appears to have secured the votes needed to become speaker. Now, the hardest political challenges begin.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Bill filing for 2019 session begins with legislation on marijuana, taxes and daylight saving time
The Texas Legislature’s 86th session doesn’t start until Jan. 8, but lawmakers got a head start on filing legislation Monday.