Despite a bevy of bills filed this session that would require Texas employers to use the federal electronic verification system known as E-Verify, the legislation has, so far, failed to advance out of committee โ and the clock is winding down.
82nd Legislative Session
Video: Senate Passes Budget Along Party Lines
The Texas Senate voted today along party lines to pass a substitute version of HB 1. “It didn’t come together the way I envisioned,” said Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.
House Tentatively Approves Student Concussion Bill
The House approved a measure tonight meant to prevent brain injuries that result from concussions sustained by student athletes.
Senate Approves Budget Bill on Party-Line Vote
The Texas Senate voted 19-12 along party lines Wednesday to pass its own version of HB 1, the Houseโs budget for the next biennium. Not only did the Democrats lose their power to stop the bill under the traditional two-thirds rule, but they may have lost their chance for a Democrat to join the conference committee where five senators and five representatives will develop a compromise bill.
Liveblog: Senate Passes Budget, 19-12
Over the vehement objections of Democrats, the Texas Senate today passed a state budget for the next biennium by a straight party-line vote of 19 to 12.
Lawmakers Could Settle Dispute Between Referees and UIL
State lawmakers may do what the judicial system so far hasn’t: settle a dispute between the University Interscholastic League and the Texas Association of Sport Officials over which organization controls the officiating at school sports events.
Failed Budget Vote Threatens Senate Tradition
Senate Finance Chairman Steve Ogden tried, and failed, to get 20 state senators to vote with him on a proposed state budget Tuesday. On Wednesday, he’s going to see if he can find 15.
Senators Compromise on Alamo Bill
Compromise isn’t the first word that comes to mind when you think of the Alamo. But today, state senators from San Antonio reached an agreement on a bill to improve how Texas’ most historic site is managed.
Liveblog: Senate Debates Budget Bill
The Texas Tribune is liveblogging the Senate’s debate over its substitute for House Bill 1, the proposed budget for the next biennium.
Railroad Commission Bill Passes After Amemndment Pulled
The newly named Texas Oil and Gas Commission won’t be able to meet in secret to discuss contentious issues after all.

