The contentious rule that allows a minority of senators to block legislation is again under fire, but Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said the two-thirds rule will continue in the Senate for another session.
83rd Legislative Session
Posted in
State Government
Straus Re-elected House Speaker by Acclamation
House Speaker Joe Straus won another term in that position after his challenger, Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, withdrew from the race.
Posted inState Government
Perry: Don’t Start Making Plans to Spend Surplus
Gov. Rick Perry warned Texas lawmakers not to start making grand plans for the multibillion-dollar budget surplus and the growing Rainy Day Fund.
Posted inState Government
Inside the 83rd Session: Find Your Lawmaker
As 181 members of the Texas Legislature work during the 83rd session, use this application to navigate the Capitol and locate lawmakers’ offices.
Posted inState Government
For the 83rd Session, An Updated Directory
The Legislature is back for the 83rd time, and we’ve refreshed our directory of statewide officials and legislators. Many of the old names are here, and so are the names of the numerous freshmen.
Posted inState Government
Watch the 83rd Legislative Session Live
Can’t get enough of the Texas Lege? Starting Tuesday, you’ll be able to view live video streams of the House and Senate on The Texas Tribune whenever the chambers are in session. The House and Senate convene at noon CST.
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State Government
Opening Day: Chambers to Set Rules, Pick Speaker
House Speaker Joe Straus faces a challenge on the first day of the 83rd Texas Legislature, and the Senate gets another run at a rule that empowers political minorities and sometimes frustrates majorities.
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State Government
New Legislature Faces a New Set of Priorities
With improving fiscal conditions and redistricting in the rearview, lawmakers are approaching 2013 with pressing policy questions, from whether to introduce private school vouchers to whether to implement key provisions of federal health reform.
Posted inState Government
Interactive: Fewer Bills Filed Before 83rd Session
Ahead of the 2013 legislative session, lawmakers have filed nearly 200 fewer bills than they had filed at the same point two years ago. Use our bill tracker to follow the process, learn more about the proposals or see what your representative has filed so far.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Bill Aims to Increase Child Sex Assault Convictions
State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, a former prosecutor and judge, has filed a bill that would allow prosecutors to include accusations by other victims in child sexual assault cases. Defense attorneys worry it would lead to wrongful convictions.