Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who initially planned to stay away from endorsements in Republican primaries, said Tuesday he is backing state Rep. Bryan Hughes of Mineola in the Republican primary race to replace state Sen. Kevin Eltife of Tyler.
84th Legislative Session
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Politics
Patrick Endorses Six GOP Senators for Re-Election, Changing Course
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, abandoning a decision to stay out of legislative primaries, endorsed a half-dozen Republican senators for re-election on Friday, saying he changed his mind because he wants his incumbent senators back for another session.
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31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
Taking New Steps to Put an End to “Revenge Porn”
Texas has joined about two dozen states in passing a law taking aim at “revenge porn,” which refers to sexually explicit images of individuals posted online without their consent. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
Posted inState Government
State Disabled Worker Program Faces Overhaul
A controversial program that forces state agencies to spend millions buying goods and services from companies that hire disabled workers while sidestepping competitive bidding rules is about to undergo some big changes.
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31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
More Protection for Child Sex Trafficking Victims
Under a new state law, law enforcement officials will be able to take children suspected to be sex trafficking victims immediately into protective custody instead of waiting for a court order. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
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31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
Process of Getting Mail-In Ballots Poised to Simplify
Texas is streamlining the process by which the disabled and elderly receive annual mail-in ballots. This is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
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Politics
Crownover Will Not Seek Re-Election to House
State Rep. Myra Crownover, R-Denton, announced Monday she will not seek re-election in 2016.
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31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
Lawmakers Ditch $200 Fee for Lawyers, Doctors, Brokers
Fourteen years after lawmakers first tacked on a $200 annual licensing fee for some occupations, the so-called professionals tax will be repealed Sept. 1. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
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State Government
Abbott Aides: “Magic Words” Used to Block Budget Vetoes
In a lengthy legal memo to the state’s comptroller, aides to Gov. Greg Abbott defend his budget vetoes and decry a legislative agency’s challenge as a threat to constitutional separation of powers.
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Politics
Analysis: Deflection by Officials is Worth Noting
It’s diversion season: Top state officials, not surprisingly, would rather talk about red-meat political issues than indictments and legally contested budget vetoes.