A bill that would have affirmed the legality of some popular fantasy sports sites in Texas died this legislative session, continuing a murky legal landscape for players in the state.
85th Legislative Session
Posted in
State Government
Ethics reform not swept under rug, but not sweeping either
Nearly four years after Gov. Greg Abbott called on the Legislature to pass meaningful ethics reform, he’s finally got some of it on his desk. But it’s not as sweeping as the watchdogs wanted.
Posted in
Higher Education
In the Texas Capitol this year, university leaders’ worst fears never materialized
University leaders were worried about tuition freezes, funding cuts and other major changes this past legislative session. For the most part, they didn’t happen.
Posted in
State Government
State Rep. Mark Keough not running for re-election in 2018
State Rep. Mark Keough, a Republican from The Woodlands, announced Wednesday he won’t seek a third term in the Legislature.
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State Government
Dallas’ failing pension fund poised for overhaul as bill heads for Abbott’s desk
The House unanimously approved a Dallas pension bill aimed at preventing first responders’ retirement fund from becoming insolvent within a decade.
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State Government
Houston pension bill heads for governor’s desk, but firefighters are still mad
The House passed a controversial Senate version of a Houston pension bill, angering firefighters. But in Dallas, leaders appear to have coalesced around a bill that once divided the mayor and first responders in that city.
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Health care
Abbott signs bills aimed at addressing crisis in child welfare system
Two days after the end of the legislative session, Gov. Greg Abbott held a public ceremony to sign four major child welfare bills into law.
Posted in
Guides
Hey, Texplainer: How do I know if my bill died?
Have a bill you want to check up on? Here’s how to check the Texas Legislature Online website to see if a bill you were following this session survived.
Posted in
State Government
The winners and losers of the 85th session of the Texas Legislature
The highest-profile contest of the 2017 regular session of the Texas Legislature — between Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus — could be headed into overtime. But there are still plenty of winners and losers from lawmakers’ 140 days at the Capitol.
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Sold Out
Lawmakers again focus on criminals more than sex-trafficking victims
Six months ago, a Texas Tribune series exposed how the state’s decade-long crusade against sex trafficking has done little to help victims — especially children. The 2017 Legislative session, which wrapped up on Monday, continued that trend.
