Minors in the state may be required to obtain parental approval before they can join a labor union under a proposal the Texas Senate tentatively approved along party lines Monday.
85th Legislative Session
Posted in
State Government
Bill penalizing celebratory gunfire up for debate in House panel
The House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee heard testimony for a bill Monday that would penalize people for discharging a firearm without an intended target.
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State Government
Texas lawmakers consider election law change for language interpreters
Texas lawmakers on Monday considered changes to the state’s election code regarding language interpreters for voters who are not proficient in English, three years after a voter’s son was blocked from helping her cast a ballot.
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Public Education
Analysis: A state school finance system that can choke a city’s growth
A state that wants to grow by freeing economic engines from regulations and taxes is throttling its cities and school districts with regulations and taxes.
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Health care
House lawmakers take a stab at funding for trafficking victims
A Texas House member’s proposal would cut $3 million from Gov. Greg Abbott’s homeland security budget and give it to victims of human trafficking.
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State Government
The House takes up the budget: a day in pictures
After more than 15 hours of debate, the Texas House passed its budget proposal early Friday morning, 131-16. Here’s the story in pictures.
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State Government
How to testify before lawmakers at the Texas Capitol
Nervous to testify before a House or Senate committee? Texas lobbyist Blake Rocap explains how to make your voice heard — even if you can’t make it to Austin.
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State Government
Analysis: Texas budget writers have the cash, but won’t let go of their tricks
The state has a Rainy Day Fund with billions of dollars in it, but Texas lawmakers would rather use accounting tricks to balance their next budget.
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Politics
House passes budget after more than 15-hour debate
After 15 and a half hours of debate on hundreds of amendments to the Texas House budget, lawmakers in the lower chamber passed the two-year, $218 billion document, with 131 votes in favor and 16 votes against.
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State Government
As lawmakers try to fix city pensions, personal and business ties emerge
Several Texas lawmakers have personal or business ties to the Houston and Dallas pension systems, as the Legislature considers bills aimed at fixing both cities’ pension problems.
