“I don’t think twice about spending the money on those kids, other than it’s unfortunate that I have to do it,” one teacher said.
86th Legislative Session
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Texas Legislature 2019
Texas Senate passes bill to kill program that critics say can trap poor people in a cycle of debt
The bill to end the unpopular program, which adds annual surcharges on top of traffic fines — and prompts the suspension of millions of driver’s licenses — is headed for Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. If he signs it, pending surcharges will be dropped.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Texas farmers could begin growing hemp under legislation gaining steam in both chambers
House Bill 1325 would legalize hemp and hemp-derived extracts like CBD oil as long as they contain no more than 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive element in marijuana known as THC.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Tribcast: A snoozer Texas legislative session and blowing up the kumbaya
In this edition of the TribCast, Alexa talks to Ross, Matthew and Patrick about a legislative session that’s putting some folks to sleep, lawmakers’ report card for Gov. Greg Abbott and what could blow up the kumbaya session in its final days.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Watch Senate Bill 9 hearing on voting rights and access in Texas House committee
The House Elections Committee on Wednesday night resumed its discussions on a controversial bill pitched as an election security measure but that critics say is a pathway to state-sanctioned voter suppression.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Texas high-speed rail plans dodge bullet after lawmakers strike provision aiming to delay the project
Legal battles over whether the developer can use eminent domain still loom over the project.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: A rumor of a game of succession in the Texas Senate
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has done his best to knock down rumors he might take a job with the Trump administration. That hasn’t stopped talk about what might happen if he leaves his current job.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Texas tax collectors predict another $500 million for the state budget
The announcement Tuesday from Comptroller Glenn Hegar came amid lawmakers’ closed-door haggling over the two-year budget, which includes funds for public schools and property tax relief.
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Texas Legislature 2019
Texas House votes to raise legal smoking age to 21
The bill already passed the Senate but will require another vote in the upper chamber due to minor changes made in the House.
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Texas Legislature 2019
“I’m honestly still stunned that I work here”: Meet the staffers who keep Texas lawmakers in check under the dome
Behind the 181 members of the Texas Legislature, thousands of people work to keep the Capitol humming during legislative sessions. The work isn’t always glamorous, but many view their small roles in helping state government function as an honor.
