With pomp and circumstance inside the Capitol and protests and prayer rallies outside it, the Texas Legislature kicked off its 85th session on Tuesday.
Dan Patrick
Posted in
Politics
In 150-0 vote, Texas House backs Speaker Joe Straus for record-tying fifth term
San Antonio Republican Joe Straus was re-elected unanimously by House members Tuesday for a fifth term, joining former House Speakers Pete Laney and Gib Lewis for the longest tenures presiding over the House.
Posted in
Politics
Dan Patrick announces he’s running for re-election
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick formally announced Monday he’s running for re-election, looking to finally quell speculation he’s interested in higher office.
Posted in
Politics
Dan Patrick uncertain if “votes are there” for constitutional carry gun bill
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Monday he was uncertain whether support exists in the Legislature for so-called “constitutional carry,” which would give all Texans the right to openly carry a firearm — with or without a permit.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: The will of the voters — when the Legislature agrees
The so-called “bathroom bill” unveiled by Republican leaders last week is the latest piece of legislation that would overwrite local laws with state regulations cooked up in Austin.
Posted in
Health care
Citing “bathroom bill,” Percy Jackson author declines Legislature invitation
Author Rick Riordan is declining to attend the Texas Legislature’s celebration of authors event, saying the reason is because of the proposed “bathroom bill.”
Posted in
Politics
With “bathroom bill,” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick plows into “tough fight”
While Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has called a so-called bathroom bill a legislative priority, the issue has largely cooled off on the national stage and opposition to similar legislation in Texas had begun to gain momentum.
Posted in
Health care
Texas reproductive rights groups brace for Legislature
Reproductive rights advocates have expressed concern that Texas lawmakers will take bolder steps in the upcoming session to defund abortion providers and dismantle access to abortion, birth control and other sexual health services.
Posted in
Politics
What to watch for in the 2017 Texas Legislative Session (video)
Watch the Tribune’s Ross Ramsey explain what lawmakers will focus their attention on during the state’s five-month legislative session, which starts Jan. 10.
Posted in
2016 Year in Review
Five stories that marked 2016 in Texas politics
It may have been the offseason for the Texas Legislature, but there was still ample news coming from state officials, much of which will reverberate through the legislative session starting in January.
