The Legislature has its own jargon, and it sometimes feels like members are speaking a different language. Blocker bills? WADA? Chubbing? LARS? Here’s a guide โ in the form of a multiple-choice quiz โ to what they’re saying.
Texas House of Representatives
TribLive: Howard and Davis on Fetal Pain
At this morning’s TribLive conversation, state Reps. Sarah Davis, R-West University Place, and Donna Howard, D-Austin, talked about the possibility of legislation in the 83rd session restricting access to abortions.
TribLive: Howard and Davis on the Women’s Health Program
At this morning’s TribLive conversation, state Reps. Sarah Davis, R-West University Place, and Donna Howard, D-Austin, talked about whether the new state-run Texas Women’s Health Program will have enough providers without Planned Parenthood.
TribLive: A Conversation with Allan Ritter
Full video of my January 17 TribLive conversation with state Rep. Allan Ritter, R-Nederland, the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee.
TribLive: Ritter on Water as a Local Issue
At this morning’s TribLive conversation, state Rep. Allan Ritter, R-Nederland, the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, talked about what it will take to make local communities recognize the magnitude of the state’s water crisis.
TribLive: Ritter on Funding the Water Plan
At this morning’s TribLive conversation, state Rep. Allan Ritter, R-Nederland, the chairman of the House National Resources Committee, talked about his desire to withdraw $2 billion from the Rainy Day Fund to jump-start the state water plan.
Budget Plans Target Incentives and Testing
The budget proposals released by lawmakers this week show an interest in revamping school testing and the state’s economic incentive programs.
Interactive: A Look at Growth in State Spending
The Texas Senate and House have released their first drafts of the state’s next two-year budget. Use this interactive to explore how state spending has grown since 2004.
House Rule Change Could Weaken Democratic Minority
The House’s Democratic minority was dealt a blow Monday when the chamber passed an amendment to its rules to limit legislators’ ability to derail bills based on clerical errors.
T-Squared: It’s Only Bidness
Twenty journalists have spent nine months researching the personal financial interests of members of the 83rd Legislature. Eyebrows โ and hackles โ may be raised, but this kind of transparency is good for Texas.



