Sharper Elbows in a Special Session
The comity of the regular session might disappear in a special session: The rules change to the disadvantage of the Democrats, and the agenda changes to the advantage of the governor. Full Story
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Interactive: Special Sessions, 1971 to Now
The current special session is the 10th in Gov. Rick Perry's gubernatorial tenure. Take a look at our visualization to see all the special sessions called since 1971, the subjects lawmakers tackled and how Perry compares to previous governors. Full Story
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Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman / Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
TribLive: Patrick and Watson on Public Education
At Thursday's TribLive conversation, state Sens. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, and Kirk Watson, D-Austin, talked about the 83rd Legislature's approach to public education reform. Full Story
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TribLive: Patrick and Watson on the Budget
At Thursday's TribLive conversation, state Sens. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, and Kirk Watson, D-Austin, explained their different votes on the state budget. Full Story
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To Finance State Roads, Legislature Backed More Tolls, Debt Over Cash
While lawmakers came up short on funding for road construction and maintenance this session, several other bills made it to Gov. Rick Perry's desk that are expected to help Texas communities develop road projects. Full Story
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Credit: Todd Wiseman / Lynda Giddens -
Redistricting Lawyers: Keep the Senate Maps for 2014
UPDATED: At a federal redistricting hearing in San Antonio, lawyers for the state and the various plaintiffs agreed that the state Senate maps used in 2012 should be left as is for the 2014 elections. But they still differ on the House and Congress plans. Full Story
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Senators Hope to Revive Plan to Fund Roads
A plan to fund Texas highway construction by diverting half of the money that currently feeds the state's Rainy Day Fund could find new life in a special session. Full Story
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Perry Hails Water Bill, is Evasive on His Future
Gov. Rick Perry signed a major water infrastructure bill into law on May 28. Speaking to reporters afterward, he remained coy about his political future and wouldn't say if he will add any items to the special session agenda. Full Story
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![Texas Governor Rick Perry ceremonially signed House Bill 4, which lays the foundation for Texas' future water needs. He is joined by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, Speaker Joe Straus, Rep. Allan Ritter, R-Nederland and Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay on May 28, 2013]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
After Legislative Session, What's Next for Water?
There is plenty of action still to come on water after the legislative session, starting with a shake-up of the Water Development Board. In addition, all eyes will be on a November referendum asking voters to approve new water funds. Full Story
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Redistricting Special Session: The Districts in Question
Lawmakers are deciding whether to ratify political maps drawn by federal judges for the 2012 elections and to use those maps in 2014. Based on the last two elections, we've calculated the political environment in each district. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman -
The 83rd Lege's Regular Session: What Happened and What Didn't
Lawmakers raced to get several bills passed before the 83rd Legislature's regular session ended. And with Monday's announcement of a special session, their work isn't done. Here's a look at the deals reached and the measures that fell short in the regular session. Full Story
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Video: Sine Die Reflections
Monday marked the end of the 83rd Legislature's regular session, and the start of a special session on redistricting. Despite the quick turnaround, lawmakers had a chance to reflect on what they accomplished in the last 140 days. Full Story
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Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Slideshow: Scenes from the Last Day of the 83rd Legislative Session
Here are some snapshots taken on Monday, Sine Die, as legislators awaited the gaveling out of the 83rd regular legislative session and news of an anticipated special legislative session. Full Story
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Slideshow: Scenes from the Final Day of the 83rd Legislative Session
Check out these snapshots from the 140th day of the 83rd regular legislative session. Legislators awaited the final drop of the gavel and news of an impending special legislative session. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Lawmaker Transparency Bills Got Little Traction
Lawmakers talked a big game about improving transparency this session, but when push came to shove, they did next to nothing to advance it. Full Story
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Interactive: Bills Sent to the Governor's Office
Hundreds of bills that have been signed by both the House and the Senate are arriving at Gov. Rick Perry's office. Use our interactive to see which measures he has signed, which he has vetoed and which have become law without his signature. Full Story
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Best & Worst Lawmakers: Your Turn to Choose
Texas Monthly's list of the best and worst legislators of the 83rd session doesn't come out until June 12, but why should Paul Burka and his colleagues have all the fun? Use this interactive between now and 6 p.m. Tuesday to select your own personal list. Full Story
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This Session, Lawmakers Put Down Their Swords
If Texas’ less-than-theatrical 83rd legislative session is remembered at all, it will be known for accords, not discord. Here's a look at top storylines from this session and what they could portend for the future. Full Story
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House Rejected Late Senate Proposal for Roads Money
In the final days of the session, Senate budget leaders came up with an ambitious proposal to find more money for road construction and maintenance. House leaders made it clear they weren't interested. Full Story
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Newsreel: Final Days for Legislature
This week in the Texas Weekly Newsreel: Only a few days remain in the 83rd legislative session, and everything is up in the air — including whether lawmakers will come back for more when the session ends on Monday. Full Story
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