The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
State Rep. Dade Phelan added the provision to a Senate bill that would bar cities from enacting rules on how businesses schedule their employees’ shifts. LGBTQ groups worried that without the language, businesses could pick which employees get certain benefits. Full Story
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The lawsuit has the potential to upend the structure of the entity responsible for regulating Texas' legal profession. Critics suggest that Paxton's involvement may be politically motivated. Full Story
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After months of speculation that he would run for statewide office, the fourth-term congressman has decided to run for reelection in the U.S. House. Full Story
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On this week’s TribCast, Emily talks to Ayan, Aman and Matthew about the Legislature's progress on property taxes and school finance reform, the state’s decision to end a botched voter citizenship review and the fate of marijuana decriminalization in the Texas Senate. Full Story
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One of the Legislature’s priority property tax reform bills, Senate Bill 2, was approved by the House on a 107-40 margin Tuesday. More than 20 Democratic lawmakers broke party ranks to support the measure. Full Story
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Black students, who are already overrepresented in disciplinary referrals, say their fears come as lawmakers consider a slew of bills to expand the state's school marshal program in response to a deadly shooting last year. Full Story
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The House approved the bill designed to slow local property tax revenue growth, but made the bill contingent on the passage of a school finance bill, which is still pending in the Senate. Full Story
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Is paid sick leave on life support? Did "constitutional carry" advocates shoot themselves in the foot? With just weeks to go in the session, lawmakers are handling the pressure to get their bills across the finish line in different ways. Full Story
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The House vote Monday is the first time the lower chamber approved such a measure, marking significant progress. But the opposition of the lieutenant governor remains a major hurdle. Full Story
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Senate Bill 11 is authored by state Sen. Larry Taylor, whose district includes Santa Fe High School. Full Story
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As a beat reporter, it’s my responsibility to scrutinize the state’s actions on voting rights with the context of history in mind. Full Story
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The San Antonio congressman is slated to announce next week whether he'll run against Republican U.S. Sen John Cornyn. That will follow weeks of frustration from within his party over a perceived delay in a decision. Full Story
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The state had questioned the citizenship status of almost 100,000 registered voters, but many on the list turned out to be naturalized citizens. Full Story
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A former school contractor spoke Friday about a Texas law that prohibits state government agencies from doing business with contractors who boycott Israel. A federal judge temporarily blocked the law Thursday. Full Story
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Texans need to know who’s vying to represent them and how their policies would affect people's daily lives. That's where we come in. Full Story
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A House panel lowered the Senate's cap on how much school property taxes can grow without voter approval, a move billed as symbol more than substance. Full Story
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Several bills meant to protect Texas landowners facing condemnation for oil pipeline construction and electric transmission projects generated heated debate on Thursday at a Capitol committee hearing. Full Story
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On this week’s TribCast, Emily talks to Ross, Patrick and Jolie about the Legislature’s progress — or lack thereof — as we cruise into the last month of the session, former congressional candidate MJ Hegar’s bid for John Cornyn’s U.S. Senate seat and a Texas mental health program meant to help prisoners avoid solitary confinement. Full Story
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Molina has dismissed the investigation as politically motivated. Full Story
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Both Texans running for president were joined by their fellow Democratic candidates at forums hosted by She the People and the African American Mayors Association in Houston. Topics included voting rights, health care and criminal justice. Full Story
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