State Rep. Tom Craddick, who authored a bill that would have made texting while driving a criminal offense in Texas, is pointing the finger at Senate Transportation Chairman Robert Nichols over the measure’s failure.
Politics
Stay informed with The Texas Tribune’s in-depth political coverage, including Texas elections, state government, policy debates, and the leaders shaping the future of the state.
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Energy
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.
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Politics
Which Votes Will Haunt Texas Lawmakers?
Gov. Rick Perry has until June 16 to sign or veto bills from the legislative session, but political operatives are already combing through the records of the proceedings, looking for votes that might haunt legislators in next year’s elections.
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Economy
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.
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Politics
Perry Vetoes “Dark Money” Bill
Gov. Rick Perry has vetoed a divisive measure that would have forced some tax-exempt, politically active nonprofits to disclose their donors.
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Politics
House Approves Changes to Ballot Harvesting Bill
The final version of a controversial bill filed to prevent so-called ballot harvesting was approved by the House on Friday, but not before a key provision was diluted in the Senate.
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Politics
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.
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Politics
Dewhurst’s Run to the Right Falls Short
David Dewhurst, the state’s lieutenant governor for the past decade, started this legislative session looking for some momentous conservative victories. He’s still looking.
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Politics
Liveblog: What’s Left for the 83rd Legislature
The clock is ticking for lawmakers hard at work to pass prize bills in the final days of the 83rd legislative session. Here’s a look at what’s still outstanding. Check back often: We’ll update this story as deals are brokered or broken.
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Politics
TribLive: How’d the House Do?
Full video of my 5/23 TribLive conversation debriefing the 83rd Legislature with state Reps. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, and Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio.