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.
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.
Posted in
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.
Posted in
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.
Posted in
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.
Posted in
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.
Posted in
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.
Posted in
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.
Posted in
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.
Posted in
Politics
Perry Condemns Decision to Admit Openly Gay Scouts
UPDATED: Gov. Rick Perry has condemned the decision by Boy Scouts of America’s national leadership on Thursday to admit openly gay scouts.
Posted in
Politics
TribLive: Branch on the 2014 AG Race
At Thursday’s TribLive conversation, state Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, addressed the rumors that he plans to run for attorney general in 2014.