Finally, a Political Starting Gun
The Legislature has overstayed its time in Austin and the governor delayed his announcement. But the first is almost over and the governor has done his thing: It's time for politics. Full Story
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Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
The Policy and the Politics of the Abortion Debate
The Texas Capitol has been full of protesters and demonstrators off and on for the last month as lawmakers considered abortion legislation. And activists on both sides fight have put some R-rated signs in the hands of children. Full Story
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![Young attendees, wearing the blue of anti-abortion protesters, attend demonstrations at the Texas State Capitol on the first day of the second legislative session, July 1, 2013.]()
Credit: Todd Wiseman -
TRBs Ready to Move Forward, if Perry Allows It
Legislators appear ready and willing to approve billions in tuition revenue bonds — or “TRBs” — for campus construction projects, but only if Gov. Rick Perry will let them. Full Story
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Credit: Tamir Kalifa -
Transportation, Criminal Justice Bills Headed to Full Senate
The Senate could vote as early as next week on transportation funding and criminal justice measures that died in the first special session. Those measures were quickly approved Tuesday by two Senate committees. Full Story
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Credit: graphic by: Todd Wiseman -
How Activists Yelled an Abortion Bill to Death
When efforts by state Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, and other Senate Democrats to run out the clock on an abortion bill fell short, protesters made enough noise to grind the Senate chamber to a halt. Full Story
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![Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, cheering with activists to disrupt the last minutes of the vote on Senate Bill 5.]()
Credit: Callie Richmond -
For Dewhurst, a Critical Failure With a Large Audience
The state's lieutenant governor was hoping the special session would revive his support among conservatives. It might have done exactly the opposite. Full Story
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![Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst ends the 83rd regular session an announces a special session to begin at 6:00PM on May 27, 2013.]()
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Most Action in Senate on Session's Final Day
The last day of the special session could see a Senate filibuster of abortion legislation and the final actions on transportation funding and criminal justice measures. Full Story
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Newsreel: Polls, Schools and the End in Sight
This week in the Texas Weekly Newsreel: The end of the special session is in sight, the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune polls are out and a judge says new school finance litigation case will begin in January. Full Story
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Guest Column: The Wrong Route to Road Funding
Lawmakers are considering a creative and innovative proposal for highway funding, but it's the wrong way to go. Full Story
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Anti-Abortion Bills Back on the Table
UPDATED: The House State Affairs Committee did not vote on an omnibus abortion bill after more than nine hours of testimony. Opponents of the measure say the abrupt end to the hearing may open the door to killing it. Full Story
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![Preparations for Planned Parenthood rally at Texas Capitol on March 7th, 2013]()
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With Session Almost Over, Nothing is Complete
The proverbial fat lady hasn't sung yet, but she is backstage, warming up. And Texas lawmakers haven't completed work on any of the legislation they came to enact. Full Story
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House Legislator Plans to Bring Back "Preborn Pain" Bill
State Rep. Jodie Laubenberg, R-Parker, said she hopes to reintroduce a ban on abortions after 20 weeks of gestation if her legislation passes this weekend. Full Story
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As Special Session's End Approaches, Key Goals Remain Unfinished
With six days left, all of the goals of the special session — redistricting, transportation funding, abortion legislation and criminal justice reform — remain unfinished. Full Story
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Credit: Phil Sonpott -
Senate Panel to Consider Omnibus Abortion Bill
A panel of state senators will convene on Thursday to respond to Gov. Rick Perry’s call to add legislation related to abortion procedures, providers and facilities to the special session. Full Story
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Credit: Todd Wiseman / Jennifer Whitney -
House and Senate Hoping to Quickly Find Money for Roads
With transportation funding added to the special session call, lawmakers are already planning hearings and considering different proposals. The Senate Finance Committee has scheduled a hearing for Wednesday. Full Story
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Perry Open to Expanding Special Session Agenda
Gov. Rick Perry told reporters Friday that he is leaving open the possibility of adding more items to the agenda of the special legislative session, but he wants to first see specific proposals that have a chance of passing. 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 -
Agenda Texas: Water Funding Gets New Life
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: A plan to fund future water infrastructure projects in Texas may be back from the dead. Full Story
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Video: The Week In Texas Politics: June 27 - July 1, 2011
Want a quick recap of some of the happenings this week in the Texas Legislature? We've made it easier for you with our weekly video rundown of the action under the dome. Full Story
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Inside Intelligence: In Closing
You can let your children out of the storm cellar — the Texas Legislature has gone home. Better still, our insiders don't think lawmakers will be back in session before January 2013, when the 83rd Legislature will convene. Full Story
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Video: Rep. Dawnna Dukes on a Difficult Session for Democrats
State Rep. Dawnna Dukes, D-Austin, talked Wednesday about the tough battle Democrats waged this session, why she believes the budget outcome is not the success portrayed by the GOP and how this session may affect the next. Full Story
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