The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
A scathing state investigative report of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's $20 million deal for fraud tracking software has revealed "operational defects" within the agency's procurement process. Full Story
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The Texas House passed a $210 billion budget early Wednesday, 18 hours after it started debate. House Appropriations Chairman John Otto said he was very proud of what lawmakers accomplished — but knows nothing is final yet. Full Story
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Hand-scraped wood floors. Custom ceiling tile. A shower. Those items may not sound like upgrades a cash-strapped agency would need, and new Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller ultimately didn't think so, either. After initially supporting a big renovation at the agency, Miller decided to nix it, officials say. Full Story
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After an 18-hour marathon Tuesday night to sign off on a $210 billion two-year state budget, lawmakers were back in the Texas House on Wednesday afternoon for a bit of unfinished business: plugging holes in the current budget. Full Story
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State regulations are unnecessarily holding up funds for shelters and programs that help victims of family violence, state Sen. Jane Nelson says. She wants to loosen the rules, even as she leads the charge to tighten other state contracting procedures. Full Story
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After an overnight debate that veered from polite disagreements to an angry outburst, the Texas House tentatively passed a $210 billion two-year budget early Wednesday morning with a 141 to 5 vote. Full Story
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With more than 350 amendments filed for debate, House members are in the midst of a budget discussion that will stretch well into Tuesday night. State Rep. Larry Gonzales, R-Round Rock, sheds some light on the process. Full Story
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The House is working on the budget, the only bill lawmakers have to pass. And that's why there are 354 proposed amendments: If you can get your idea attached to the only bill that has to pass, your chances get much better. Full Story
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As the Texas House discusses its budget plan Tuesday, you can use our Texas Legislative Guide to catch up on the budget process so far. Read more about what legislators have discussed, and get links to our past coverage. Full Story
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With more than 350 proposed amendments before then, the Texas House is likely to go well into the evening before getting to a final vote on the $210 billion budget. Early discussions addressed school funding and incentives programs. Full Story
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The Texas Senate has already passed a bill allowing handguns on college campuses. Now the House is poised to consider its own measure. Full Story
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Planning to follow the House's budget debate today? Better clear your schedule. The chamber is set to debate 354 amendments, which are likely to stir debate on issues like abortion, border security, school vouchers and more. Full Story
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Texas has joined a growing number of states moving quickly to outlaw powdered alcohol, a new product that health officials say could make it easier for minors to conceal and consume alcohol. Full Story
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As the Texas House prepares for a floor fight Tuesday over its budget, a flurry of amendments filed by Democrats seeks to defund the state's Alternatives to Abortion program. Full Story
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With the full Texas House set to discuss its proposed budget plan on Tuesday, use our Texas Legislative Guide to catch up on our coverage of issues related to the budget and taxes. Full Story
Leadership problems at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission in the wake of a contracting scandal leave the agency too vulnerable to consolidate at this time, according to a report released Monday by Gov. Greg Abbott's "strike force" team. Full Story
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A frustrated regulator's letter suggesting the state drop enforcement of its ethics laws might spark some legislative action. That would be a gift for Gov. Greg Abbott, who wants ethics to be a signature issue this session. Full Story
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One name largely dominated the week in Texas politics – Ted Cruz. The launch of his 2016 presidential campaign filled the headlines. Meanwhile, in the Legislature, lawmakers were busy working on the budget and tax cuts. Full Story
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On this week's TribCast, Emily talks with Evan, Jay and Aman about Ted Cruz's presidential announcement, the differences between the House and Senate budgets and the Trib's major collaboration with the Houston Chronicle, "Blood Lessons." Full Story
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A Texas House committee on Thursday approved a bill from state Rep. Larry Phillips that would allow the open carry of handguns in the state. The legislation now goes to the House floor. A similar bill passed the Senate last week. Full Story
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