The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
The 2014 election season is already in full swing. Here's a completely unofficial — and very preliminary — look at the people who have either thrown their names in the ring or been mentioned as possible contenders. Full Story
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A few minor ethics measures passed in the 83rd legislative session. But the real story is what didn’t happen. This story is part of our monthlong 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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In a video ad featuring her adoptive daughter, Konni Burton, a GOP contender for state Sen. Wendy Davis' Fort Worth seat, attacks the filibustering Democrat for her stance on abortion. Full Story
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If Attorney General Greg Abbott wins the governor's race without a battle, he could claim a bit of Texas election history. Open races for governor are almost always a lot more competitive than this one is shaping up to be. Full Story
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A few minor ethics measures passed in the 83rd legislative session. But the real story is what didn’t happen. This story is part of our monthlong 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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Because of drought-related water shortages, Texas Parks and Wildlife has cut water service to Guadalupe River State Park’s three campgrounds and restrooms on most weekdays. Full Story
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Concerns over water levels in the Brazos River have sparked debate over who gets to use the river's water, how much water should be used and how much water should be left to keep the river healthy. Full Story
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Kathy Walt is returning to the Capitol to become Gov. Rick Perry’s chief of staff, the governor’s office announced Monday. Full Story
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Motorists in Texas will soon be allowed to use their cellphones to show proof of insurance during traffic stops. Proponents of the legislation say that the law will increase at the efficiency at those stops. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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In an interview with Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune, state Sen. Wendy Davis talks about her June 25 filibuster and the factors she's taking into consideration as she weighs a run for either re-election or governor. Full Story
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Texas Democrats are hoping to fill out a statewide ballot that so far just has one candidate on it, and they're hoping a marquee candidate like Wendy Davis might prime the pump. Full Story
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One way that invasive aquatic species like the zebra mussel can spread across Texas waterways is via boats that aren't cleaned. New legislation requires boater education courses to address the importance of cleaning boats. This story is part of our monthlong 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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In this week's Newsreel: The Texas Legislature leaves Austin, we get a glimpse at Wendy Davis' future politcal plans, and we are left with this question: Will Texas ever get out of the battle over its political maps? Full Story
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Failing to stop and render aid in a fatal accident will become a second-degree felony, increasing the punishment to up to 20 years in prison. The new law will make the punishment for a fatal hit-and-run accident equivalent to that for intoxicated manslaughter. Full Story
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Jonathan Stickland and Trey Martinez Fischer don't have a lot in common ideologically, but they have at least one similarity: Their use of the House's rear podium as a platform when they're outnumbered or ignored. Full Story
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With new laws increasing the penalties for drivers involved in hit-and-run fatalities or those who fail to stop and render aid, advocates hope there is more incentive for drivers to stay at the scene of accidents. This story is part of our monthlong 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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During a visit to Austin on Thursday, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius discussed the federal government's plans for expanding Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Full Story
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Attorney General Greg Abbott said Thursday he would never give up the fight against Obamacare, but the gubernatorial candidate declined to embrace a temporary shut-down of the federal government promoted by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. Full Story
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Many statewide Republican candidates are running to the right to position themselves for the primaries, but the Speaker of the House enjoys a rarified position: An office with statewide reach that doesn't appear on the statewide ballot. Full Story
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Lawmakers have increased the Commission on State Emergency Services' budget by 33 percent. That will help update its 911 system, which serves 224 of Texas' 254 counties. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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