Brent Webster came to the Texas attorney general’s office in 2020. His work as Ken Paxton’s top aide was quickly mired in controversy.
State Government
Stay informed on Texas state government with The Texas Tribune’s in-depth coverage of the governor, Legislature, state agencies, and policies shaping the future of Texas.
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Texas Legislature 2023
Republican priorities on school choice, border fail, but late-night compromises resurrect others
Rushed agreements and suspended rules rescue legislation on the electric grid and economic incentives for companies, and work is still being done on a property tax proposal.
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Texas Legislature 2023
Late deal sends new economic incentives for businesses to governor
After the previous, widely criticized program expired in December, lawmakers worked hard to craft a plan that won overwhelming support in both chambers.
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Texas Legislature 2023
Lawmakers approve school safety bill that would require an armed person at every Texas campus
The bill comes in response to the Uvalde school shooting last year that left 19 children and two adults dead.
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Texas Legislature 2023
Texas Legislature passes bill reining in “rogue” prosecutors
The GOP priority legislation could remove prosecutors from office if they don’t pursue certain crimes. The bill gained traction after some Democratic district attorneys said they would not prosecute abortion-related crimes.
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Texas Legislature 2023
Final approval given to bill allocating $1.5 billion to broadband expansion in Texas
Voters will be asked to approve a state constitutional amendment to create the Broadband Infrastructure Fund.
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LGBTQ+ Texans
Bill restricting sexually explicit performances in front of children heads to the governor
Originally pitched as an effort to restrict children from seeing certain drag shows, the House and Senate agreed on a version of the bill that could still ensnare LGBTQ performers.
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Texas Legislature 2023
After historic drought, lawmakers agree on billion-dollar plan to expand water supplies, fix infrastructure
Following one of the hottest summers on record, lawmakers have set an ambitious target: By 2033, they want to bump up the state’s water supply by an amount equal to three of the largest reservoirs in the state.
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Ken Paxton Impeachment
Ken Paxton impeachment fight exposes deep fissures among Texas Republicans
As the 88th Legislative Session came to a close, longstanding divisions between traditional conservatives and party’s far right came into focus.
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Texas Legislature 2023
Texas Legislature passes bill to offer new moms a year of Medicaid coverage
The Texas House and Senate voted for the proposal, capping a yearslong effort to extend coverage for low-income moms. Medicaid covers half of all births in Texas, and coverage currently expires after two months.