Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law a measure to regulate ride-hailing companies, establishing a statewide framework to regulate businesses such as Uber and Lyft.
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.
The Brief: It’s the last day of the 85th Texas legislative session. Ready for a special session?
The threat of legislative overtime looms over lawmakers’ heads, as the two chambers struggled to reach consensus on key bills.
Sen. Menéndez’s filibuster effectively kills city annexation bill
Urban Democrats said they opposed the bill because it didn’t allow planning regulations for land around military bases. They feared that could lead to development that interferes with the installations’ operations.
House, Senate accuse each other of inaction on critical legislation
House members accused the Senate of playing games with Texans’ health and safety by holding out on legislation that would keep state agencies, including the Texas Medical Board, in existence.
Lawmakers teeter on the brink of special session
As of Sunday night, lawmakers still had little to show for two assignments Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick had given them in the home stretch: property tax reform and a “bathroom bill” that would regulate which restrooms transgender Texans can use.
Legislature approves bill requiring disclosure of government contracts
Politicians who make money off government contracts will have to disclose the work under a bill that got final approval in the Legislature Sunday.
Child welfare overhaul bills await Abbott’s signature
Texas legislators cast final votes Sunday evening on a pair of bills overhauling how the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services works with and finds homes for abused and neglected children.
Measures targeting sexual assault on college campuses get legislative approval
Both the Texas House and Senate approved two measures to combat sexual assault on college campuses.
Short-term rental measure likely dead after conference committee action
A conference committee Saturday voted to strip an amendment that would have blocked cities from regulating short-term rentals like Airbnb, all but killing the measure with less than two days left in the legislative session.
House, Senate OK compromise on bill to soften voter ID law
The House and Senate have approved a compromise on voter ID legislation, sending it to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk.


